E
VERNIGHTPUBLISHING®
Copyright©2017SamCrescent
ISBN:978-1-77339-157-1
CoverArtist:JayAheer
Editor:KarynWhite
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thisbookmaybeusedorreproducedelectronicallyorinprintwithoutwrittenpermission,exceptinthe
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This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual
events,locales,organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
SOMETHINGSWEET
CurvyWomenWanted,1
SamCrescent
Copyright©2017
ChapterOne
“Youwantmetowhat?”CamdenMartinasked.Hemovedhiscellphonetohisotherearashe
finishedsandingdownthelatestchairthathe’djustmade.Inhissparetimewhenhewasn’tonabuilding
sitehewascraftinghisownfurniture.
“I’vetoldyouaboutAlyssa.SheworkswithEdithintheinsurancecallcenter,”Seansaid.
“Yeah,yeah,you’vetalkedabouther.”Camdenstilldidn’tunderstandwhyhewasbeinginvitedto
dinner.Itwasn’tlikeEdithandSeanwerehostingdinner.“Whyareyouinvitingme?”
“ItwasEdith’sidea.Shethinksyou’lllikeAlyssa.”
Camdenpausedandsmiled.Heknewexactlywhatwasgoingon.“She’stryingtogetmetodate
herfriend?”
Seanpaused.“Yeah,sheis.ShelovesAlyssa.”
“SodoSammy,Marshall,Millie,andChris,andtheyhaveallcalledmetogotodinner.”
“See,youshouldreallycome.You’regoingtoloveit.”
“Iam?”
“Yeah.Alyssaisyourkindofwoman.”
Camdensighed.Theyhadallbeentryingtogethimtomeetthiswomanforthepastyear.He’d
avoidedit.Hislastspellwithlovehadlefthimbroke,andlookinglikealaughingstock.“I’moverDelia.”
“Weknow.That’swhywethinkyou’lldowondersforAlyssa,andwhereyoulive,inthemiddle
ofnowhere,you’llneedher.She’sonehellofacook,andshehassimilartastesthatyoudo.”
“Ican’tbelievemyfriendsareworkingtogethertosetmeup.”
“Weallcare,andbesides,Alyssaneedstomoveonfromtheassholewhohurther.”
Camdenrolledhiseyes.Thiswasthenightmarethathislifehadturnedinto.Hisownfriendswere
tryingtosethimup.Whatwassurprisingtohimwasthefacthe’dneveractuallymetAlyssa.Sure,he
knewsomuchabouther,butthatwasit.
“Fine.Fine.WhatdoIneedtobring?”heasked.
“Justbringyourself.Alyssaisthebest,andsheneverdemandsanythingfromherguests.You’re
goingtoadoreher.”
“Right,fine.I’vegottofinishthisorderfirst,andthenI’llbethere.Tryandnotembarrassme
tonight.Noonelikestoheartheshitthatyouliketospill.”
“Gotit.Gotit.You’rethebest.”
Ifhewasn’twrong,allofhisfriendsweresittingtogether,cheeringrightthisveryminute.They
hadbeendrivinghimcrazyforthepastyear.He’dturnedintosomewhatofareclusesinceChrisand
Milliehadgottenmarried.FromwhatheknewofAlyssa,shewasafullwoman,andtotallyadorable.She
wasthekindthatbendsoverbackwardsforeveryoneelseonlytogetshitonherself.Hehatedthat.He
hatedwhenpeopletookadvantageofagoodwoman.Anyway,Alyssahadgoneawaywithherboyfriend,
onlyforhimtostealhermoney,andleaveherabandonedinaforeigncountry.Ifitwasn’tforMarshall’s
contacts,shewouldstillhavebeeninapickle,buttheyhadgottenhermoneyback,andshe’dcomeback
homewithoutlookingback.
He’dseenacoupleofpicturesofher,ashisfriendslikedtoshareeverything.Alyssahadlong
blondehair,withstartlingblueeyes.Shehardlargetits,hips,andthighs,andhewouldn’tdenythathe’d
feltastirringinhisdickatherpicturealone.
Shewasthecompleteoppositeofhim,andnowhisfriendsweretryingtopushthemtogether.His
ownsadstorywashewaswillingtomarryawomanhe’dbelievedwaspregnantwiththiskid.He’dbeen
willingtogiveupeverything,andallshehadtodowasbelongtohim.
Itwouldseemwomendidn’tlikebelongingtoanymananymore.Theyjustwantedtomakemen
crazy,andthenleavethem.Therewasnokid,norwasthereanyfuture.Infact,Delia,thewomanhe’d
beenwith,hadbeenusinghimforherentertainment,andifitwasn’tforavideogoingviral,andhis
discoveringherbetrayal,he’dstillbewithher,believingallthecrap,andprobablymarriedaswell.
Thereweretimeshewonderedwhatthefuckhewasthinking.Henevertrustedwomen,not
anymore,apartfromhisbestfriends’women.Otherthanthat,theynolongerheldanyinteresttohim.
Finishingthelastofthesandingofthechair,heclearedawaythemessinhispersonalworkshop,
andsetaboutgettingreadyfordinner.Hestrippedoutofhisworkclothesandstaredathisreflectionin
themirror.Hewasn’ttrimminghisbeard,norwashecuttingawayhishair,whichwasshoulderlength.
Neverwouldhechangewhohewasforawoman.
“Getoverit,pal.Youcantellthisbroadtofuckoff.You’renotobligedtobenice,ortogivean
inch.”
Onebrokenheartwasmorethanenough.Atthirty-nineyearsold,hewasoverdating,
relationships,andhewashappytoliveasomewhatcelibatelife.
Noblondebombshellwasgoingtochangehim.Notnow,notever.
****
Alyssahummedasshegrabbedthecoolwineoutofthefridge.Shelovedgivingdinnerparties,
andeventhoughtheywereherfriends,shestillmadesurethateverythingwasspecial.Lifewastoodamn
shortforhertoonlygetherfinestingredientsoutforspecialoccasions.
Allshehadinlifeattwenty-fiveyearsoldwasherjob,andhercooking.Shehadnoboyfriend,no
otherlife,butatleastshehadherfriends,andtheapartmentthatshelivedwasthebest.Herneighbors
wereawesome,andacceptedthefoodthatsheofferedout.Herdreamwouldbetowriteacookbook,but
therewasnochanceofthat.Shehatedanykindofattention,andtriedtoavoidit.Whenshehostedparties,
shealwaysmadesuretherewerepeoplewholovedtakingcenterstage.Itfedherneedtofeedpeople,
andalsomeantforafewhoursshedidn’tfeellonely.
“Youreallydon’tneedtofuss,”Milliesaid,comingintothekitchen.
“It’snotfussing.YouknowIloveit.”Alyssareallydid.Beinginthekitchen,servingpeoplewas
somethingshe’dalwaysloved.Hermotherlovedtodoitaswell,andshegotitfromher.
“Areyounervous?”
“Aboutwhat?”sheasked.
“WeinvitedCamdenover.Youknow,areyounervous?”
“No,ofcoursenot.I’vemadeplenty,andtherewillbeenoughforme.”Shesmiledatherfriend.
Theyweretryingtosetherupwiththeirfriend,andshereallywasn’tinterested.Alyssahadmadeavow
whenshewasdumpedinadifferentcountry,penniless,thatnomanwouldeverhaveanykindofcontrol
overheragain.Shepreferredbeingalonethanwithanyone.
“He’sareallysweetguy,”Milliesaid.
“Iwilltakeyourwordforit.Please,don’tworry.I’mfine.I’mhappy.”Shekissedherfriendon
thecheek,andthenmadeherwaybackintothesittingroom.
“Comeon,Alyssa,helpmeouthere,”Seansaid.
“WhatdoIneedtohelpyououtwith?”sheasked,placingthebottleofwineinthecoolerafter
fillingtheirglasses.Shetookaseatontheedgeofthesofa,andsmiledatherfriend.
“We’rehavingalittleargumenthereabouttherelevanceofahorrormovie.”
“Okay.”
“Sammytherebelievesthatahorrormoviehastohavesomethingparanormaltomakeitscary.”
Alyssashookherhead.“Idon’tthinkso.Ithinktherecanbejustenoughscarewithpeople.Let’s
faceit,historyhasshownushowdestructivewecanallbe.”
“Traitor,”Sammysaid.
Shewinkedatherfriend,andthenstood.“IsthatCamden?”
“Itshouldbe,unlessyou’veinvitedsomeoneelse?”Milliesaid,walkingintothesittingroom.
“Anyofyouwanttoanswerthat?”sheasked.Herpalmswerealittlesweaty.Shehatedbeing
rude,andsheadoredherfriends,shereallydid,buttheydidn’tseemtounderstandthatshewasactually
happybeingalone.
“No,youcandoit,”Marshallsaid.
Shetriedtohideherbigdeepbreath,andinsteadsmiledatherfriends.Rightnow,shehatedthem.
Thiswaswhatshe’dtriedtoavoid.Therehadbeenmanyoccasionsthattheyhadtriedtogethertomeet
Camden.
“I’lljustgoandanswerthat.”
“Don’tbitehim.He’sagoodguy,”Chrissaid.
Leavingtheroom,shewonderedwhatthehellshewasgoingtodo.
Openingthedoor,shepausedwhenshecaughtsightofonesexy,completelyoutofherleague,
man.Hewastall,oversixfeettall,andmuscular.Camdendidn’tlooklikethekindofguywhospenttime
inthegymbutfromphysicalwork.Hewasabuilder,andaguywhocraftedthingsoutofwood.Thatwas
whatherfriendshadtoldher,andsheevenhadacoffeetablethathe’dmade.
EdithandSeanhadboughtitforherforChristmas.
“DoIhavetherightapartment?”heasked.
“AreyouCamden?”Hernerveswerestillgrippingher.
Thisguywaswayoutofherleague,andeventhoughshefoundhisbeardandshoulderlengthhair
sexy,shehadhervow,dammit.
Menweren’ttobetrusted.Theyhurtyou,andlaughedallaboutit.
“Yeah,I’mCamden,whichmakesyouAlyssa.”Heheldhishandout,andshestaredatitfor
severalseconds.
Shakehishand.
Don’tbestupid.
Stopstaring.
“Itdoes.”Sheplacedherhandinhis,andsomethinghappened.Somethinggrippedher,anditwas
likeeverythingfadedasCamdenstaredintohereyes.“Nicetomeetyou.”
Shepulledherhandawayquickly,andsteppedback.“Everyoneiswaitingforyou.Wouldyou
liketocomein?”
“Yeah,Ireally,reallywould.”
Waitingforhimtopassher,Camdenpaused,andonceagaintheystaredateachother.Hewasso
handsome,andsomethingheldhercaptive.
“Somethingsmellsamazing,”hesaid.
“Oh,Ihavearosemaryandgarlicroastlambintheoven.”
“That’snotwhatIwastalkingabout.”Heleanedinalittleclose,andshecouldn’thelpbuttense
up.“Yousmelllikecinnamonbuns.”
“Thankyou,Ithink.”
Shelovedthescentofcinnamon,andherbodylotionwasthatsmell.
Hestrokedafingerdownherarm,andherbodycametolife.Hernipplestightened,andherpussy
grewslick.
Thiswasabadthing.Areallybadthing.
Camdenwasthekindofguysheusuallyassociatedwithatrailofbrokenhearts.Hecouldhave
anywomanhewanted.
She’dalreadyhadherheartbroken.
Shedidn’twanttogothroughitagain.
ChapterTwo
Alyssawassexierthanhe’dimagined.Theirfriendshadn’tdoneherjustice,andwhenheglanced
atherbehind,Camdenhadtocontainhisgroan.Herasswassoround,sofuckingjuicy,hecouldn’twait
tosinkhisteethintothetenderfleshandleavehismark.Hiscockhardenedashelookedather,andthose
titswerethingsofbeauty.
