Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Rough Riders #7)(28)

“Nothing. I’m just tired.”


“Bullshit. You sound like you’ve been crying.”


The man had radar-like instincts when it came to reading her emotions. Part of being a cop? Or part of being so tuned in to her needs?


Right. Wishful thinking.


“Cam, it’s been a long day, but I appreciate the good night call. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”


“Don’t you hang up on me.”


Domini sighed. “Look, Cam—”


“I’ll be there in five goddamn minutes. Stay put. I mean it.” Then he hung up on her.


Pushy jerk.


By the time Cam arrived, Domini had worked herself up into a rare frenzy. She flung open the apartment door before he knocked. Once he was inside, she sidestepped him before he had a chance to grab her, kiss her, and cool down her temper.


“What happened?”


“What makes you think something happened?” she volleyed back.


Cam lifted an eyebrow. “Well, for starters, you’re pacing and snapping like a dog on a leash.”


“Tell me you did not just compare me to a dog.”


He winced. “Shit. Sorry. But you know what I mean.”


“No, I don’t. I don’t know why you’re here.”


His mouth opened. Then shut.


Domini scanned his clothes. Sweat pants. Tight T-shirt, the armpits and neck hole ringed with sweat. “Where were you?”


“Working out with Colt.”


“This late?”


“Colt waits until Hudson and Indy are asleep before he comes to town. So are you gonna tell me what’s wrong? Or are you gonna keep changing the subject?”


“I didn’t ask you to come over.”


“I know, princess, that’s why I’m here. I knew you wouldn’t ask me.”


The soft concern in Cam’s eyes did her in. Tears fell again. Before her sobs became incoherent, Cam enclosed her in his arms. He stroked her hair as he rained kisses on the crown of her head. “Talk to me, baby.”


Don’t be such a pushover. You’ll never tell him what’s bugging you if he’s touching you.


She wiped her eyes and attempted to retreat but Cam wouldn’t release her.


“No harm in letting me hold you until you calm down, is there?”


Yes. I’ll start to depend on you for comfort and support and that’s never turned out well for me.


Domini squirmed away. “I’m fine.”


“Then talk to me. You watched Anton tonight, right?”


She nodded. “He was really quiet. He’s been that way the last couple times I’ve seen him. So he let it slip his father has started coming around again.”


“Shit.”


Domini didn’t have to explain to Cam what a bastard Rex DeMarco was. The man had harassed her a couple of times when she’d lived with Nadia and Anton. But Rex was smart and careful enough not to step over the legal line.


“I asked Nadia and she admitted she’s considering reconciling with him.”


“Why?”


“Nadia claims he’s changed. He quit drinking. Now he wants them to be one big happy family. She just doesn’t see it. Men like him don’t change.” Her eyes searched Cam’s. “Do you think he can change?”


Cam sighed. “That’s a tricky question. Even my own family didn’t believe my brother Colt had changed. Only recently have they accepted Colt is not the same guy he was. So on one hand, yes, I honestly believe some people can change. But this guy? My gut reaction is no. Rex has way too many issues, coupled with a history of violence and…”


“And what?”


“When Nadia had you as a roommate, Rex didn’t have much chance to be alone with her. My worry was for you in case he decided to push this issue. So I was goddamn glad to hear you’d gotten out of that dangerous situation.”



The warmth of Cam’s concern didn’t loosen the fear knotting her belly. “Nadia said she’s lonely. She claims I don’t understand loneliness because I’ve never been in a long-term relationship.”


“Lots of people are lonely even in a relationship.”


“I know! So it’s ridiculous and sad and…stupid she’s willing to go back to a man who beat her just because she doesn’t want to watch TV alone.”


“See? That’s why this * doesn’t want you around her, influencing her to think for herself.”


“I hate this. I hate that she’s putting Anton’s needs last.”


“And you would put Anton’s needs first.” Cam’s fingers caressed the side of her face so tenderly she felt tears welling again. “He’s been blessed to have you in his life, Domini.”


She’d been blessed. She loved that sweet little boy. He was the closest she’d get to having a child of her own. “Thanks.”


“You’re welcome. Now can I kiss you hello?”