Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 103721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
At that, we dissolve into laughter as I lean my forehead to hers. With a knowing grin, Callie says, “No, baby. She’s too messy and lacks a certain appendage between her legs for me.”
Despite that, I kiss her nose and then wrap my arms around her. She squeezes me hard, and against her ear, I say, “I love you.”
She hugs me tighter. “I love you, and no matter what, I’ll be here, Cam.”
While I know she set up this plot, and I should be truly upset with her, I can’t. Because her words are true, and I know she always has my back. I just hope she’s ready to put me back together if I allow myself to be shattered by Benson’s rejection.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Benson
Quinn offered to drive me over to Evan and Callie’s, but there was no way in hell I was riding in the car with Ava. The moment she walked into the apartment, she had this puckered look on her face that did nothing for my nerves. I had no desire to be around her and needed time to myself before I saw Cameron.
I don’t know why I am so anxious, or even why I’ve checked how I look in the mirror over nine times. I know for a fact that Cameron likes the way I look. We’ve slept together before, and the only thing that’s changed is I’m a little thicker.
Shit, what if she thinks I’m fat?
Damn it.
I bring down the car visor to look myself over once more. I haven’t shaved, so my stubble is a little out of control, and my curls are too, but I like the way I look. I’m giving off bedroom vibes, which surely will make her think of waking up next to me. Or force her to run the other way, like she already is. I shut off the car before I turn around to go back to my place to shave and fix my hair.
“Please let this go well,” I mutter to myself.
I get out of the car just as Quinn and Ava are walking up the sidewalk. Quinn is dressed down, in a pair of jeans and a hoodie, but Ava is dressed like we’re going to the opera rather than her future brother-in-law’s house. She wears a black bodysuit that has long sleeves, with a huge fuzzy brown jacket. Doesn’t seem sensible to me since I know she’s gonna have to pee, but it’s none of my business. I’m just thankful that Quinn made this happen. That he’s here for me, not that I’d ever doubt he would be.
“Ready?”
I nod to him as we fall into step together. “Yup, I’m hungry. How about you, Ava?”
The look she gives me doesn’t make me think she eats. “Isn’t… I’m sorry, which brother's house are we going to?”
I don’t know why it bothers me so much that she doesn’t know. “Evan’s. Owen lives in South Carolina.”
“That’s right. With Callie?”
Quinn looks back at her. “No, that’s Evan’s fiancée. Angie is Owen’s wife.”
“Yes. Good thing I don’t have siblings, so you don’t have to track, huh?”
I know Quinn is ignoring my displeased look as we climb the stairs. He mutters something as he throws the door open and calls out, “Lucy, I’m home.”
“Who’s Lucy?” Ava asks, and I give her a look.
“From I Love Lucy?” She just looks at me expectantly, and I sigh. “Google it.” I move past her just as Evan comes to me for our handshake. I kiss Callie’s cheek, laughing at the glare I receive from Evan. “Bro, I’ve been kissing her cheek for like four years. It hasn’t escalated, much to my dismay.” I flirt with a wink, and Callie smacks my arm, laughing.
“Listen, I saw her and Cameron about to make out. I’m on edge.”
Now Callie smacks Evan as my brows go to my hairline. Quinn stops mid-step. “Wait, what?”
“You didn’t get video evidence?” I ask incredulously, and Evan glares at us both.
“We weren’t even close enough for tongue.”
While the vison of Cameron and Callie kissing is mighty hot, nothing compares to Cameron’s whimsical voice. When her laughter meets me, I look up to see her coming from the bedroom, a grin on her face. Slowly, almost painfully slowly, her eyes move to meet mine, and my heart catches in my chest. The only time I’ve ever seen Cameron not done up is right after our abortion. She isn’t always made up like Ava is, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her outside of her dorm in sweats. She leans into the door, heat creeping up her face under my gaze. I prevent myself from moving, even though I want to grab her and smother her in a hug.
And then kiss that top lip of hers.
She moves off the door, going to Quinn. “Hey, you. Haven’t seen you in weeks!”