Justice Falling (Falling #3)(43)

“I wouldn’t be able to concentrate with you there.” That wasn’t exactly a lie. If Nate was there, all thoughts of dancing in front of other men for money would float away and disappear like a wish said into a breeze.

His laughter ringing through the receiver was glorious. The best sound I’d heard all week. “Alright, love, you win. For now. I want to take you out. You and Tanner.”

You and Tanner. Could any words ever sound sweeter? Nate Walker wanted to take me and my son out.

“I’d like nothing more,” I said honestly.

“Alright then. Saturday?”

I shook my head then realized he couldn’t see. “I watch Zach on Saturday. How about Sunday?”

“You’re going to make me wait three more days to see you? That’s downright brutal.”

I laughed, stood and started to fiddle with my makeup, clearing away the remnants of smudged mascara.

“Lunch tomorrow?” he said with longing. If he were here, I’d wrap my arms around him and never let him go.

Unfortunately, he was going to hate my answer. “I have lunch plans with Aspen and Oliver.”

“Not for long…” he deadpanned.

“How about you come with us? I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.” Actually I was downright certain they’d be delighted. The entire reason for the lunch was so that Aspen and Oliver could grill me about Nate. With Nate there, they’d be on their best behaviors but could still enjoy watching me squirm.

“Smashing! I’ll see you tomorrow, Precious. Until then, I’ll be thinking of your soft lips, and how I want to kiss them. About your sexy body lying under mine.” He took a deep breath and I could feel him exhale as if he was laying over me, my body naked, his breath skating over my feverish skin.

“Nate…not fair,” I warned.

“It’s not fair that I have to wait to touch you, wrap my arms around you, and show you exactly what I’m feeling.”

“And what are you feeling?” I asked wracked with fear of his answer.

“Love, Precious.” Hearing those words shook me to my core. No man had ever insinuated that he loved me. In the month I was with Tyler, he’d never once told me he loved me, though I’d believed I loved him. I was wrong. So, so wrong. Nothing compared to hearing the words from the man I was falling for.

Still it was too much, too soon. “Nate you don’t know that.”

“Has to be. I’ve never felt anything like this for a woman. Ever. Only you.”

“It’s too soon. You barely know me.”

He wasn’t having it. “I know enough. I know that after three days without you, I don’t want to be without you anymore. Not knowing if you were okay. What you were doing. How you were. Kiss your lips. Stare into those emerald eyes that make my heart pound.” His voice calmed, slowed, “It hurt, Camille. No more. You’re mine. We’re seeing this thing through.”

“Through what?” I asked though uncertain I wanted to know the answer.

“Through forever. I’ll accept nothing less.”



***



Lunch turned into an event. When I texted Oliver that I was coming to lunch with them, he informed me Hank was coming along. Hank called me and gave me the weirdest third degree about not playing with Camille’s heart. I assured him that my intentions were honorable even though my track record had not been.

He was shocked to hear that Camille had a child. I tried to downplay it even though I wasn’t sure how I felt about it myself. I liked kids, but had no idea what it was going to be like to have one around all the time. It definitely added limitations on the times I could take Camille out, spend time alone with her, and get her back in my bed, for the love of God.

Once I arrived at “The Place,” the staple restaurant for our group, I was delighted to see Collier and his girlfriend, London, sitting at a table with Hank, Aspen, Oliver, Dean, Tripp, and my sister Emma. It looked like the whole gang was there. I made my way through the wrought iron patio gate and walked up behind Camille. She hadn’t seen me yet. I knelt behind her, placed my hands on her shoulders and nuzzled her neck. Her shoulders tightened for a second before I swept her hair away, and kissed the side of her neck where shoulder and head met. That spot on her body smelled wonderful and was incredibly addicting.

“Hello love,” I whispered against her ear. She turned toward me. Her eyes sparkled green with the bits of gold standing out against her yellow blouse. Her smile was a bright true ray of sunshine. I couldn’t bear not kissing it. I leaned in and took her lips in a slow, lazy kiss. She hummed along my lips and placed a cool hand against my cheek. The gesture was so simple yet meant so much. It touched me, deep down where the hope that I’d ever find the woman for me was buried and forced it to the surface.

“Bugger all, you two! Get a room,” Collier joked then tossed a napkin, knocking me in the head. I pulled away, smiling. I petted my girl’s perfect bottom lip now reddened from my kiss.

“I missed you,” I said, cupping her jaw.

“I missed you more.” She smiled shyly. It was beautiful, lovely and all for me. I was on top of the world. I took the seat next to her and clasped her hand, twining our fingers firmly together, then set them on my thigh. She grinned and swept a lock of unruly hair behind her ear. Christ, she was a vision.