Herbody,hewasgoingtohavesomewetdreamsthisevening.
“Camdenarrived,”shesaid,walkingintoasittingroom.
Hesawhisfriends,andtheyweresmiling.
“I’vejustgottogoandcheckdinner.I’llleaveyouingoodcompany.”Alyssaescaped,andhe
watchedherassasshewalkedaway.
“Helikesher,”Seansaid.
“Youcheckedherout,”Milliesaid,smiling.
“Youinterested?”Chrisasked.
“IwillsaythatI’mintrigued.Iwon’tlie.She’ssexyashell.”Hehadn’texpectedthewomanthat
answeredthedoor.Herhairwaslikegold,hereyesthecoloroftheocean,andherbody,acanvasforhim
tolove.
Hetookaseat,andkepthisgazeonthedoor.Thescentswereamazing.“Issheagoodcook?”he
asked.
“Thebest,”Milliesaid.“Shecouldhavebeenachef,butshedidn’twanttodothat.Hermotheris
agoodcookaswell,andeverythingsheknowsisbecauseofher.”
Camdenwantedtoknowmore.
He’dneverbeenthistakenbyawomansoquickly.Forallsixofhisfriendstoadoreher,itwas
timeforhimtoknowmore.
“Theboyfriendiscompletelyoutofthepicture?”heasked.
“Yes.Shehasn’tevenattemptedtodate,andithasalwaysbeenachallengetogethertocommitto
anyonesincethen,”Sammysaid.“Weallthinkyouandshecouldreallyhititoff.”
Thewayhisdickwasbehaving,Camdenwasincompleteagreement.
Alyssaenteredtheroom.“Dinnerisreadyifyou’dliketomakeyourwaytothetable.”
Sheleft,andhewatchedherassswayfromsidetoside.Thatdresssheworewaspureheaven.
“Comeon,we’lltakeyouin,”Milliesaid.
Theyenteredasmallroomwithanicelydecoratedtable.“Shedoesthisalot?”
“Yeah,it’swhatsheenjoysdoing.”Milliepattedhisarm,andsheplacedhiminaspecificseat.
“Yousithere.Shealwayssitsnearthekitchen.”Shepointedtothedoorbehindthechairoppositehim.
“Thiswayshecanchatwithyou.”
Hesatdown,andwatchedasAlyssacameinwithalargeplatteroflambsurroundedbyroasted
potatoes,andthereweresomebeans,andasmalljugofgravy.
“Please,digin.”Shesmiledatthetable,takingherplaceoppositehim.
Hercheekswerealittleflushed,andthedressplungedinthechest,showingoffagreatdealof
cleavage.
Alreadyhewantedhernakedforhimsothathecouldexploreherbeautifulbody.
“Doyouenjoygivingdinners?”heasked.
“Ido.Ilovetocookandtobake.”
“Weloveitthatshefeedsus,”Marshallsaid,takingfivelargeslicesofthelamb.“Mymouthis
watering.”
Camdenfilledhisplate,andtookabiteofoneofthecrispyroastpotatoes.Thegravywas
flavorfulwithahintofgarlic,andwhenhetookabiteoflamb,hismouthwateredformore.“Ohmy,”he
said.
“Iseverythingokay?”sheasked.
“Perfect.Theyweren’tkiddingaboutyoubeingadamnfinecook.Thisisthebestfood…ever.”
Hercheekswentabeautifulshadeofred,andhefoundthatutterlycharming.Alyssawasbeautiful.
Therewasnootherwordtodescribeher.
“So,everyonetellsmethatyou’reabuilder,”Alyssasaid.
“Iam.Ialsodesign,create,andmakeitems.Likethecoffeetable.Imadethat.”
“You’reaverytalentedguy.”Hersmilewasbreathtaking
“Thankyou.”
“Andthankyousomuchfordoingwhatyoudo.Ilovethetable.”
Henodded.“I’mpleasedyoulikeit.”
“Soyoudopiecestoorder?Furnitureandstuff?”sheasked.
“Yes,Ido.”Camdentookanotherbiteoflamb,andmoaned.“Ican’tbelieveI’veneverbeenhere
before.Yourfoodiswonderful.”
“Ilovedcookingwithmymom.Shetaughtmeallthebasics,andwhatIloveisdoingeverything
myself.”
Theirfriendstalkedamongstthemselves,butheknewtheywerealllistening.“Ihopeyoudidn’t
mindmecomingalong.”
“Notatall.IalwaysmakeenoughthatItendtosendthemhomewithextras.Ijustcan’tresistat
times.”Sheshrugged.“I’mreallypleasedyoufinallydecidedtocome.”Shelickedherlips,andhe
watchedasshewrappedasliceoflambaroundapotato,andtookabite.Therewassomethinghotabout
watchingawomanenjoyingherfood.
“Doyouthinkyoucouldhelpmeoutwithsomething?”sheaskedjustashefinishedupthelastof
hispotato.
“Sure.”
Theymadetheirexcuses,andAlyssatookhimintoherkitchen,whichwasbeautiful.
“It’sjusthere,”shesaid,pointingtoherwindow,andhelookedtoseeseveralofherkitchentiles
hadcomeaway.“Idon’tknowwhotocontact,andit’sprobablysomethingyoudon’tdealwith.”
“Icancomeandfixthesetilesforyou.Itlookslikethegrouthasn’tbeenappliedproperly.It’san
easyfix,andI’dbegladtodoit.”Heturnedtowardher,andsmiled.“Youknow,theywantustodate.”
Shelockedherfingerstogetherinfrontofher,andtheangleofherarmspressedhertitstogether.
“Iknow.Theywanttosetusup.”
“Youdon’twanttodate?”heasked.
“I’venotreallygivenitmuchthought.Whataboutyou?”
“Iwasn’tinterested,butnowIwanttotakeyouout,”hesaid.
“Youwould?”
“Yes,Ireallywouldlikethat.”
“Oh,Ididn’texpectthat.”
Hestaredather,confused.“Whynot?”
“Idon’tknow.It’sjust…IloveandlikewhatIlike,andIknownotalotofpeoplelikethat.”
Camdenheldhishandupstoppingher.“Idon’tknowwhatassholehashurtyou,andIdon’twant
toknow.I’dliketheopportunitytotakeyouonadate.Wouldyoudomethehonorofgoingoutwithme?”
Shestaredathim,anditwasalittleunnervingnothavingherjumpingforjoyattheprospectof
goingonadate.
“Sure,I’dliketo.”
Hefoldedhisarms,andsmiled.“WhydoIfeelthatyou’renotentirelysureaboutthat?”
“It’sstupid.”
“Tellme.”
“Ugh,fine,Imadeavow.Avownottodateortogooutwithmen,oreventobenicetothem.”
Helaughed.“Believeitornot,Imadeasimilarvow.”
“Withmen?”
“No,withwomen.”
Shesmiled.“Iwasjustjokingaround.I’mactuallyreallynervous.ThegirlsthinkIshoulddate
more.I’mnotentirelysuremyself.”
“Life’seasierwhenwedon’thavetoputourselvesoutthere,”hesaid.Therewasfinallyawoman
hecouldseehimselfenjoying.Shehadthesweetestsmile,themostbeautifulbody,andhewantedher.
There.
He’dadmittedittohimself.
Hewantedherforhimself.
****
Laterthatnightaftershehadfinishedthedishes,andeveryonewenthome,Alyssalayinbedwith
acookbookthathadseveralscrapsofpaperstickingalloverthebook.Shelovedmakingnotesand
changingrecipestosuitherpalate.
Hercellphonestartedtoring,andshesawitwasEdithcalling.Acceptingthecall,shehadjust
putittoherearwhenEdithletoutalittlesqueal.“Didyouhititoff?Tellmeyoudid.”
Shechuckled.“Hasn’tCamdentoldyou?”
“No.Hetoldustokeepournosesoutofit.Tellme,Alyssa.Please.”
“I’veneverbeentheonetotorture.Heaskedmeoutonadate,andIdidsayyes.”
Edithcheered,andAlyssaheardhertellingSean.
“Wow,youreallyneedtoconsideryourownlovelifeifminegetsyouthisexcited.”
“WeallknewyouandCamdenwouldhititoff.He’sasweetguy,andyou’regoingtolovehim.I
promise.”
“Wow,theL-wordalready,”Alyssasaid,smiling.
“Please,stopthinkingaboutalloftheotherassholesyoudated,andgiveCamdenachance.He’sa
reallygreatguy,andhe’shadashitrelationshipaswell.Please.”
“Isaidyestothedate,andI’mnothunguponanyoneoranything,sweetie.Believeme.I’mopen
tohavingagoodtime.”ShetriedtomakeEdithfeelbetter.
“Thatvowisgoingoutofthewindow.”
Shechuckled.“We’llsee.”
“Right,I’mgoingtogo,”Edithsaid.“Loveyou.”
“Loveyou.”Shehungupthephone,andblewoutabreath.Ithadbeenareallylongday.Workhad
beenexhausting,butthedinnerhadbeenfun.Nervousandfun.Camdenwasgorgeous,nodenyingthat.
Sheneverthoughthe’dwanttoaskheroutoncehehadseenher.Alyssahadlostcountofthenumberof
timesovertheyearsshe’dbeentoldhowbeautifulshewasforafatgirl,orhowmuchprettiershewould
beifshelostsomeweight.
Noneofherboyfriendshadlovedherforher.
Theyalwaystriedtochangeher,orwantedhertodosomethingelsewithherbodyorherlife.
Somedidn’tevenwanthertobeinthekitchen.Thathadbeenhard.Oneofherboyfriendshad
likedtogooutallthetime,andwhenshetriedtocookdinner,he’dcutherdown.She’dlostalittleofher
confidenceduringthat,butnowshewasback,andnoonewasgoingtotakethatawayfromher.
Flickingopenthebook,shestareddownattherecipeandwonderediftherewasanywayshe
couldgetoutofherdate.Shedidn’twantCamdentobeobligedtotakeheroutonadate.
Justthen,hercellphonerang.Shepickeditup,andsawanumberonthescreenthatshedidn’t
recognize.
“Hello,”shesaid,acceptingthecall.
“Hey,Alyssa.It’sCamden.”
“Oh,Camden,hey.Howdidyougetthisnumber?”
“Marshallgaveittome.”
“Oh.”
“Ihopethatisokay,”hesaid.
“Yeah,ofcourse.It’sreallystrangeasIwasactuallythinkingaboutyou.”
“ThatisstrangeseeingasIwasthinkingaboutyou,too.”
Alyssasatforward,nervous.“Iwaswonderingifyouonlyaskedmeonadatetopacifyour
friends?”
“What?”
“Ifyoudid,thenIdon’tmindyounottakingmeonadate.”
“Someassholereallydidanumberonyou,didn’the?”
“Itwasacoupleofsomeones.”Shedidn’tsleepwithalloftheguysshehaddated,notthatitmade
itanybetter.Themenhadbeenpigs,andmean.
“Ijustwantedtoconfirmadate,andtotellyouhowmuchIenjoyeddinner,andyourcoconutpie
isthebomb.”
“Oh,well,thankyou.”
“Doyouwanttogooutwithme,Alyssa?Iwon’tpressureyou.Idon’twantyoutogooutwithme
becauseofourfriendseither.Thishastobeyourchoice,andyourchoicealone.”
Alyssapaused.“I’mnervous.There’snopointindenyingthat,butIthinkI’dliketogoonadate
withyou.Iwould.”Shecringedevenasshesaidthewords.
“You’relying,aren’tyou?”
“I’mnotverygoodatthewholedatingthing,andmyfriendsreallywantthistowork,andifI
don’tdoitthey’lljustfindanotherreasonformetogoout.”Shetookadeepbreath.
“Okay.Howaboutthis?Yougooutwithme,andtherearenoexpectations,noagreements.We
haveagoodtime,orwehaveanawfultime.I’llknowwhenorifyouorganizeaseconddate?”
