Justice Falling (Falling #3)(56)

“I believe we met at lunch the other day but with all the ruckus--” He tipped his head to London and Collier. “--I didn’t get to really make your acquaintance. I’m Tripp Devereaux, London and Collier’s friend.”

“It’s good to meet you, Tripp. Camille Johnston. Everyone calls me Cami.”

“Everyone except me.” Nate grabbed my hips from behind, bringing me flush against his form while he nuzzled my neck. He laid a hot kiss on the spot he’s claimed as his and stuck his hand out to Tripp. “How goes it mate? I see you’ve met my girlfriend, Camille. You going stag this evening?”

Tripp glanced at where Emma was chatting with Tanner. “I figured I’d keep Em company.”

Nate’s eyebrows rose and I smiled. Tripp’s intent was clear, even if his words were clouded.

Nate set Tanner up with the new video game in the media room just off the kitchen. I could see him sitting quietly as he played the game two rooms away. It was the perfect set up. We’d fed him some chicken nuggets and fruit before the group came so we’d have adult time. We planned on inviting him back for dessert before bed.

I was surprised at how easily Nate made Tanner and me part of his everyday life. He didn’t seem bothered or burdened having a child around at all. Actually the very opposite seemed true. He made a point to include Tanner in conversations, joke with him, and overall connect with him on a “guy” level.

We finished the dinner I helped Nate cook. Everyone devoured the filet mignon in a red wine reduction, seasoned veggies and a rice pilaf. “Hey, London, can I have word with you about the redesign. Camille, can you come over here, too? I have some ideas I’ve jotted down.”

Both London and I excused ourselves from the group chatting around the living room table.

“You’ve finally looked at some of the specs? I’m shocked!” London laughed.

“Ha ha. I wanted to show you and Camille some ideas. Now that Camille and Tanner are going to be here regularly, I want to make some changes to the plan. This room--” he gestured to the room Tanner had used last night and would tonight.

“You mean the workout room?” she asked.

Nate shook his head. “Exactly. Gym’s a no go. I can use the building’s facilities. I want this one changed into a room for Tanner. He loves race cars and race inspired themes. I want you to go forward with that concept. That’s what he likes. Right, Precious?”

“That’s his favorite thing but--”

“Perfect! You’ll make the change, London? We need to make sure there are bunk beds or two beds in there. He has a best mate. I want him to have a place to sleep when we’re child caring.”

London grinned. She pulled a piece of long black hair into her hand and twirled it around a finger. Her eyes were see-through gray and sparkled like diamonds. “Of course I can make the change. A child’s bedroom will be such fun. We’ll start work this week. Camille, are there any changes to the plans you’d like to see? We could easily change things to reflect a family home.”

“Uh…I don’t know.” I was freaked out and beyond capable of speaking. Nate was moving so fast. I felt like a top, spinning out of control, slamming into one thing after another.

“London, make whatever changes necessary to make sure Camille and Tanner are most comfortable here. Soon they’ll be living with me and I want them to feel at home.” Nate said.

It took a couple of moments for his words to sink in.

Living with me?

“Excuse me. Nate, what?” My breath left my lungs in a whoosh. I was doing my best to not have a full blown panic attack.

Nate pulled me into his arms. I went willingly, cuddling in his warmth. “Camille, you admitted you’re mine. You agreed you wouldn’t run. I told you I loved you. You don’t think I’m going to let you live so far from me, do you?”

Confusion stole my breath. When he said it like that it almost sounded logical. I composed myself in the comfort of his embrace. “We have to talk about this. There’s so much we don’t know about each other. Then there’s Jin and Zach. She can’t live without my half of the rent.”

“Oh my sweet. I will ensure Jin is well taken care of. I’ll pay the rent for a year, more if you’d like. Whatever will make you happy. Whatever will make you say yes.”

Now he was asking. The food I’d consumed churned in my stomach as acid set fire to my chest. My heart pounded and I clung to Nate, trying to press down the fear bubbling just under the surface.

“It’s too soon. We’ve only known each other a few weeks. You’re asking me to move in?” My voice rose and the rest of the room stopped talking and focused on us.

“You wanker. You’re moving Cami in and didn’t mention it! Congrats, brother mine!” Collier came and clapped Nate on the back, his brown eyes dazzled with delight. I groaned and put my head in my hands.

Emma jumped up and down and hugged us painfully. “This is…it’s just so perfect!” Her voice dispersed like a wave crashing against the shore.

“Nothing’s been decided,” I whispered into Nate’s ear.

“I can be very persuasive, Precious.”

“And I can be very argumentative!” I shot back.

“That I know. I’ll take my chances.” He grinned and kissed my temple. “We’ll discuss this later.”