Her eyes are sad for a moment, but she quickly smiles. “So what does that mean for us now?”
I lean forward and kiss her, loving how candid we are with each other. “Marriage and babies,” I tell her confidently.
Her eyes widen in panic but then quickly soften. “If the sex is as good as your foreplay, I might be the one proposing.”
“That’s a deal,” I say. “One I’d take any day of the week.”
Chapter Seventeen
CAMERON
DAY 14
Teasing and tempting Eli the past two days has been intense, but I have to give it to him for staying strong. Today, we ate breakfast together then went our separate ways because we’re both overwhelmed with school and work. Before I went upstairs, I made an espresso but have a feeling I’ll need four more because I’m dragging ass. I have a pile of reading assignments and two papers to write, and Eli has meetings scheduled with clients until dark. Everything has piled up, and now I’m stressing to get it all completed on time.
We make plans to have dinner around seven, so until then, I’ll be forcing myself to finish my assignments. Once I’m upstairs, I open my laptop and set it on the desk that faces the window with the best mountain view. I grab a notebook and make a task list, then figure out what will be the easiest way to accomplish it all. After I have some sort of a roadmap, I get started.
I groan when I realize I have to write a three-thousand-word paper on how to drive top-line growth for large companies. It wouldn’t be acceptable to tell my professors my father has an entire department to handle all of this. So instead, I pull up my digital marketing book and use some common sense, but it’ll take me hours to finish this. Right now, I want to cry into my coffee. Instead, I take a sip and stare outside.
When I close my eyes, I replay the last time Eli and I fooled around. I lean back in my chair and a smile plays on my lips as I remember tasting him. I decide to text Kendall, because the girl needs an update, buts as if she knew I was thinking about her, she texts me first.
Kendall: Sex update, please! I’m living vicariously through you.
Cameron: He’s determined to wait! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING has convinced him otherwise.
Kendall: Are you sure he’s not gay? You’re hot. There’s no way he can say no to that ass of yours.
I snort-laugh.
Cameron: I have to hand it to him, though. His willpower is iron tough. I think he just wants it to be natural, not forced in any way, which I get. But still...I’m going crazy!
Kendall: That’s respectable. At least you know he’s not using you, so that’s a plus. Sorry, my friend. Hopefully, Prince Harry can keep you company in the meantime ;) How’s the online schoolwork going?
Cameron: If the batteries don’t die. LOL! I’m at the point in the semester where I understand why people pay their smarter classmates to do their assignments. I have so many to do. I feel like I’m drowning. Not to mention, I’m a little mentally drained from everything going on, so it’s hard to focus on it like before this all happened.
Groaning, I want to bang my head against the desk.
Kendall: Yikes. Sorry. That sucks, but just think, it’s almost over, and then you’ll have your degree!
Cameron: I know. Send help. And vodka. Oh, and triple A batteries.
Kendall: Haha! Next week, when you’re caught up, let’s have a video chat happy hour, please. My wine subscription box was delivered, and I’m bored as hell.
Cameron: Deal! Count me in!
I glance at the clock and tell Kendall I’ll chat with her later because I need to get back to writing. Every word is painful, but after a grueling three hours, I finish. After a quick bathroom break, I run downstairs and grab some water, and see Eli sitting at the table looking all sexy in a button-up shirt with his hair up wearing headphones. He must be having a meeting with his colleagues because he talks about negotiations for the seller and improving online listings. Damn, he sounds so smart when he talks about sales contracts and contingencies, all which go over my head. Instead of eavesdropping anymore, I make double shots of espresso for both of us. When I deliver it to him, Eli mouths a thank you and shoots me a wink, then goes back to his conference.
As I climb the stairs, my heart races thinking about him. Honestly, he could probably write the second paper I have based on his real-world experience.
When I walk inside my room, I find Chanel lying on my chair. I pick her up and move her to the bed. She bitches with an annoyed meow, then resettles in a different spot. Her attitude makes me chuckle.
For the rest of the afternoon, I sluggishly work through my assignments, and after a while, I need a pick-me-up. I decide to hop in the shower because the hot water typically relaxes me enough to refocus.
After I dry off, I slip on a matching bra and panties set and a slinky sundress that’s cute, but comfortable enough to lounge around in. When I go back to my laptop, I write the last five pages and feel so damn accomplished when it’s finally done. I suck in a deep breath and glance over the screen. The sunset hangs lazily on the horizon behind the trees and mountains. Soon it will disappear, and darkness will fall. I take a moment to admire and memorize how beautiful it is. It’s so different from the city views I’m used to seeing. The only thing that breaks my thoughts is my stomach growling. I check the time and see it’s nearly seven. I can’t believe I completely lost track of time.
After quickly brushing my fingers through my hair, I leave my