“Me?”
“Yes.I’lldropyouoffatyourfrontdoor,andyoudecideifwegooutagain?I’llkeepeveryone
offourbacks.Howaboutthat?”
“I’dlikethat.Iwouldreallylikethat.”
“Good.NowI’mgoingtohangupthisphone,soIdon’tmakeyousonervousyouditchme.”
Shechuckled.“Goodnight,Camden.”
“Goodnight,sweetAlyssa.”
Puttingthephonedown,shecouldn’thelpbutfeelalittlewarm.Hisvoicewaswarm,rugged,and
soperfect.
ChapterThree
Thefollowingnight,Camdenheldabouquetofredrosesinhishands,andworeasuitjacketover
jeans.Hedidn’tknowwhattowear,andhe’dalwaysbeenadown-to-earthkindofguy.Steakand
potatoes,fairs,gettingstuckintolife.Hewasanoldstyleguywhobelievedintakingcareofhiswoman,
andlovingherwithallofhisheartandsoul.
Alyssaopenedthedoor,andthistimesheworeanavybluedressthatmoldedtoeverysingle
curve.Shewastodiefor,andheknewhewasoneluckyguy.
“Oh,Camden,theyarebeautiful,”shesaid.“Forme?”
“Totallyforyou.Prettyflowersforaprettylady.”
Thesmilewaswortheverydollartherosescost.Hewasn’thurtingforcash,butherarelyhadany
expensiveoutgoings.
“You’resosweet.Noonesaidyouweresweet.”Shetooktherosesfromhimandexcusedherself
togoandputtheminavase.
Camdenwaitedbythedoorgivingherafewmomentsofpeace.Secondslatershecameback.
“Thatwasreallythoughtfulofyou.”
Shegrabbedherpurseandjacket,andthentheywereleaving.
Heheldouthishandforhertotake,andwhenshedid,helockedhisfingersthroughhers.
“I’vebeentoldaboutthatassholewholeftyouinItalywithoutanymoney.”
“Iknow.Ihadmypassportandeverything,justnofundstogetmehome.Mademesomad,”she
said.“Itwasreallyembarrassingcallingmyfriendsforhelp.Theyneverlikedhim,andtobehonest,I
don’tevenknowhowIendedupdatinghim.Mybad,Iguess.”Sheshrugged,whichpissedCamdenoff.
“Youdon’tacceptthatkindofcrap,ever.Youdeservebetter.”Heopenedupthepassengerdoor
tohiscar.“I’mtakingustoamovie.Iknowit’sprobablysomethinglameandwhatwasdoneinhigh
school,butI’mreallynewtoallofthis.”
“Don’tworryaboutit.Honestly,I’dlovetowatchamoviewithyou.Ihaven’tbeentoamoviein
alongtime.”
“ThenI’mpleasedtotakeyoualong.”Hewasuselessatthiskindofstuff.Camdenhadwantedto
takeheronadate,buthedidn’thavethefirstcluewhatshelikedorwhattodo.Fuck,hewassooutofthe
loopitwasn’tevenfunny.
“I’vetoldyoumystory.Whataboutyours?Youhaveabaddatingexperience?”
“Badlifeexperience.Iwaswiththiswomanwhoconvincedmethatshewaspregnant.Iproposed
marriage,anditwasonlynearthelastminutewhennearlyeverythinghadbeenarranged,guestshadbeen
sentinvitations,thatIdiscoveredshewasneverpregnantandshewassleepingwithsomeoneelse.She
hadmadeavideowithherlover.Posteditup,anditwentviral.Igottoseeshewascheatingonme,and
laughingbehindmyback.Itwasaveryexplicitvideo.”
“Wow,I’msosorry.Thatmusthavebeenawful.I’vebeencheatedonbeforeaswell.Ithappens.
Didithurtyou?”
“Idon’tknow.IthinkIwasmoreembarrassedthananythingelse.Itpissedmeoffaswell.My
momwasmortified.Shecouldn’tbelievewomencouldbesomeanandsoheartless.Ileftittohertolet
alltheguestsknowthatI’dbeenditched.”Hecouldn’tstopsmiling.
“Idon’tthinkI’deverbeabletohandlethatkindofhumiliation.”
“I’dratherhandlethatkindofcrapthanhavetodealwithothershitinmylife.Imeanitseriously.
Icouldhavebeenmarriedtoher,andsheputmethroughtheworstkindofcrap.Itwasaneasyrelease
fromhershit.Believeme.”Hepulledhertohim.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutthatcraprightnow.Thisis
aboutthetwoofus,right?Let’snotdwellonwhatotherpeoplehavedonetous.”
“You’resoright.I’msorry.Iguesswe’rejustgettingthatawfulstuffoutoftheway,andnowwe
canfocusonthenow.”
“Good.”
Hewaitedforhertoclimbintothecar,andthenheroundedthecartogetbehindthewheel.“I’m
takingyoufordinnerafter.Ihopethat’sokay.”
“It’sfinewithme.”
“Ican’tguaranteethatit’llbeasgoodasyours.”
Shechuckled.“Please,stopworrying.Icaneatsomethingotherthanhomecookedfood,Camden.”
Hewantedtonighttobeperfect,dammit.
“Itwillbe.”Shepattedhishand.“Ibelieveyou.”
Turningovertheignition,theysatinsilenceforafewseconds.“Ican’tbelieveI’venevermetyou
before.”
“Webothhavedifferentlives.ImetEdithatwork,andSammyandMillieworkwithinthesame
buildingbutinanotherdepartment.Idealwithinsurance,andMillieworksinaccounts,SammyinPR,
andEdithinsales.Wejustsortofhititoff.Theywerealreadydatingtheirpartners,andIwasdatingat
thetime.Fromthesoundsofittome,youweredatingyourgirl,andIwasdatingmyguy,andourpaths
justnevercrossed.”
Hewasn’thappyaboutthat,buttherewasnothingelsehecoulddo.
“I’mpleasedIacceptedthatinvitelastnight.”
Camdenglancedoverathertofindhersmiling.
“I’mpleasedyoudidaswell.”
“Idreamtaboutthatlamb,”hesaid.
Shechuckled.“Mymommakesitwithrosemarybutshereallydoesn’tlikegarlic,andIdo.
There’sjustsomethingsoamazingabouthavingyourownkitchen,andbeingabletoexperiment.”
“Icanseeyourenthusiasm.”
“Thanks.Iprobablyshouldn’ttalkaboutitasmuchasIdo.Iguesswealllikewhatwelike.”
“Youcantalkaboutwhateveryouwant.”
“Tellmeaboutyourlove,”shesaid.“Yourlovewithworkingwithwood.Thatsoundsreally
time-consumingtome.”
“Itis.I’matrainedbuilder,andqualified.Icandomostjobsonabuildingsite.Workingwith
wood,andcarvingit,securingit,andmakingsomethingsoblandintosomethingdecorativeandbeautiful,
that’swhatIdo.Buildingahouseisjustasimportant.Ineverwantanyonetobeupsetwhentheygoinside
ahomeI’vehelpedtobuild.Also,I’mgoodwithrepairsaswell.Likeyourtiles.Theywon’tbea
problem.IwasthinkingnextweekendI’llbefree,andIcancomeover,andputthembackonforyou.”
“Thatwouldbewonderful.Inevergotafigureforhowmuchyouwantedpaying,”shesaid.
“Anotherdate.”
“We’venotevenbeenonthisone.Youcouldhateme.”
“No,that’snotpossible.I’dlikeanotherdatewithyou.”
Anotherglanceherway,andhesawhersmile.
“I’dreallylikethat,”shesaid.
Excellent.Healreadyhadanotherdateplanned,andnowhejustneededtomakethisoneperfect.
****
Themoviewasasweetandsexyromance.AlyssawassurprisedthatCamdenwasmorethan
happytositthroughitwithoutanyfuss.Forthat,hegotextrapoints,andshereallylikedbeingwithhim.
Heplacedhisarmacrosshershoulders,anditwasthefirsttimethatshe’dbeenwithaguywhohadeven
attemptedthat.Diditmakeherlametohaveenjoyedthatsomuch?Shehadthepopcorninherlap,and
he’dturnedtowardher.Onearmacrosshershoulderswithhisfingersteasinghershoulder,and
occasionallyherhair.He’dreachoverandtakesomepopcornaswell.
Hewasclose,andthroughthatshecouldn’thelpbutbearousedbyhim.Hisentirepresencewas
outofthisworld.
Whentheymadeitoutofthemovies,hethrewthepopcorncartoninthetrash.
“Didyoureallyenjoythat?”sheasked.
“Yeah,whynot?Itwasfun,andbesides,howcanaguynotloveamovielikethat?Theguygothis
girl,didn’the?HowcouldInotlikethat?”
“I’mstartingtowonderifyou’rehuman.”
“I’mhuman,baby.IcanshowyouhowgoodIaminthatdepartment.”
Shechuckled.
“Didyouenjoyit?”heasked.
“Yes,Idid.Ireallydidenjoyit.”
“Isawadinerupahead.Isthatokay?”Heputhisarmbackoverhershoulders,andpointedupthe
street.
“Yes,morethanfine.Ilovecooking,anddoingdinners,butI’maverysimpleanddowntoearth
kindofgirl,Camden.I’llhaveaburgerjustasmuchasasteak.”
“Nowyou’retellingmeyou’remydreamgirl,andthere’snowayIcanletyougo.”
Hepressedhislipsagainstherneckmakingherlaugh.Hernippleswenthard,andherpussygrew
evenslicker.
Theyenteredthediner,anditwasprettybusy.Camdentookherhand,andtheyfoundabooth
towardtheback.Slidinginsidethebooth,shesmiled.“Thisisactuallyreallynice.”
“Good.I’mhappywiththat.”
Alyssadidn’twanttoscrewthisup.Shereallyenjoyedhiscompany,andthelastthingshewanted
todowastomakehimregrettakingherout.Herhandsfeltalittlesweaty.
“DoImakeyounervous?”heasked.
“Notatall.It’sjust…thisisallnew.I’mnervousthatI’llscrewup.Saysomethingthatwillmake
youfeelcrazy.”
Hetookholdofherhands.
Shenoticedhowbighishandswerecomparedtohers,andshelikedit.Camdenwasallman,and
shelovedhowheseemedtosurroundher.
“HowaboutItellyousomethingthatisquitescary?”
“NowI’mworried,”shesaid.
“Iwanttohaveafamily.”
Alyssatensedup.“Excuseme?”
“Yeah,crazyworldhuh?Aguywhowantstogetmarried,settledown,andhaveafamily.Ididn’t
thinkitwasaproblemwhenmygirlcametomeandtoldmeshewaspregnant.Iwashappy.Callme
crazy,butwhenitendedIwasmoreupsetthatIwasn’tgoingtogetthefamilyIalwayswanted.”
Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Hewasbeingveryopen,andverypersonal.
“Doyouwantkids?”heasked.
“Ido.Yes.Fourofthem.”
“That’swhatIwant.Fourkids,andacoupleofdogs,”hesaid.
“Cats?”sheasked.
“Yougotit.Maybeafewrabbitsandchickens.”
Thiswasgettingweirderashetalked.Thiswasexactlyherdreamtohaveahugefamily,and
somethingcomfortingandwarm.Shewasanonlychild,andherparentsneverhadanymorekidseven
thoughthey’dreallywantedthem.
“What’sthematter?”heasked.
“It’snothing.Justkindofsurprisedthatit’ssomethingyouwant.”
Hestrokedoverherpulse.“Iknowit’salwaysashockforeveryonewhohearswhatIlike.
Womenrunawayscared.”
“I’mnotscared.”Shegavehishandasqueeze.“Completelytheopposite.”
Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,Alyssaactuallysawafuturewithaman.Shereallyhopeditwas
true.
Laterthatnight,Milliecalledfirst.
