Page 6 of Letting it Ride

I’ve been secretly in love with Cam since the first time I met him, back when I was a gawky thirteen-year-old who hadn’t yet hit her growth spurt, and he was a cool college dude coming home with Maddox for Thanksgiving. He still lives in Philadelphia, so I see him every now and then, always with Maddox. He’s been dating some girl—yeah, I’m jealous—but from my eavesdropping, I’m not sure it’s going well.

Is it bad karma if I hope they’re on the verge of a breakup?

I know Maddox would probably kill Cam if he ever looked my way. Hell, he might kill me, too. Damn overprotective big brother. Anyway, it’s never been a problem, because Cam has never once hinted at any attraction to me. I think he still sees me as that teenager, even though my boobs have finally filled out and I like to think I’m an adultnow.

Or maybe Maddox has threatened to gouge his eyes out if he looks at me. I know my brother has threatened other guys with that. It tends to put a damper on my dating life.

There’s another email with even more details. Four days, Miami to Nassau. I do a quick online search to find that’s in the Bahamas. Nothing seems like a deal-breaker so far. Meals and activities are included, and I’d just have to work in the casino in the evenings for the three nights. Maddox added a line in there that they need one pro and a dealer, so Cam must be going, too.

Excitement flutters in my stomach. From the email, it sounds like I’d just have to deal cards while Cam teaches.

It’s a sweet gig, and I’m in no position to turn down something like this. And getting to spend time with Cam is the cherry on top. Who knows? With some one-on-one time, maybe I can finally convince him to give us a shot.

I wrap my hair around my finger as I pull out my phone and check the calendar, even though I know there’s nothing else planned. I send Maddox a text before I can change my mind.

Maddox

I’m in. Do I need to get plane tickets?

Thank you so much, Addie, you’re a lifesaver. Holly says thank you, too. She didn’t want to go on our honeymoon alone. I appreciate your willingness to go on a cruise so I can keep my balls.

Um, anytime?

I have plane tickets, but I’ll change them to your name and cover the cost of the flight. You get there Saturday morning, and the ship leaves that afternoon. Don’t forget your passport.

Can’t wait!

3

CAM

Aknock on the door startles me from where I’m lying on the couch, a bowl of chips balanced precariously on my chest. I ignore it, hoping whoever it is will go away. It comes again, firm and insistent this time, and I groan as I force myself to sit up. A few crumpled napkins fall to the floor as I stand and set the bowl on the coffee table.

I make a halfhearted attempt to wipe away the crumbs on my shirt as I walk across the apartment. I’m guessing whoever would actually knock on the door to my apartment won’t actually care. There are only a few people who are on the list that can come up without the doorman calling.

I open the door to find Miller’sdisapproving glare waiting on the other side. His gaze roams over my unshaved face and slides down, pausing at the Doritos dust that I missed. Some of the orange powder is still stuck to the same t-shirt I’ve been wearing for three days.

I follow his gaze. There might be some Cheez-it remnants there, too. I should add more of those to my grocery delivery.

“Dude. You look like shit.” He steps past me into my apartment, not waiting for an invitation. He has a bag slung over his shoulder. I consider asking if he brought snacks, but the look on his face tells me he’s not here to play around.

I close the door behind him, scratching the hair on my jawline. I usually shave daily, but I’ve let it go for a while since Ellie, and it’s getting pretty thick. And itchy, come to think of it. I wonder how Maddox keeps up with his beard year-round. It seems like a pain.

I survey the living room as I follow Miller, wincing as I see it from his point of view. This place really is a shithole. Maybe I have let things go a little.

He doesn’t say anything as he picks up the snack bowl from the coffee table along with two empty soda cans and heads for the kitchen.

“Hey! I was eating those,” I protest. They were almost gone, but still. Don’t take a man’s chips.

Miller ignores me. He comes back empty-handed a few minutes later. “We’ll deal with cleaning in a minute. It’s time for you to rejoin the living. Go take a shower.”

“I’ve showered,” I lie, trying to sniff my armpit without him noticing. Do I not smell or am I just used to the odor?

He scoffs. “Yeah, I don’t believe you. Go shower now and I’ll see what I can do to air out the smell of body odor in here. It smells like a teenage boy’s room.” Miller’s jaw is set.

When he gets an idea in his head, there’s no changing it. We’ve played poker together for a few years and aside from Maddox, he’s one of my best friends. He loves to play the class clown, always trying to get people to fall for his latest pranks, but when shit hits the fan, he faces things head-on. I’ve always loved how perceptive he is and his way of dealing with things with bluntness and brutal honesty.

I mean, I usually love that about him. Especially when it’s aimed at someone else. Not so much right now. Because I’m fine. I showered… maybe four days ago? I sniff again. The point is, I’m good.

---