Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off #4)(60)

She started for the front door and opened it, the heat of the summer breeze blowing in. “He’ll love it, B. Let’s get back before the guys ask questions.”

Taking one last look around, I joined her at the door and locked it. “So you’re telling me you haven’t told Pax any of this?” I asked. From what I heard, she was terrible at keeping secrets. It wouldn’t surprise me if Camden already knew what was going on.

She snorted. “Believe it or not, I can keep secrets. This one happens to be one of them. It’s a good surprise for Cam and I know he deserves it.”

When we got to her house, Pax was sparring with Camden out in the grass and I couldn’t help but notice how much his fighting had changed. “He’s getting stronger,” I murmured.

Gabby nodded. “Yes, he is. I bet within three months he’ll be competing again.” She walked off to the garage while I stood there watching him in awe. His moves were powerful and fast, much better than when he’d fought before. I couldn’t wait to see him in the ring again.

“Heads up,” Gabby shouted. A set of gloves came barreling at my head. Luckily, I caught them instead of letting them smack me in the face.

“Please don’t tell me you want to get your ass kicked again,” I teased, slipping the gloves on and tightening them up.

She scoffed, “Oh, whatever. You were just lucky last time.”

“What about the time before that?” I asked innocently. “Have you forgotten who trained me?”

Slamming her hands together, she smirked and circled me like a hawk. “I admit, you’re pretty good. Is there some way I could talk you into fighting in the UFC?”

I loved the sport, but I had no desire to compete. Training and working out with Gabby was enough for me. She swung and I ducked, but at the same time I kicked her legs out from under her and she fell hard to the ground. I towered over her and winked. “Absolutely not. As your friend, I’d hate to see you get embarrassed on live television.”

An evil smile spread across her lips and she grabbed my legs. Twisting her body, she held on and I lost my balance, falling beside her with a hard thud. As soon as I could breathe, I burst out laughing and so did she.

She smacked me on the arm. “Smart ass. Now get up and show me that wicked move you used on me yesterday. I want to use it for my fight next week.” We both got to our feet.

“With pleasure.”





By the time Camden and Pax stopped sparring, he was high on adrenaline. I loved seeing him with so much energy. With his hands on my hips, he pushed me into the car and buried his nose in my neck, trailing his tongue across my skin.

“I think we need to go home so I can taste every inch of you,” he growled, cupping me with his palm. He bit the flesh behind my ear and gave me chills. “I watched you sparring with Gabby. You have no idea how f*cking hard it made me.”

Giggling, I pushed him off and opened the door to my Jeep. He’d had Big Red shipped to California and presented it to me with a bow on top. It was my welcome home present, and I was about to give him his.

“Then get in and let’s go,” I commanded.

As soon as he was in, I pulled out of the driveway and drove less than twenty seconds to the new house. Furrowing his brows, Camden looked around, confused. “Why’d you stop? Did you forget something?”

I shut off the Jeep and got out, racing up the pathway to our new house. He slowly got out of the car and looked around, confused. I unlocked the front door and stood just inside the doorway. My heart pounded relentlessly as I waited for him to hesitantly make his way inside. As soon as he spotted his furniture, his eyes went wide.

“What is this?”

I glanced around the house and grinned. “Our home. I bought it for us.”

“You what? How?” Mesmerized, he strolled through the living room and then to the kitchen. I had it fully stocked with meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of chocolate for me.

“My house sold for way more than I was asking. I tried to argue that it wasn’t necessary, but the buyer wanted to pay it. I felt bad taking the money, but I didn’t know what else to do. And then when this house went on the market, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. It’s perfect.”

With his back to me, he chuckled and looked out the window to the ocean in our backyard. “You’ve been busy, haven’t you? Now I know what kept taking you and Gabby so long to get back every day.”

“Do you like it?”

“Do you?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Of course. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to miss my pond and taking strolls in the woods, but I’ll be happy here with you. I love the beach.”

Smirking, he bit his lip and stalked over to me. “Well, I guess this was destined to be the night of surprises.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” he said, wrapping his arms around my waist, “I have a surprise for you too. Are you ready?” Excitedly, I nodded and bounced on my feet. He placed his hands on my face and kissed me gently. “I’m the one who bought your land, buttercup. It’s still yours.”

I quickly pulled away and searched his face. “Fuck me in the ass. Are you serious right now?”

“Yes,” he laughed. “It’s yours . . . well, mine actually since it’s in my name now, but I was planning on changing the names once you found out. We can go there anytime you want.”