“So,howdiditgo?”Millieasked.
“Itwentgreat.He’sstoppingbynextweektodothosetilesinmykitchen.IfiguredI’dmakehima
chocolatefudgecake.Whatdoyouthink?”
“Sweetie,thatmanwillfallinlovewithyouatthesightofthatcake,andthetaste—he’llfuckyou
bytheendofthenight.”
Alyssasmiled.“That’saninterestingthought.”Sexhadn’tbeenonhermindbeforeshemet
Camden.Now,sexy,dirtythoughtswereconstantlyenteringherhead.
“Youneedtogetbackonthathorse,andtheonlywaytodothatistodate.YouknowI’mright.”
“Yes,Iknow.You’realwaysright,andyou’realwaystellingmethatyouare.”Shecouldn’t
disagreewithherfriend.“Hewantsafamily.”
“Iknow.Weallknowwhathewants.Whydoyouthinkwe’veallbeentryingtosetyouup?We
gavebothofyouenoughtimetogetoverwhatevercrapwasgoingoninyourlives.Nowit’stimeforyou
bothtomoveonandtoembraceeverything,andeachother.”
“Ithinkyou’reright.”
“IknowI’mright.Itoldyouthisbefore.”
Alyssasighed.“I’vegottogo.Talksoon.Ipromise.”
“Youbetter.Iwantdetails.Thedirtierthebetter.”
Hangingupthephone,Alyssaglanceddownatthebookinherhand.Itwasabookdevotedto
cookies,butrightnow,shewantedtosleep,andtothinkaboutonehunkymanwithhairdowntohis
shoulders,andabeardthatdidn’tgrossherout.
Herdreamwastohaveafamily,andtoknowtheloveofareallygoodman.Maybe,justmaybe,
Camdenwasthatdreamguy.
ChapterFour
Overthenextweek,CamdentalkedtoAlyssaasoftenashecould.Hephonedher,texted,oreven
turnedupatherofficeforlunch.Hewasobsessed.Therewasnootherwordforit.Hehopedhewasn’t
upsettingherwithhisconstantvisits.Shewasinhisthoughts,andasyet,sheseemedtoenjoyhis
attention.
“HowarethingsgettingonwithAlyssa?”Seanasked,stoppingbyhishomeFridayevening.
“Fine.Why?”
“We’reallcurious,youknow?Wecan’tbeworriedaboutourfriend?”Seanheldhishandsup,but
thefuckerhadabigsmileonhisface.“Ithasbeensomeweek,huh?”
“Whatdoyouknowaboutmyweek?”Camdenasked.
“OnlythatyouandAlyssahavehititoff,anditseemsthateverychanceyougetyou’renearher.I
takeitthingsaregoingbetterthanevenyouimagined?”
Camdennodded.“Yeah,ithasbeenamazing.I’mactuallygettingthingsreadytogotoherplaceto
tiletomorrow.”Hewasreallylookingforwardtothejob.Anentireday,onethathehopedtomakean
entiredaywhereitwasjustthetwoofhim.Hehadalotofplansthatnotonlyincludedworkingonher
kitchen.
“Doyouthinkshe’stheone?”
“Yeah,Ido.”TherewasnodoubtinhismindthatAlyssawasthewomanforhim.Hehadyetto
kissher,andhedidn’twanttorushher.Shit,hiscockwasalreadygettinghardatthethoughtofhaving
Alyssainhisarms,naked,andbeneathhim.Itwouldbepureheavenhewassure.
“Wow,youdidn’tevenhesitateoverthat,”Seansaid.
“WhyhesitatewhenI’msure?”
“Ithasbeenaweek.”
Camdenstood,andrubbedathisbeard.“You’reright.Itisashorttime,butitdoesn’tmatter.I
don’tcare.ThisiswhatIwant,andIknowIcanmakeherhappy.Shouldn’tthatbeallthatmatters?”
“Itis.Ijustdon’twanteitherofyoutogethurt,youknow.Alyssaisn’tthemosttrusting.Idoknow
her.”Seanpushedhishandsintohispockets.“We’veallknownher,andweallknowyou.You’reboth
perfectforeachother,andyou’vebothbeenhurtinthepast.”
“Ireallydon’tknowwhatyou’retryingtosay.AreyouwarningmeagainstAlyssa,orwarningme
becauseIwanther?”
“Thisiswhyit’ssoconfusing.I’mdoingboth.She’sdelicate,andinaway,soareyou.Weall
knowwhatyouwant,andweallknowwhatAlyssawants.Thisisstartingtoconfuseme.”Seansmiled.“I
guessit’sboth.Icareaboutthepairofyou.”
“I’mnotgoingtohurther,Sean.Ipromiseyou.Shewon’thurtmeeither.”Camdenthoughtabout
thewomanhe’dgottentoknowoverthepastfewdays,andshewouldn’tevenhurtafly.Shewasn’tthe
kindtodoanythingthatwouldriskhurtingsomeoneelse.“You’regoingtohavetotrustme.”
“Okay,thenI’mheretohelpyou.Herfavoritecolorisgreen,andshereallyhatespeas.Shewill
usethemincooking,butshehatesthetaste.Shecan’tstandfishthatisstillinitsfishformeither.”
Camdenlaughed.“Whyareyoutellingmethis?”
“Edithtellsmeallthetimesthatthekeytosuccessisinthedetails.I’mgivingyouthedetails.”
So,forthenexthourwhileCamdenpreparedeverythingforhisjobtomorrow,Seantoldhimas
muchasheknewaboutthewomanthatCamdenwasfallingfor.Hewasaguybuthedidn’tgiveashitifit
madehimapussytotalkaboutwhathewanted,andhewantedAlyssa.
“Areyougettingthewarnings,too?”Alyssaaskedlaterthatnightwhilehelayinbed.He’dcalled
herashelovedtolistentohertalk.
“Yeah,IgotSean.Whodidyouget?”
“Millie,andthenEdithshowedup.Ifourfriendsaresoworried,whydidtheypushustogether?”
“Sean’sworriedthatithasonlybeenaweek,andthatwe’llinsomewayhurteachother.I’mnot
goingtohurtyou,Alyssa.”
“IsitstrangethatIdobelieveyou?I’mreallylookingforwardtoseeingyoutomorrow.”
“Metoo.Seantoldmethatyourfavoritecolorisgreen,andthatyouhatepeas.”
“Ido.Icaneatthemwhenthey’rereallyfresh,andyoupopthemoutofthepod,butIcan’texactly
getmyhandsonfreshallthetime.”
“Anythingelseyouhate?”heasked.
“I’mnotabigfanofeggplants.Ireallydostrugglewiththem,andoctopus.Ican’teatit.”
“Nah,I’mnotabigfanofthateither.”
Shegiggled.“Isthisweird?”
“Notthatweird.We’regettingtoknoweachother,andIcansayI’mlovingeverythingIhear.”
“Sotellmeaboutyourself,Camden.Whatdoyoulike?”sheasked.
Camdensighed.“Ilikehardwork.Ilovecominghome,havingabath,andthensittingdownwitha
coolbeer.Yeah,Ilikecoldbeer.”
“I’msuremostmenlovethataswell.”
“AtnightI’dloveanicehotchocolatewithcreamandmarshmallows.I’veneverbeenabletoget
itjustright.Ialwaysburnthechocolate.”
“Ohno,burntchocolateistheworst.OnedayIhopetowritemyowncookbook.”
“I’dlovetobeatastetesterforyou.”
“You’resosweet.Howcananywomannotadoreyou?”Alyssaasked.
“IguessI’maneedyguy.Ihaven’tfinishedwhatIlike.Ilikelongwalks,andlongvacations.I
alsolovetosnuggle.Yeah,toldyaIwasaweirdguy.”
Shelaughed.“You’renotthatweird.Iwillwarnyou.Notmanymenwouldbewillingtoadmit
thattheyenjoysnuggling.”
“I’mguilty.Doyouthinkyoucouldhandleasnuggler?”
“IthinkI’dlovetofinallyhaveasnuggler.I’vegotalotofmetosnugglewith.”
“Baby,Ican’twaittogetmyhandsonyou.”
****
Alyssaturnedinthemirrorcheckingoutherass,andthentoseeifherstomachlookedonthefuller
side.Sheturnedthiswayandthat.Thiswasthelongestshehadevertakeningettingdressed.Shewanted
tolook…nice.NiceforCamden.
“Itwillhavetodo.”
Thejeanswereasplurgethatshe’dboughtyesterdayafterwork.Theshirtwasalittleolder,but
shehadalwayslikedhowitseemedtoshowoffhercurvestothebestadvantage.Takingadeepbreath,
shemovedintoherkitchentomakesureeverythingwasalreadyinplace.
“Everythingisperfect.”Shehadwarnedherfriendstostayaway.Shedidn’tneedthemtobe
watchingthem,andwaiting.EdithconstantlygrilledheraboutwhatCamdensaidordid.Millietalked
nonstopabouttheirchemistry.Sammywasjustasweetie,andshedidn’tseemtobeoverlyconcerned
aboutthetwoofthem,whichAlyssadidprefer.“Icandothis.”
Herdoorbellrang,andshewalkedtowardit.Anotherdeepbreath,andsheopenedthedoor.
“Hey,”shesaid.
“Hey,babe,”Camdensaid,steppingthroughthedoor.Hehadonatoolbelt,whichwasthesexiest
thingshehadeverseen.
Herpussywentslick,andhernipplestightened.Camdensteppedforward,touchedherwaist,and
pressedakisstohercheek.
Shewasalittleguttedthathewentstraightforhercheek.Don’tworry.Don’tstress.
“Youlooksexy,”hesaid,steppingback.
Hercheeksheated,andshefeltthewarmthinsidethem.
“Thanks.”Nowshefeltsilly.Shehadspentmostoflastnightandthismorningtryingtofindthe
perfectoutfit.“Doyouneedmetogooutandcollectthereplacementtiles?”
“No,I’vegotit.Noneedtoworryaboutthat.”
“Ah,okay.”Shesmiled.“Wouldyoulikeacoffee?”
“Wouldloveone.”
Shewalkedaheadofhimwonderingifhewascheckingoutherass.“Thisisn’ttoomuchtrouble?”
sheasked,glancingbehindher.
Hisgazemovedrightbackup.
Hewasstaringatherass!
Shelovedthathewasstaringatherass.
Stillnotsayingaword,sheputthekettleon,andwatchedashemovedtowardhersink.Bitingher
lip,sheadmiredhisassasheleanedover,takingoffseveralofthetiles.“I’mgoingtohavetoredothis
entiresink.”
“That’sfine.”
“Whodidthislasttime?”heasked.
“Idon’tknow.I’venothaditredonesinceImovedheraboutfouryearsago.Everythingseemed
perfectsoIsnappeditup.”Shelovedherfreedomandherindependence.Thekitchenhadbeenthemain
reasonshe’dboughtthisapartment.Withinherbudgetshehadgottenthebestforhermoney.The
apartmentwasaprettygoodplace,inaprettygoodarea,withmoderatesecurity.Sheneverfeltscaredor
worried.Iftherewerebumpsinthenight,shedidn’tstressoutaboutit.
Pouringthembothacupofcoffee,sheleanedagainstthecounter,andwatchedhisass.
Shehadneverbeenthekindofwomantoeyegropemen,butshecouldn’tlookaway.Hewasso
sexy,andhisasswasnice.
Bitingherliponceagain,shejerkedalittlewhenheturnedtowardher.
“Youwerecheckingmyass,weren’tyou?”heasked.
“Er,no,absolutelynot.”
Hesteppedclose,andhetookhercupfromher,puttingitbackonthecounterbehindher.
Herheartstartedtorace,especiallyashesteppedsothattheirbodiesweretouching.
“Icheckedyourassout.Thosejeansshouldbeillegal.I’mrockhard,baby.”Hetookholdofher
hand,andplaceditagainsttheevidenceofhisarousal.
