Something Sweet (Curvy Women Wanted Book 1)

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ISBN:978-1-77339-157-1

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SOMETHINGSWEET

CurvyWomenWanted,1

SamCrescent

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.”

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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