“I’ll call her later.” He thrust his hips against her, slow and easy, showing her exactly what he wanted to do instead of seeing who was at the door.
Whoever it was started knocking. Waited a second then knocked again. “I know you’re in there, Chloe! I see your car in the driveway.”
“It’s Ali.” She shoved at Cam’s brick wall shoulders, trying to push him off her, but he wouldn’t budge. “I need to see what she wants.”
“Let her go. You can talk to her later.” He nuzzled her face with his, so sweet and warm. She sighed, breathing in his heady scent.
She wanted to give in to him. If she had her way, she’d stay in bed with him all day. Naked and sleepy, making love, napping together, eating together, making love again.
But real life intruded. And she needed to see what her friend wanted, make sure everything was okay.
“Just give me a few minutes.” Rearing up, she kissed him on the cheek. “Please?”
“Well, since you asked so nicely.” He rolled to his side, letting her go. She leapt from the bed, went to the dresser, and pulled out a pair of black stretch cropped leggings, then grabbed her favorite bright pink sports bra, slipping it over her head before she threw on an old oversize T-shirt.
All the while Cam watched her, lying on his side, elbow pressed into the mattress, head propped on his fist, smug smile curving his lips.
She paused while pulling her hair back into a sloppy ponytail, breathless at the sight of him lying there, the sheet low on his hips, his hair a mess from her hands, his mouth swollen, his face scruffy with who knew how many days’ worth of stubble. She wanted to climb back into bed and hold him close. Forget about everyone else.
“Changing your mind?” His brows rose in question.
Chloe shook her head. “No. I can’t. I’ll be right back.” She started for the door but turned around, went to him so she could give him one more kiss.
He sat up, cupped the back of her head and kissed her again, his lips lingering when she slowly pulled away. “You sure I can’t tempt you to stay with me and ignore her?”
Oh God, he could tempt her. He already was. “Just give me a few minutes. And stay in the room. I don’t want her to know you’re here with me.”
“You don’t think she’ll figure it out?” He frowned.
“Your truck is still at The Tree. And I need to tell her first. Not have you sauntering out there in your underwear looking like you do.”
He chuckled. “Like I’m going to saunter in front of Ali only in my underwear. And what do you mean, looking like I do?”
“All relaxed and loose with that satisfied grin on your face.” She pulled away from him completely, went to the bedroom door.
“You’re wearing the same look, babe,” he said softly, causing her to glance back at him. “And you’re real pretty with it, too.” The heat in his gaze told her exactly what he was thinking and with a groan she escaped, shut the door behind her.
Ali was still pounding away. “I’m going to break this door down if you don’ t answer it,” she yelled, sounding positively fierce.
“Oh my gosh.” Chloe opened the door, startling Ali and she leapt back. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Alison looked incredibly irritated. And worried. “I’ve been trying to call you. Hoping you’d go on a walk with me. There’s something I need to tell you.”
Chloe pressed her lips together. She felt bad for ignoring her friend. “I’m sorry. I think my phone shut off and I forgot to charge it.”
“Uh huh.” Ali rested her hands on her hips, clad in her usual let’s walk around the lake gear. “Where have you been? I haven’t talked to you in days. Weeks.”
“Busy.” She shrugged. Lamest excuse ever. She wasn’t even working—they were both on summer vacation. They usually spent most of it together.
“With whom?” Ali arched a dark blond brow. “Cameron McKenzie?”
She’d told Alison hardly anything, guarding her fragile relationship with Cam close to her heart for fear something could go terribly wrong and she’d look the fool. “You want to take that walk, then?”
“It’s sort of hot out here now,” Ali protested but Chloe stepped onto the front porch, shutting the door behind her. “All right, if you want to.”
“Great. Wait here for me. I need to go get my shoes on.” She hurried back into the house, slamming the door behind her and running to her bedroom so she could tell Cam what was up.
He was right where she left him, lying on his back now, his linked hands resting low on his flat belly. He snuck one eye open when she entered the room, watching her as she grabbed a pair of socks and her shoes. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving.”