“Oh.”
“I’mgoingtokissyou.”
Shelickedherlipsandgaspedashecuppedherface,andthenhislipswereonhers.Histongue
tracedacrossherlip,andsheopenedup.Heplungedhistongueinsidehermouth,andsheclosedher
eyes,baskinginhistouch,andwantingmore.
Meetinghistonguewithhers,sheheldontohiswaist,andmoaned.Hiskisswasaspassionateas
hewas,andshewantedmore.
Hiscockpressedagainstherstomach,lettingherknowexactlywhathewanted.
Camdenpulledaway,andshestaredintohisbrowneyes.“FromthemomentIfirstsawyouI’ve
wantedtodothat.”
“Whydidn’tyou?”sheasked.
Shepressedherthighstogetherinthehopeofstemmingthearousalthatwasrushingthroughher.
“Itdidn’tseemappropriate.”Hisfingersskimmeddownthefrontofherbody,goingoverher
breast,anddowntoherwaist.“Seeingthewayyou’rereacting,I’dsayI’venotbeentreatingyouright.”
Beforeshecouldsayanything,hishandwasbetweenherthighs,rubbingalittlefirmer.Pressing
againsthim,sheheldontohisshoulders.“Ithasbeenalongtime,”shesaid.
“Metoo.”
“Weshouldn’tdothis.”
“Why?”
“Because,Idon’tknow.I’mnervous.”
“There’snoneedtobenervous.Ithinkweshoulddothis.”Hepressedakissagainstherneck,
whichdidn’thelp.Therewasnowayshecouldfighthim.Notthatshewantedtofighthim.Herbodywas
comingawakeunderhistouchafteralongsleep,andithadbeensolong.
Bothofhishandsmovedaroundtograbherass,andpullherclose.Heslammedhismouthdown
onhers,andallAlyssacoulddowasholdontohimasheconsumedher,settingherbodyonfire,and
drivinganeedsoshockingthatshedidn’tknowwhattodo.
Givein.
Lethimhaveyou.
Shewantedto.
Shewantedtogiveintohimsomuchthatitwasaconstantache.
“Giveyourselftome,Alyssa,”hesaid.“We’reconsentingadults.It’swhatwewant.”
“Itis.”Sheclosedhereyesandtiltedherheadback.
Itwaswhatshewanted,andforonce,shewasgoingtodowhatshewanted,notwhatshewas
supposedtodo.
ChapterFive
Finally,Alyssawasinhisarms,andCamdenwasinheaven.Herbodywassocurvy,soft,and
perfect.Herasswasthethingofdreams.Runninghishandsup,hesankthemintoherhair,holdingherin
placeashepressedhislegbetweenherthighs.
“Ohmy,”shesaidinbetweenkisses.
“Ohfuck,baby,tellmeIcantasteyoutoday?”
“Taste?”
“Iwanttolickthissweetcunt.”
Shelickedherlipsagain,andnodded.“Yes.”
Hegrowled,unabletoholdinhisappreciationofherbeauty.Shereallywassomethingamazing.
Kneelingdownbeforeher,heunhookedherbuttonandsliddownherzipper.Shesuckedinher
stomach,andheshookhishead.“Youdon’thavetodothatshitwithme.Beyourself.Idon’tneed
anythingelse,justyou,Alyssa.”
Shestoppedbreathingin,andhehelpedpullherjeansdownasshewriggledherhips.Herthighs
werefull,andherstomachnicelyrounded.Pressingakisstoherstomach,hesawtheredlaceofher
panties,andgroaned.
“You’refullofsurprises.”
“Ilikenicethings.”
“AndIlikeyouinnicethings.I’llbesendingyousomeofthese,”hesaid,puttinghisfinger
beneaththeband,andthenloweringitdowntoherfeet.
Therewasasmalldustingofpubichairthatcoveredherpussy.Takingholdofherthigh,helifted
itup,andhecaughtsightofherbeautifulcunt.Thelipsofherpussywereopen,showingoffherswollen
clit.
“You’resobeautiful.”Heslidhisfingersuptheinsideofherthighuntilhereachedherslit.
Pressinghisfingeragainstherclit,hemoveddown,runningtoherentrance.Shewassoakingwet,andhe
glancedupasshegasped.Slidingafingerknuckledeepinsideher,hewatchedhertakehim.Hiscock
wasgoingtobeinsideherbeforetheendoftheday.
Addingasecondfingertoherpussy,hetookherclitintohismouth,andthetasteofherexploded
onhistongue,makinghimwantmoreofher.
Onetastewasnotenough,andheneededsomemore.
“Oh,Camden,”shesaid.
Thiswasn’tenough,sohestoodup,andkissedher.“Whereisyourbedroom?”
Shekickedoffherjeans,andhecaughtherhips,followingbehindherassheledthewaybackto
herbedroom.
Themomentsheopenedthedoor,hefeltrightathome.Itwasapeachycolor,andhelovedit.The
scentofcinnamonsurroundedhim,anditinstantlyremindedhimofher.
Kissingherneck,hereleasedher,andpulledhershirtfromherbody.
Withinsecondshehadhercompletelynaked.
Shetuggedonhisbelt,andhemovedherhandsoutoftheway,andremovedhisownpants.
Thehungerinhereyesmatchedhisown.Hewantedhersobadly.
Wrappinghisfingersaroundhiscock,heshowedherwhatshedidtohim.
“Iwantanothertasteofthatprettypussy,”hesaid.
Shesatbackonthebed,liftedherlegsup,andthenspreadthemsothathecouldseeher.“Isthis
whatyouwant?”
Hesawhercheekswerebrightred,andheguessedthatthiswasn’tsomethingshewasusedto
doing.Hedidn’tmind.
Movingtowardher,heplacedahandonthebed,andsmiled.“I’mgoingtolickthatprettypussy,
andthenI’mgoingtofuckit.”Hekissedherlips.“Doyouhaveaproblemwithmesayingthat?”
Sheshookherhead.“No.Ilikeit.”
“Youlikemetalkingdirty?”
“Yeah,Ido.”
“GoodbecauseI’maprettyvocalkindofguy.”Lickingherlips,hemovedtohertits,suckingeach
hardnippleintohismouth.“Iliketogiveinstruction,andtotakewhatIlike.Areyougoingtogiveitto
me,Alyssa?”heasked.
“Yes.I’llgiveyouwhateveryouwant.”
Theyweremovingsofast,buthedidn’tcare.Hewasdesperateforher.Pre-cumleakedoutofthe
tipofhiscock,andheranhisfingersthroughit,andstaredintohereyes.“Doyouwantataste?”
Shecaughthishand,andbroughtittoherlips.Withhersweetbluegazeonhis,sheflickedher
tongueacrosshisfingers,lickinguphispre-cum.Sheletoutalittlenoise.“Ilikethetasteofyouaswell.”
Sexy…as…fuck.
Hedidn’tcarewhatothermenthoughtoffullerwomen.
Somemayfindthemfatorugly.
Hedidn’t.Alyssawasafantasycometrue.Hertitswerelovely,fullandheavy,herassniceand
big.
Camdenlovedhercurves,andtohim,shewastheperfectwoman.
Kissingdownherbody,heflickedhistongueoverhernipples,andtippedherbackontothebed,
capturingherhips,lovingthewayshefilledhishands.
“I’maddicted,baby.Totallyfuckingaddicted.”
Ashesuckedherclitintohismouth,theybothgroaned.Alyssathrustherpussyupagainsthim,and
heplungedtwofingersinsidehercunt,addingathirdfinger.Shesqueezedhisdigits,andstartedtothrust
againsthim,takingasmuchofhimasshecould.
Hewasknucklesdeep,andstill,itdidn’tseemdeepenough.
Hiscockpulsedwithanotherwaveofarousalasmorepre-cumcoatedthetipofhiscock.
Pullinghisfingersfromherpussy,hegrippedherass,andliftedheruptohismouth.Thistime,he
thrusthistongueinsideherpussy,goingasdeepashecould.
“Oh…Camden!”Shescreamedhisname,shakingashepulledhistongueout,andranituptoher
clit.
Herpussywassofuckingtasty.
Shewasit.
Theone.
Andhewasn’tlettinghergo.
****
Alyssagrippedthesheetbeneathher,tryingtoholdontoanythingtobringsomekindoffocus
backintoherworld.NothingseemedtobeworkingasCamdentookoverherentirebody,andmadeit
nexttoimpossibleforhertothink.
Don’tthink.
Heflickedhiscockoverherpussy,andshecriedout,thrustingagainsthistongue.Hewasn’t
lettingup,andmadehertakeeverythinghehadtooffer.
Glancingdown,shesawhishead,andflashesofhistongue.Shecouldn’tbelievethathewas
insideher,andthenchangingashelickedherclit.
Thiswasthefirsttimethatanymanhadevertakenthetimetogiveheroral,andshecouldn’tstand
it.Thepleasurewasoutofthisworld,andtherewasnowayforhertocontrolherorgasm.Camdendidn’t
seemtocarethatherpussywassuckinghiminside,orthatshewassoslick.Herwetnesswasleaking
downthecrackofherass.
Shedidn’thavethetimeortheenergytobemortifiedatherbody’sresponsetohistouch.
Camdenwasamaster,andshecouldn’tbelievewhatshe’dbeenmissingouton.
“I’mgoingtocome,”shesaid,gaspingoutawarning.
Withinthenextsecond,sheshatteredaroundhim,eachwaveshockingherwithitsintensityashe
strokedherclit.Herentirebodywenttight.Theneedsomethingshewasn’tusedto.
“Comealloverme,baby.Iwanttotasteyou.”
Onceshecamehewasgoingtofuckher.Thesizeofhiscockmadeherevenwetter.Sinkingher
fingersintothesheet,shescreamedhisnameasshethrustheadlongintobliss,herorgasmrushingover
herentirebody,consumingher.Hethrustfingersinsideherashesuckedherclitintohismouth.
Shegasped,archingupagainsthimandrubbingherpussyagainsthisface.Shewassoturnedon,
andeventhoughshehadalreadyclimaxed,shewasstillreadytobefucked.
OnlywhenshebeggedhimtostopdidCamdenletup,andsitback.“Youhavethetastiestpussy.”
Heleaneddownandlickedfromherentranceuptoherclit,circlingthebud.
Hesteppedaway,andgrabbedacondomfromhispocket.“Iwentandgotsomejustincase.I
didn’tknowI’dbegettingluckytoday.”
“It’sfine.”
Shestaredathiscock,andshewantedtogivehimthesamekindofpleasure.Sinkingtoherknees
onthefloorofherbedroom,shewrappedherfingersaroundhiscock,andtookthetipintohermouth.His
headwascoveredinpre-cum,andsheswallowedhimdown.Slowly,shebobbedherheadtakinghimto
thebackofherthroat.Shemoaned,andheardhimcurse.
“Fuck,baby,that’ssogood.”
Closinghereyes,sheranherhandupanddownhislengthasshetookmoreofhim.Whenhehit
thebackofherthroat,shepulledaway.
“Openyoureyes,baby.Iwanttoseeyou.”
Glancingup,shefinallyopenedhereyes,andhiswerefocusedonher.Theyweresodark,so
filledwithlustthatherbodyansweredit.Hislookalonewaslikeacalltoher.
“Thatlookssofuckingsexy.Yourlipsspreadoutandswollen,tryingtotakeme.”Hestrokedhis
fingersthroughherhair,andwrappedthelengtharoundhiswrist.Withhisotherhand,heheldhiscock,
andstartedtofeedittoher.
Keepinghergazeonhis,shedidn’tlookaway,nordidshestopsuckinghim.Withhertongue,she
flickedthetip.Morepre-cumspilledintohermouth,andsheswallowedhim.
“Sofuckingsexy.”Suddenlyhepulledout.“Ifyoudon’tstopthatI’mnotgoingtolast,andIwant
tofuckyou,baby.”
