Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
I hesitantly take his hand and stand with him, dropping his phone on the couch. He pulls me into his arms and begins to sway me in his embrace. He looks me right in the eyes.
I’m lost in his gaze. My heart is pounding and that pulsing between my legs is happening.
“‘What About Us.’ Track four. Diary of a Mad Band album. Also track nine on the Back to the Future-The Very Best of Jodeci album. This one is perfect,” he murmurs.
As Jodeci croons about being in need of love, I know I should back away. It might even be time to go. However, instead of running like I should, I wrap my arms around his neck.
I bite my lip as my mind screams all the reasons we shouldn’t do this. He’s angry with his girlfriend, but they’re not on a break this time. I have a madman waiting for me to return to marry him.
As much as we feel like we should be together, we can’t be. Cam reaches beneath my hair and palms the back of my neck. When I look into his eyes, I can see him pleading for something, but I can't give him an answer as my own confusion takes over.
He dips his head to kiss me, but I duck at the last minute and his lips meet my forehead. He allows his lips to linger against my skin as I drop my arms from around his neck and place my hands on his waist.
“Sorry,” he says and releases me to back away.
“Cam, I—”
“We’re friends. We both have a lot of shit going on. Kay doesn’t deserve this.
“This isn’t who I am. I’m sorry. Thanks for the company. You really took my mind off things. Let me walk you home.”
I nod. “Okay, thanks. I had fun. Maybe we can text or hang out sometime, like we used to.”
“I’d like that. I’ll definitely stop giving you the cold shoulder in chem class.”
I snort. “Yeah, same here.”
I go to collect my trash and empty containers while he grabs our coats. I don’t really want to leave and go back to my lonely place, but he’s right. I’m not that girl. I’m not about to sleep with someone else’s boyfriend.
“Maribel, can I call you Amina?”
I turn to look up at him and smile. “My mom calls me Mina. It’s been my nickname since I was little.”
“I like that. Is it okay for me too?”
“Yeah, Mina or Amina are fine.”
“Cool. Mina?”
“Yes, Cam?”
“Don’t give up. Things will work out. I believe you’ll find a way out.”
“Thanks, Cam. I needed to hear that. I think you and Kay will figure things out too. Sounds like you two used to be good friends. Try to keep that in mind.
“We grow up and life changes, but true friendships have a way of lasting. Don’t give up on the good things,” I reply.
He looks like he’s going to say something, but he clamps his mouth shut and shakes his head. So much has changed this evening. I think I have a friend for life.
I look down at the time on my phone. “Cam?”
“Yeah?”
“Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Mina,” he says and kisses my cheek.
CHAPTER 17
Games & Tempers
Cameron
Caleb wasn’t going to make it back for the game, for which my father got us a box for Christmas, so I texted Maribel to ask her to come along with me. I was afraid she would say no at first. Kay didn’t want to come when I asked her after Daddy first gifted us the box.
It made sense for him to get us a box when the gift was for me and Caleb. I would have felt dumb going all on my own. Maribel was all for it.
I’m glad I asked her. This has been so much fun. I haven’t laughed this much in I don’t know how long. I’m enjoying myself so much I’ve been trying not to excuse myself to go to the bathroom.
However, if she makes me laugh one more time, I’m going to pee myself. That would be so fucking embarrassing. Not wanting to totally ruin the night by wetting myself like a toddler, I give in.
“I’ll be right back. I need to use the bathroom,” I say and stand up.
“Dude, I’ve had to go for the last twenty minutes,” she laughs.
“Thank God there are two in here. You better handle your business.”
“Okay, let’s go. Break,” she says and claps her hands before she takes off for the restroom.
I run for the other one and make it just in time. I find myself smiling as I relieve myself. We have to do something like this again.
I wonder who this guy is she’s supposed to marry. I get the feeling he’s not some ordinary guy. My dad has connections, but I don’t think he has the kind Maribel needs to get free of this guy she’s supposed to marry.