“I think he’s moved on.For good,” I reply firmly.
Lexi’s jaw tightens, but she doesn’t back down.“You’re his roommate.You can talk to him for me.I’ll even pay you if that’s what it takes.”
I shake my head, appalled.“No, Lexi.You need to move on.Stop this.”
Her face hardens, but she doesn’t respond.Instead, she stands and stalks up the bleachers, her heels clicking loudly against the metal steps.
Landon watches her retreating figure, then turns to me.“She’s trouble, Cam.If she finds out about you and Fox, she’ll blow everything up just to prove a point.She’ll tell his dad, tell the whole school.She’ll make his life hell.”
I take a deep breath, looking back at Fox.He’s smiling at me now, that rare, soft smile that makes my heart flutter.Lexi doesn’t matter.Not anymore.Fox and I are strong, and that’s all that matters.
40
First Time
“Cam?”Fox’svoicepullsme from my thoughts.
I lift my head from beneath the cool water of the lake and spot him standing by the shoreline.A towel rests over his shoulder, and he’s holding a steaming mug in one hand.His smile is warm and inviting as he extends his free hand toward me.
“Enough swimming, yeah?”
I roll my eyes, chuckling, and take his hand.He effortlessly pulls me out of the water, droplets cascading down my body.Without missing a beat, he hands me the towel.
“Hot tea for you, my love,” Fox says, his voice soft and teasing as he offers me the mug.
I smile, shaking my head.“Such a romantic, huh?”
“I’m trying,” he replies with a dramatic sigh, though the smirk tugging at his lips betrays his playfulness.He grabs the towel from around my neck and begins gently drying my hair, his eyes never leaving mine.
I glance down into the mug, the dark tea swirling inside.“It’s hot,” I murmur.
Fox uses the edge of the towel to dab at my neck, his movements slow and deliberate.“We should get inside.We need to shower.”His words are casual, but there’s a glint in his eyes that makes my heart race.
I nod, and Fox wraps an arm around my waist, guiding me back to the cabin.The warmth of his touch lingers as we step inside, the door clicking shut behind us.
In the kitchen, I still haven’t sipped the tea.Fox notices, setting the mug down on the small island in the center of the room.“Drink it later when it’s cooler,” he says before nodding toward the hallway.“Come on.”
I follow him past the living room to the bathroom.Once inside, the familiar nervous flutter returns.Fox pulls his shirt over his head, revealing his toned chest and lean frame.He catches my gaze and smirks, his confidence as disarming as ever.
“Don’t be shy, babe,” he teases, stepping closer.
I take a deep breath, my eyes tracing the droplets of water still clinging to his dark curls from our swim.He’s in low-hanging basketball shorts, his skin pale and smooth under the warm cabin light.He’s beautiful, and it still floors me sometimes that he’s mine.
“Cam?”His voice snaps me back to reality, and I realize he’s standing right in front of me now, towering over me with an amused grin.
“Why are you nervous?”he asks, tugging lightly at the waistband of my shorts.
“I’m not,” I lie, my voice shaky.I hesitate before letting my hand trail down his chest, my fingers grazing his firm stomach.“I want you, Fox.All of you.And I don’t want you to deny me—not today.”
He blinks, clearly surprised, but his smirk only deepens.“You’re so fucking hot when you’re honest,” he says, brushing a strand of wet blonde hair from my face.
“So beautiful,” he whispers against my neck, his breath warm on my skin.“Always so beautiful.”
His lips brush my neck, and I shut my eyes, savoring the sensation.Building up courage, I trail my hand lower, past the waistband of his shorts.My fingers brush against him, his length growing under my touch.Fox exhales sharply, his breath hot against my skin, and I feel his hands slide to my hips.
He bites gently into my neck, but his restraint falters for a moment, and the pressure sharpens.I gasp.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” he murmurs, pulling back slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.