Hetoreintothefoilpacket,removingthelatex,andslidingitoverhisdick.
Inthenextsecondhehadheronherfeet,andhislipswereonhersinasearingkissthatawakened
herentirebody.
Camdendroppedhertothebed,andshespreadherthighs.Hefollowedherdown,andwhenshe
madetomovefurtherupthebed,hestoppedherwithhishandsonherhips,keepingherattheedge.
“Iwanttowatchasyoursweetpussyopensforme,baby.”
Shelookedbetweenthemasheranthetipofhiscockupanddownherslit.Hebumpedherclit.
Pleasurerushedoverher,andhebumpedherclitagain.Camdenmovedthetipdown,andshewatched
andfeltasheslowlystartedtosinkinsideher.
Ithadbeenalongtime,andCamdenwasn’tsmall.Nowherenearsmall,andashethrustinside
her,hestretchedher.
“Oh,baby,you’resofuckingtight.”Hishandsgrippedherknees,keepingherlegsopen.She
lookedupathimtoseehimstaringbetweenwheretheywerejoined.
Hishandsslidfromherkneesdowntoherhips.Heheldherasheslammedeverysingleinchof
hisdickinsideher.Hewaslong,thick,wide,andhemadeherache.
“Perfect.Sofuckingperfect,”hesaid.Hislipspressedagainsthers,andsheheldontohis
shoulders.
Hewassobigthatshefelteachpulseofhiscockinsideher.
“Haveyoucome?”sheasked.
“No.Ijustlovebeinginsideyou.”Hekissedherlips.“YouhavenoideahowmuchIlikehowthis
isgoing.”Heranhishandsupanddownhercurves.“I’maddictedtoyou.”
“Youdon’tthinkI’mtoofat?”sheasked.
“Baby,you’reperfectjustthewayyouare.”
ChapterSix
Camdenlovedherbody.Hewasastrong,hardguy,andhewasabigguy.Alyssawassoft,
rounded,andeverythingthatwasthecompletelyoppositeofhim.Holdingontoherhips,hekeptherin
placeasshegrewaccustomedtohimbeinginsideher.Shewasincrediblytight,tighterthanheever
imagined.
“Ineverwantyoutochange,”hesaid.
“Iwon’t.”
“Goodbecauseyouneverneedtoforme.Ilikeyouexactlythewayyouare.”
Hestartedtoeaseoutofherpussy,andlookeddowntowherehiscockwasstartingtoappear.
Thelatexwascoveredinhercream.Keepingholdofherhips,hestaredintohereyes,andwatchedashe
startedtorockwithinher.Hewentslowatfirst,andbegantospeedup,thrustingharderanddeeper
withinher.
Shethrustupagainsthim,andherodeherpussy.Hertitsbouncedwitheachthrust,anditwasn’t
enough.Hewantedtogetdeeperinsideher,andfuckherharder.Movingthembothupthebed,hegot
Alyssatoholdontotheheadboardashestartedtorideherpussyevenharder.
“Camden?”
“What,baby?”heasked.
“Itfeelsamazing.So…good.”
“Iknow.Yourpussyisso…fucking…mine.”Heslammedeveryinchinsideher,andleaned
downtakingoneofhernipplesintohismouth.“I’mgoingtocome,”hesaid.Hebitdownonhernipple,
andslammedeveryinchofhisdickinsideher.Afterafewthrusts,hethrusteveryinchwithinher,andhis
orgasmcrashedoverhim.
Pressinghislipsagainsthers,heplunderedhistongueintohermouth,andknewwithoutadoubt
thathehadfinallyfoundtheone.HeonlyhopedthatAlyssafeltthesameway.
Minutespassed,andheopenedhiseyes.
Alyssawassmilingupathim.“Ididn’tplanthisfortoday.”Herblueeyestwinkled.
“NeitherdidI,butIcan’tsaythatI’mnothappy.”Hestrokedafingerdownhercheek,runninghis
thumbacrossherlip.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutnothingelsethispastweek.”
“Youhave.Well,Camden,youneedtostartfindingsomethingelsetothinkabout.”Shegavehima
wink.
Hechuckled.“Youdon’tregretwhathappened?”
“No.Idon’tregretit.Ienjoyedit.Ithasbeenalongtimeforme.”
“Samehere.Itookavowofcelibacy.”
“Youdid?”Henodded.“Ididaswell.”
“We’vebothgotgreatminds.”
Shechuckled.“Youknowourfriendsaregoingtowanttoknowwhathappenedtoday.”
“Wecantellthem.Idon’tmind.You’reminenow,Alyssa.Doesthatbotheryou?”heasked.
“No,itdoesn’t.Ikindoflikeit.”
“Good.”Hepressedakisstoherlips.“IthinkI’mgoingtohavetodealwiththistilingbusiness,
don’tyou?”
“Ithinkso.”
Hepulledoutofherpussy,andaskedforthebathroom.Shepointedtowardadoor,andhewentto
takecareofthecondom.
Secondslater,heenteredthebedroomtofindherinherbraandpanties.Theredlacewassexy,
andheleanedagainstthebathroomdoor.“Ilikethatset.Wheredidyougetitfrom?”
Hercheekswerebrightred.“Youstartledme.Iwasjustgettingdressed.”
Hewatchedasshegrabbedapillowandplaceditinfrontofherbody.
“Whyareyouhidingfromme?”heasked.
“I’mnot.Iputyourclothesonthechairifyou’dliketogetthem.”
Somethingwasgoingonhere,andhedidn’tknowexactlywhatitwas,buthewasgoingtofindout
what.
Sittingontheedgeofthebed,hetouchedthepillow,andnoticedshehelditinadeathgrip.
“I’vebeeninsideyou,Alyssa.I’vetastedyourpussy.Tellmewhat’swrong,”heasked.
“It’snothing.”
“Thengivemethepillow,andshowmethatprettylittleoutfit.”
Sheturnedtowardhim.“Youreallywanttoseeit.”
“Yeah,Ido.”
“Idon’tthinkyoudo.”
“Ido,andI’mnotmovinguntilyoushowme.”Hestrokedafingerdownherarm.“Youdon’tneed
tohidefromme.Notever.”
“I…I’mnotslim.”
“Iknowthat.Myhandshavebeenonyourcurves,andIlovethem,baby.Didn’tyoufeelhow
muchIenjoyedit?”
Shetookadeepbreath.
“Look,thiswasn’taquickpityfuck,oranythinglikethat.This,forme,wasthestartofsomething
more.Don’tyoufeelthesame?”heasked.
“Yeah,Ido.”
“Thengivemethis.”
Secondspassed,evenminutes,andfinallyshehandedhimthepillow,andstood.Therewerea
fewstretchmarksonherstomach,buttheyweresolightthatitwasonlyifthelightshoneonherthathe
sawthem.
Herbodywascurvy,andhefoundherabsolutelybeautiful.Hertitsweresobig,herstomach
rounded,andhecouldn’twaittoseeitswollenwithhiskid.
Hesawtearswereshininginhereyes,andhehatedthat.
“Thisisme,”shesaid.
“AndIthinkyou’rethemostbeautifulwomanI’veeverseen.”Hetookherhandsandstoodup.“I
promiseyou,Alyssa.Youneverhavetohidefromme,orpretendtobesomethingyou’renot.Okay?I
wantyoujustforyou,andthat’sthewayit’sgoingtostay.”Hepressedakisstoherlips,andvowedthat
ifanyoneevermadeherfeellikecrapagain,theywouldallanswertohim.Noonehurthiswoman,no
one.Hewouldtakecareofherfortherestoftheirlives.
****
“So,howwasit?”EdithaskedthefollowingMonday.
Alyssalookedupfromherchickensaladtoseeallofherfriendsstaringather.“You’veallbeen
dyingtoaskthisquestion?”
“Iwantedtovisityou,butChristoldmenotto,”Milliesaid.“Doyouknowhowharditistonot
makeaphonecallwhenyoureally,reallywantto?”
Shesmiled.“Itwasperfect.Hestayedoverthatnight.Thetilingisamazing.Hereallydoesgreat
work.”
“Notthat,silly,”Sammysaid.“Wewanttoknowifhegotdowntothegoodstuff.”
“Thegoodstuff?”
“Didyousleepwithhim?Hestayedover,sosomethingnaughtyhadtohavehappened?”Edith
asked.
Alyssa’scheeksheated.Therereallywasnogettingawayfromit.Shelovedherfriends,andshe
nodded.“Weslepttogether.Wehadsex.”Shecringedatherownclinicalresponse.She’dneverbeen
goodatthesexytalk,orevenmakingitsoundbetter.Camdenwas…fantastic.Hewassosweetanddirty,
andwondering,andtender,andallthegoodthingswrappedupinonegorgeouspackage,andyes,hemade
hermelt.“Ilikehim.Ireallylikehim.”
Thewayhetouchedherbody,strokedher,andhiswords.Everysinglepartoftheweekendwent
downasherfavoriteinallofherhistory.
Allthreeofherfriendsclappedtheirhands,andcheered.
“Weknewyoutwowouldhititoff.YouandCamdenweremadeforeachother.You’reyinand
yang,balance,hotandcold,lightanddark,andeverything,”Milliesaid.
“Seansaidtheywouldgowell,”Edithsaid.“Iwasworriedatfirst.You’venotbeendatingfor
sometime,andIdidn’twantyoutogethurt,andneitherdidSean.Thisisnewforyou.”
“Iknow.”Shecouldn’tbelievethatithadbeenaweek,andtheyhadalreadyslepttogether,not
justonceeither.Camdenhadbeeninsidehermultipletimes,andeverymomentwasbetterthanthelast.“I
…he…it’snatural,youknow?Hemakesmefeelamazing,andIlikehim.Ireallydo.”Shepierceda
chickenpiece,andpoppeditintohermouth.
“Iforoneamhappyforyou,”Sammysaid.“It’sgreattoseeyouhappy,andfortoolongyou’ve
notbeen.”
AlyssawassittingbesideSammy,sosherestedherheadagainstherfriend.“Thankyou.You
knowIadoreyou.”Shebeamedupatherfriend.
“He’sagoodguy,”Edithsaid.“Justsoyouknow,hehurtsyou,I’llhurthimeventhoughitwillbe
hardtodo,butthisiswhatfriendsdoright?Wehaveeachother’sback.”
Alyssarolledhereyes.“Youintroducedus.Youshouldn’tbesoworried.He’swonderful.”She
tookabiteofherchicken.“Now,talkaboutsomethingelse.I’mallgood.Noneofyouhavetoworry
aboutmeatall.”
ConversationwenttoEdithandSean’sanniversaryplans.Theyweregoingawayforthat
weekend,aswereSammyandMillie.Shewasreallyhappyforthem,andlookedforwardtotheirtales.
Afterlunchshewentbacktowork,andwashappytofinishherwork.Everypersonwhophonedher,
needinghelp,shedidwhatevertheyneeded,directingthemtotherightdepartment,andansweringallthe
necessaryquestions.
Attheendoftheday,shehummedtoherselfassheleftthebuilding.Herfriendshadalreadyleft
asitwasahalfdayforthem.
Shewasmakingherwaytohercarwhenshenoticedalittlewhiteenveloperestingonher
windshield.Takingitoutfromthewindow,sheopeneditup.
Alyssa,
Didn’twanttointerruptyourlunchsoI’veleftyouthis.Followthesedirections,andIlook
forwardtoseeingyou.Trustme.
CamdenXXX
Herheartdidaflutter,andtypingtheaddressintoherGPS,sheclimbedbehindthewheel,and
followedthosedirections.Thedrivetookherintheoppositedirectionofherhouse,andtowardthe
country.Shelovedtherelaxingdrive,thesceneryasshepassed.Itwasawarmevening,andthesunwas
stillshiningasitstartedtogodown.
