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)
Overall, it’s been a good day. Now, we’re sitting in the living room as we watch TV. Cam seems to be lost in thought, but I’m too relaxed to interrupt him.
This is nice. I’ve come to cherish this friendship over the last few months we’ve been married. JR had been right, I love Cam as a friend, but that’s it.
I’m going to miss hanging out and having my friend to support me when we get divorced. I can’t help but wonder what he has planned once we part.
The news comes on after Cal’s game we were watching goes off. I go to turn the channel when a breaking news report comes on and JR’s photo is plastered on the screen. My breathing stops.
I tug my foot from Cams grasp and stand. I keep moving closer to the screen as the reporters speak. It all sounds like white noise. I grasp my pregnant belly protectively.
“No,” I scream and drop to my knees. “No.”
Cameron
At first, I have no fucking clue what is happening. I mean, I know Jareil and I recognize him from the picture. He was one of my friends in high school before he left for some academy to play basketball and football there.
We didn’t keep in touch much after he was gone, but I do remember him being there at that party Mama threw freshman year when Cal had that seizure.
“This is the baby’s father,” I speak my thoughts out loud. Not asking, but already knowing.
Kay nods as I hold her in my arms. She’s near hysterical at this point. Her reaction is more than one of that for a friend.
I nod to myself. I’m waiting to be angry, but it never happens. Jareil has always been a good guy.
I think I’ve always known he had a thing for Kay, so I’m not that surprised. What does shock the fuck out of me is when an image of Dez and two other men pops up on the screen. I grab the remote and turn the volume up.
“This just in. Authorities say they have these three men in custody at this hour. The man on the right is said to be the ringleader, Dez Demarco.
“It’s still unclear as to why Dez and his accomplices kidnapped and assaulted basketball rookie Jareil Reese. Or JR, as his fans so lovingly call the young man. Sources say Reese was shot at least once and is in critical condition and undergoing surgery for the wounds he has sustained.
“He will be in our thoughts and prayers. We’re pulling for you JR. Hang in there, man. Such a talent. We’ll bring you guys more as this story continues to develop,” the reporter says.
“I need to get to him. I need to be there,” Kay cries.
“Go get dressed. I’ll drive you.”
She nods frantically as I help her to stand. I notice that there’s blood on the seat of her shorts. I calmly grab her by the elbow, not wanting to freak her out.
“Kayleen,” I say in a calm, soothing voice. “You’re bleeding. I need you to go in the bathroom and check on Bug.
“I’m sure she’s fine, but I need you to check and then get cleaned up. I’m going to call for an ambulance. Don’t panic.
“I’m right here with you. I’ve got you both. Everything is going to be fine.”
“I can’t lose them,” she sobs.
“Shh, darlin’. I’m here. You’re not losing anyone. We’re both about to get all we wanted.
“He’s going to pull through and Bug’s going to be a big, strong girl for her Uncle Cam. I ain’t done spoiling her. She’s going to be fine.”
CHAPTER 44
My Hero
Cameron
I pull a hand down my face as I step out of the hospital. Kay and the baby are being monitored and Jareil’s condition has been updated to stable. I was able to talk to him for a bit.
He risked his life to keep Kay and Amina safe. He could have given Amina up, but he didn’t reveal what he suspected. JR earned my respect for that.
All the rest of the shit going on between us, we’ll have a talk about when he gets out of this place. I honestly don’t give a shit. I pull my phone from my pocket with a smile on my face as I dial the number of the only person I want to talk to.
“Hello,” she yawns into the phone.
“It’s over. You can come home,” I breathe.
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yeah, baby. I am. Dez finally fucked up and my guys were on his ass. He’s behind bars as we speak.”
“Cam,” she sobs. “We can come to you?”
“I’ll be looking for a place for us first thing in the morning. If you can’t come to me, I’m coming to you.”
“This is finally over? I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it, baby. We finally get to be together.”