Shemadeasuddenturning,goingdownalargegravelpath.Whenshewastoldshehadarrived,
thereontheporchstepswasCamden.Heheldasingleredrose,andshesawhissmile.Parkingup,she
climbedoutofhercarandpushedhersunglassesintoherhair.
“Thisisyourplace?”sheasked.
“Thisismyhome,andoverthere,”hesaid,pointingawayfromthehousewhereshesawanother
building,“iswhereIdomywork.”
“Yourwork?”
“Yeah,allthegoodstufflikeyourcoffeetable.”Hehandedtherose.“Youlookbeautiful.”
“I’vebeenatworkallday.Iprobablylooklikeaslob.”
“Asexyslob.”Hegrabbedherhand,andpulledherinclose.Shenoticedhe’dremovedallthe
thornsfromtherose.Camdendroppedhislipsdowntohers,kissingher.“I’vebeenwantingtodothat
sincethismorning.”
“Yousawmethismorning,”shesaid.
“Iknow,anditwastoolongbetweenkisses.”Hekissedheragain.
“Youcametomywork?”sheasked.
“Yeah.”
“Whydidn’tyoucall?”
“Iaskedifyouwereavailable,andIwastoldyou’dalreadygonetolunchwiththegirls.Itakeit
theywantedtoknowhowweweregoing?”heasked.
“Yougotit.Ididn’ttellthemtoomuch.They’reexcitedforthetwoofus.”
“Good,becauseI’mexcitedaboutthetwoofusaswell.”Helockedtheirfingerstogether,andshe
sawtheglintinhiseye.
“Whatisit?”sheasked.
“Come.”Hemovedaroundhishome,andshelookedforwardtoseeinginsidehishome.
Sheguessedeverythingaroundhishousewasdonebyhim,thedecorating,thebuilding,allofit.
Hewasthekindofguywhoclearlyenjoyedworkingwithhishands.She’dbeenonthereceivingendof
hisskills,andhewasamazing.
“Iwantedtomakethisspecial,”hesaid.
Alyssagasped.
Onhislawnwasasingletablewithcandles,andlaidbeautifully.Itwastheperfectromantic
evening.
WherehadCamdenbeenallofherlife?
ChapterSeven
Camdenhadgottenhomeearlytomowhislawn,getthetablesetup,andthenevenorderfromhis
localItalianplace.Heknewtheowner,andhadcutadealwithsomewoodcarvingsthathe’dcraftfor
them.
“Whatdoyouthink?”heasked.
“You’vemademedinner?”
“No,I’vegotteneverythingelsereadyforagooddinner.Icannotcook,andIdon’tenjoycooking.
WhatIdowellisbeingnice.ThelocalItalianrestaurantisapersonalfriend,andIgothimtomakeme
dinnersothatIcanprepareitforyou.”Hetookherhand,andtheneasedoutoneofthechairs.“Please,
miss,haveaseat.”
Shechuckled.“You’resuchacharmer.”
“Iknow.Ihopeyoulikethefood.”
Heleft,andrushedtowardhiskitchen.Openinguptheoven,heremovedthechickencacciatore.
Therewasalsopolenta,anddessertwasinthefridge.
Carryingoutthechickenandpolenta,hesawshehadalreadypouredthemaglassofwine.
“Idon’tthinkIcanhavethiswine,butthethoughtisreallynice,”shesaid.
“You’renotgoinghome.You’regoingtostaywithme.Afterall,youhadmeoverfortheweekend,
andnowit’smyturntosharemylifewithyou.”
“You’reastrangeman,Camden.I’msurprisedawomanhasn’tsnappedyouupalready.”
“Luckyforyou,I’mallyours.”
Hetookasipofthewine,andeventhoughhe’dhavelikedabeer,hewentwiththewine.
“Thisiswonderful,”shesaid,servingthembothupaplatefuloffood.“Thislooksandsmellsso
good.Maybeyoucouldintroducemetoyourfriend.”
“Anytime,”hesaid.First,hewasgoingtomakesuresheknewwhoshebelongedto.Theocould
beacharmer,andCamdenwasn’tinterestedinlosinghisgirltohisfriend.
Theyclinkedtheirglasses,andhewatchedasshetookasip,andthendugintothefood.Overthe
weekendhehadwatchedherinherkitchen,evenashewastiling.Shewasalwayspottering,andheloved
watchingher.
Itmadehimwonderifshe’dlovehiskitchen.Histhoughtshadgonefromherstayingwithhim,to
suddenlylivingwithhim,andbeforeheknewwhatwashappening,hewasplanninghisfuturewithher.
“Whatareyouthinking?”sheasked.
“Doyouwantmetobehonest?”
“Yeah,ofcourse.”
“I’mthinkingaboutthefuture.”
“Ourfuture?”
Henodded.“I’mnotanormalkindofguy.Iwasthinkingaboutwhatourlifewouldbelike.”
“We’veknowneachotheroneweek.”
“Iknow.I’mcrazy,huh?”
“Justalittlebit.”Sheheldherfingersup,pressingthemtogether.“It’smovingalittlefast.”She
glancedaroundher.“Idothinkyourhomeislovely.Doyoudoalltheworkonit?”
“AsmuchasIcan.Afterwe’veeaten,I’lltakeyouforatour.”Hetookabiteofthechicken.It
waswarm,succulent,anddelicious.“Howwaswork?”
“Itwasgood.”
“Doyouenjoywhatyoudo?”heasked.
“It’sokay.Idoenjoyit,especiallywhenIcanhelppeople.WhatIhateiswhenIcan’thelp
people.Thatdoesbugme.”Shetookanothersipofhercoffee.
Theytalkedaboutwhattheyhaddonethatday,andenjoyedtheirmeal.Whentheyfinished,he
pouredheranotherglassofwine,andthentookherhand.
“Thislandisallmine.”Hepointedoutasmallpatchnearthekitchen.“I’mhopingtoturnthatinto
akitchengardenintime.WhenIhavekids,I’mgoingtodoasmallplayareaforthem.Ifyoulookover
there,I’vealreadygotplansforatreehouse.”
“Youreallydowantkids,don’tyou?Thisisn’taboutmakingmelikeyouevenmore.”
“Ofcoursenot,”hesaid.“I’mbeingcompletelyhonesthere.”Hewrappedhisarmaroundher
waist,andpulledherclose.Camdenlovedhercurves.Strokingherhip,hekissedhertemple.“Iwon’tlie
toyou.”
Shesnuggledagainsthim.
“Comeon,let’sgooninside,andI’llshowyouaround.”Hetookheraroundthefrontofthehouse,
andthesunwasstartingtoset,soheflickedthelighton,closingthedoor.Behindthem.
“Whataboutthetable?”
“Noonecomesaroundhere,baby.It’llstillbethereinthreeweeksifIdidn’tmoveit.”
Shelaughed.“Okay.Sothisisaniceandreclusivespot.”
“It’sthebest.Iimagineintimethereisgoingtobealotofhousesbuilt,butI’vegotenough
privacyforme.”Therewerenoplanstobuildhousesanytimesoon.Takingherintothesittingroom,he
showedoffthecozinessthathe’dcreated.Therewerethreelongsofas,aruginthecenter,nearthefire,
andatelevisionforthefootballgameswhenevertheywereon.
“Wow,”shesaid.“It’sbeautiful.”
Hewasalreadyseeingthemsnuggledupnakedinfrontofaroaringfire.Chocolatesauceand
strawberrieswerealsointhepicture.
Movingtowardthediningroom,heflickedonthelightasitwasthedarkestroominthehouse.
Thetablewaslong,andhe’dbuiltithimself,alongwithallthechairs.
“Thisreallyisamazing.Youcouldn’tbuythiskindofcraftanywhereelse.”
“Thankyou.”
“Imeanit,Camden.Thisisreallygood.”
Sheranherhandacrossthetopofoneofthechairs.“It’sreallynice.Ilikeit.”
Heshowedherthesmalllibraryhewasstillintheprocessoffinishingup,whichthenledtothe
kitchen.Itwasthelargestroominthehouse,andwhathewasparticularlyproudofit.
“Howlonghaveyoubeenbuildingthis?”sheasked.
“Agoodfifteenyears.Itwasaninvestment,andIliketokeepbusy.I’veneverbeenthekindof
guytositinfrontofthetelevisionallday.Iliketogetaround,dostuff.”
“Igetit,Ido.Thisis,it’samazing,Camden.Youcanseetheloveyou’veputintoit.Iadoreit.”
Good,becausehewantedtoshareitallwithher.
****
StandingintheshowerAlyssatensedupasCamdenwalkedintotheroom.Throughtheshower
door,shewatchedashestrippeddownuntilhewascompletelynaked.Hewasagorgeoussighttosee.
“I’mcomingintothatshower,whetheryoulikeitornot.”
Healreadyknewthatshestruggledwhenitcametobeingcompletelynakedinfrontofhim.That
firstdaytheyhadsex,she’dbeennervousashellbutalsodrunkonarousal,soitwasnexttoimpossible
toignore.Inthosemomentsinhisarms,she’dforgottenaboutherweight,andherissues.
Thedooropened,andshestrugglednottocoverherself.He’dseenhercompletelynaked,and
he’dbeeninsideher,eventastedher,yetitwasstillhardforhertoignoreherownissues.
“Youneverneedtocoveryourselfwhenyou’rewithme,baby.”Hesteppedupclose,takingher
arms,andwrappingthemaroundhisnecksotheywereflushagainsteachother.“You’rereallysomething,
youknow?”Heranhishandsupanddownherbody,cuppingherassashedid.
“Doyouthinkyou’llalwaysbelievethat?”sheasked.
“Yeah,Ido.I’mnotfickleorstupid.IknowwhatIwant,Alyssa.Whataboutyou?Whatdoyou
want?”
Shestaredintohiseyes,andfoundcomfortinhisgaze.“Iwanttobehappy.Iwanttobelievein
whatwe’vestartedhere.”
“Youroldboyfriends.They’remakingyoudoubtme?”heasked.
“Notdoubtyoubuttodoubtthisfeeling.It’sallsoeasytofallrightnow.Idon’tknowifyouleave
thetoiletseatup.Youdon’tknowifIleavethelidoffthetoothpaste.”
“Seriously?That’swhatyou’rethinkingabout?”
“Coupleshavepartedoverless.Yearsfromnowwhenallthefirsttimemagichasgone,willyou
stillbewantingmetonotcovermyselfintheshowerorwilltherebesomeyoungerwomantotemptyou
awayfromme?”sheasked.
“No.Therewon’tbe.”
“Howcanyouknow?”
“Howcanyouknowthatsomeyoungstudwon’tbearoundtodosomethingtoyourbodythatI
can’t?Canyoutellmethat?”
“I’dneverdosomethinglikethat,”shesaid.
“Exactly.I’mgivingyoumyword,andit’snotgoodenough.Ibelieveyou,andyouknowwhat,I
havefaithinthetwoofus.”Hepressedakisstoherlips.“You’vegottolearntohavetrustinme.”He
squeezedherass.“Becauseyou’renotgettingridofme.Notever.”Hisgazestayedonhers.“I’minthis,
alltheway.Areyou?”
Staringintohiseyeswithhishandsonherbody,shenodded.“Yeah,Iam.”
Hepressedherupagainstthecorneroftheshower,slamminghislipsdownonhers.“Fuck,baby,
thankyou.”
“No,thankyouforputtingupwithme,”shesaid.“Thankyou.”
Shecuppedhisface,andkissedhislips,needinghistouchmorethansheneededanythingelse.
Camdengrippedherass,andliftedherup.Secondslaterhefilledherpussy,slidingeverysingle
inchofhiscockinsideher.
“You’renotwearingacondom,”shesaid,grippinghisshoulders.
“Idon’tcare.Ineedtofeelyou.”
“I’mnotthatstupid,”shesaid,laughing.“Iknowthereisstillariskthatsomethingcanhappen.”
“IfitdoesI’lltakecareofyou.”
Thereissomethingaboutamansayinghe’dtakecareofyouthatwentstraighttotheheart.With
hergazeonhis,shemeltedagainsthim,needinghislovingmorethananythingelse.Hegrabbedherass,
andheldhertightlyashefuckedheragainsttheshowerwithwaterrunningdownthem.
Nothingcouldhavebeenmoreperfectforher.
Holdinghimtightlyinherarms,shetookpossessionofhislips,knowingshewoulddoanything
forhim.
Camdenreachedbetweenthemandstartedtoteaseherclit,runninghisfingeragainstherclitwith
eachthrust.Shemovedhishandoutoftheway,strokingherclitasherodeherbodyhard,fillinghertothe
brim.
“Fuck,baby,youmakemesocrazy.”Heleaneddown,takingoneofhernipplesintohismouth.
“Please,Camden.I’msoclose.”
Shestrokedoverherclit,feelingthebuildofherownorgasm.
“Yourpussyissodamntight,andsoperfect.Ican’tbelieveyouthinkI’dleaveyou.Ifucking
craveyou.”
Hiswordsfilledherwithsomuchjoy,somuchlove.
Herorgasmrushedoverher,andCamdencontinuedtorockinsideher,drivingevendeeperinside
her.
“Fuck,yeah,that’sit,babe.Comeallovermycock.Fuck!”
ThreemorethrustsandCamdenexploded.
Hedidn’tpullout.
Andshedidn’tcare.
Holdinghimclosetoher,shekissedhislips,knowingwithoutadoubtthathewastheone.Even
thoughshewasscaredtocompletelycommit,itwasthetruth.
“Howcanyounothavefaithinthis,babe?”heasked.
“Ido.It’smyowncrazythoughts.I’mgoingtoworkonthat.Ipromise.”
Camdenpushedsomehairoutofherface.“I’llnevercheatonyou.Iknowwhatitfeelsliketobe
cheatedon,andthatwillneverhappen.”Hepressedakisstoherlips.“Ipromise.”
“I’llneverlietoyoueither.”
ChapterEight
Thedaysandweekswentby.AlyssastayedatCamden’splace,andhestayedathers.Theyrarely
wereapart,andhadevenbeenondateswiththeirfriends.Itfeltgoodtohaveheronhisarm,andtohold
herclose.Fuck,helovedher.Therewasnootherwordforit.Helovedbeingwithher,andbeingapart
wasacrazyassedidea.
Ifshehadalongdayattheoffice,he’dwaitforherandtexthertomakesureshewasokay.Their
weekendswerespenttogether.Evenwhenhewasworkingonsomecommissionitems,helovedhaving
heraround.She’dsitinoneofhischairs,andshe’dread.Notoncedidsheinvadehisspace,ortalk
constantly.
Infact,hetalkedtoherallthetime,andbroughtheroutofhershell.
Shestoppedbeingnervousaboutbeingnakedinfrontofhim.Hewouldn’tlethercoverup.He
wantedtoseeherbody,andbeabletotouchherhimself.
“Areyousureaboutthis,man?”SeanaskedafterthreemonthsofhimdatingAlyssa.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“We’reinajewelrystore,andweallknowwhatyou’regoingtodo.”Seanpointedathimself,
Chris,andMarshall.“You’regoingtoaskhertomarryyou.”
Hedidn’tdenyit.Therewasnopoint.HewantedtomarryAlyssa,andmakeherhis.
“There’snothingwrongwiththat.”
“Haveyouthoughtthisthrough?”Marshallasked.
Camdenlookedupathisthreefriends.Theywereallstaringbackathim.“Whatisit?”
“We’reworried.Youknowithasonlybeenacoupleofmonths,”Chrissaid.
“So?”
“Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant?”Seanasked.
Camdenglanceddownattherowsofengagementrings,andturnedtowardhisfriends.“I’venever
beenmoresureofanythinginmylife.Yeah,ithasonlybeenafewmonths,butyouknowwhat?Iknow.I
knowwhatIwant,andIwantAlyssa.Iloveher.Iwanthertobelongtome.She’smyfuture.”
SilencefellbetweenthemuntilMarshallclearedhisthroat.“Youknowwe’reallgoingtosuck
becauseofthis.”
“Don’tcare.EdithalreadyknowsIloveher,andaslipofpaperwillneverchangethat.”Sean
slappedhimontheback.“Ibetterbebestman.”
“Youallwillbe.First,I’vegottopickouttherightring,andthengethertoactuallyagreeto
marryme.”
“Youthinkshe’llrefuse?”Chrisasked.
“Idon’tknowwhattothink.It’swhatIloveabouthersodamnmuch.Shealwayskeepsme
guessing.”
“CanIhelpyou?”theladybehindthecounterasked.
Camdensmiled.“I’mlookingforanengagementringformygirl.”
“Whatdoesshelike?”
“Nothingtooflashy.She’sanathomekindofgirl.”
“Ah,hereareourdelicateengagementrings.Theystillhavethewowfactorwithoutdrawingtoo
muchattention.”Shepulledoutseveraltrays,andheglancedthroughthemall.Finally,afteranhourof
decidingwhichring,hewasreadytoaskthequestion.
“You’renotgoingstraightthere,”Chrissaid.“Milliewantsmetogetallthedetailsofhowyou’re
goingtopropose.”
Camdenlaughed.“I’mgoingtogetdownononeknee,andaskher.”Hedidn’tthinkalavishaffair
withabandandanaudiencewouldbehisorAlyssa’sstyle.
Afterheplacedthevelvetboxinhisjacket,theymadetheirwaytowardthedineracrossfromthe
jewelrystore.
“You’renotgoingtoplanit?Fireworks?Doves?Romance?”
“Therewillberomance,”Camdensaid.“Onlyit’llbethekindofromanceAlyssawillwant.”
Laterthatnight,Camdenlitcandles,andmadesureeverythingwassetforanightofperfection.
Alyssashouldbearrivingsoon.Hemadesurethebedwaspresseddown,andranhishandsoverthe
sheettomakesureitwassmooth.
Hetookanotherglancearoundtheroom,andwhenhewassatisfied,helefttheroomtogodown
towardthestairs.
Onthelaststephisdooropened,andthemomenthesawAlyssaheknewsomethingwaswrong.
“Babe,what’sthematter?”heasked,movingtowardher.
Shehadtearsinhereyes,andhewaitedassheputherjacketbesidehis,andtookoffherheels.
“There’ssomethingI’vegottotellyou,”shesaid.
Camdentookherhands.“I’vegotsomethingIwanttotellyouaswell.”
“Whyarewegoingtoyourbedroom?”sheasked.
“Ihaveitallsetup.”Hewasnervousnow.Whydidshelooksad?Hadsomethinghappened?Was
shehavingsecondthoughts?
Pushinghisnervesaside,hetookholdofherhands,andbentdownononekneethemomentthey
enteredhisbedroom.
“Camden?Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked.
“ThereissomethingIwanttosay,andIdon’twanttogoanothermomentwithouttellingyou.”
“I’vegotsomethingtosaytoyouaswell.”Shesqueezedhishand.“Ithinkit’simportantthatIsay
whatI’vegottosayfirst.”
“Iwantyoutomarryme.”
“I’mpregnant.”
Theybothspokeatthesametime,andCamdenstaredather.“You’repregnant?”
“Youwantmetomarryyou?”
“Yes,baby,fuck,Iloveyousomuch,andIspentalldaytodayfindingaring.”Hegrabbedthering
outofhis,andopenedit.Shewaspregnant.Theyweregoingtohaveababy.Hiscockthickened,andhe
wassofuckingexcited.Shewasgoingtohavehisbaby.Everythingwascomingtogether.
“Youloveme?”sheasked,tearsinhereyes.
“Yes,Iloveyou.Howcanyouevendoubtit,baby?Iloveyousodamnmuch,andyou’repregnant.
ThatformeisthebestfuckingnewsI’veheardinalong,longtime.”
“Edithtoldmetotakethetesttoday.”Alyssawentdownonherknees,andcuppedhisface.“I
loveyou,Camden.I’vebeenterrifiedtotellyouincaseyoudidn’tfeelthesamewayaboutme.”
“Iloveyou.We’regoingtohaveababy?”heasked.
“Yeah,we’regoingtohaveababy.”
Heslidtheengagementringonherfinger,andsheplacedhishandonherroundedstomach.
“That’ssosexy.”Camdenpressedakisstoherstomach.“Iloveyou.Iloveyousomuch.I’mnevergoing
toletyougo.Youknowthat.I’mgoingtomakeyouthehappiestwomanalive.Ibetallmensaythat,but
youknowwhat?Imeanit.”
Shelaughed.“I’venotsaidyesyet.”
“Thenpleasesayyes,andputmeoutofmymisery.”
“Camden…yes,Iwillmarryyou.”
Hepulledheragainsthim,andslammedhislipsdownonhers.Shehadalreadymadehimthe
happiestmanintheworld.
Epilogue
Tenyearslater
“Ben,becarefulwiththat.You’llcutyourfingeroffifyou’renot,”Camdensaid,shoutingtoward
hisoldest,whowastryingtofinishoffhisfirstwoodcarvingforschool.
Glancingaroundtheyard,hesawhislittlegirl,Bethany,wasontheswing,withLea,inthe
sandbox.
Jonathonrushedoutofthehousewithhismotherclosebehindhim.Alyssawascarryingalarge
trayofdrinks.Theyhadfourchildrenwithanotherontheway.
They’dgottenmarriedtenyearsago,amonthafterheproposed.Theirfriendsdidn’tlastmuch
longerafterthem.Withthenexttwoyears,theywereallmarried.HeandAlyssahadtheirfirstchild,Ben,
thefollowingyear,aftertheyweremarried,withthreeyearstopassforBethany,followedbyJonathon
twoyearsafterthat.Leawasonlytwo,andnowtheyhadanotherontheway.
Lifewasexactlyhowheimaginedittobe.Itwaspeaceful,tranquil,andhelovedit.Hereally
did.Everynighthe’dtakeAlyssaintohisarms,andbethankfulthatalloftheothermenscrewedupsohe
couldclaimherashisown.
“Hello,baby,”hesaid,takingthetrayfromherarms.
“Heyyourself.”Shekissedhislips,andsmiled.“Howareyoudoing?”
“Youknowthatismyquestion.”Heplacedthetrayonthetable,andwatchedastheirkidscameto
getadrink.Thiswashisfamily.“Howisourlittleangel?”heasked,rubbingherstomach.“Andmore
importantly,howareyou?”
“Iamfine,andIwantedtotellyouaboutthat.Thedoctor,erm,we’rehavingtwins.”
“What?”
“Yeah,thereweretwoheartbeatsonthetest,anddon’tworry.They’rehealthy,andsoamI.I’ve
gottotakeiteasy.”Shesmiled.“We’regoingtobetheparentsofsixchildren.”
“Iloveyou,”hesaid.
“Iloveyou,too.”
PullingAlyssaintohisarms,Camdenglancedaroundtheyard,seeinghischildren,theirlives
broughttogetheroutoflove.
Theirfriendshaddonesomethingrightinvitinghimtothatdinner.He’dfinallyfoundthewoman
forhim,andhewasgratefulofthateverysingleday.
“Oh,Camden,Icalledourfriends.They’recomingnextSaturdayfordinner.Ineedtotakeatrip
intotowntobuysomestuff.”
“I’lltakeyou.”Hekissedherlips.“Allofustogether.”
“Itisourtenyearanniversary.Idon’tknowifyouknow,butonSaturdayitwillbeexactlythe
samedaywemettenyearsago.”
“Iknowit.You’vemademethehappiestmanalive.”
“Andyou’vemademethehappiestwomanaswell.”
Hepressedhislipstohers,andknewhislifewasperfect.Hewouldn’tchangeathing.
TheEnd
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