Page 17 of Strong Coffee

“True but it’s only fair that I help pay at least half the bill,” I insisted even though I knew that there was no point in arguing with him. Even though that was the case, I didn’t want him to think that I was a freeloader just because my business wasn’t making the money I wish it would. I knew it would happen. It was just taking time.

“Nope.” Cam led the way out of the restaurant. “Doesn’t work that way, baby.”

“Well, thank you then.” I grabbed his hand, linking my fingers with his.

He stopped, bringing our joined hands up to his mouth and placing a soft peck on my knuckles. “You never have to thank me.”

I stared at him, watching his lips move to my fingers. He gave them a gentle nip, the slight tinge of pain forcing a small gasp to escape me.

He only grinned, giving me one of his signature winks. “Come. Let’s go get some drinks before I take you back to my place and have my way with you.”

I threw my head back, a laugh booming through me. “So romantic.”

“Hey, when duty calls.” He shrugged, his grin widening.

“So, it’s your duty to be romantic?”

“With you?” He pulled me close. “Yes.” With his free hand, he cupped my nape and crushed his mouth to mine. “I could get used to kissing you, Brady,” he whispered.

My stomach flipped, my heart practically jumping out of my chest, it was beating so damn hard. “I’m already used to it.”

“Well then…your wish is my command.” He slipped his tongue between my lips, pulling groans from us both.

Snaking my arms around his neck, I deepened the kiss, not caring in the least that we were in public.

Cam broke the kiss but kept his mouth against my lips. “I’m almost tempted to take you home right now.”

“You can.” I reached up, brushing my thumb along his bottom lip.

“As much as I would love to do that, I do want to take you out. I need you to know that this isn’t just sex for me. Not anymore.”

I stared at him, searching his face for a sign that he was lying. “Really? But you said…”

“I know.” He pulled away, grabbed my hand, and led us down the street. My café was a couple of blocks away,but it was a nice mild night, so the walk wouldn’t hurt in the least.

“If it helps any, I don’t want this to just be sex either,” I finally confessed.

“I’m glad.” He gave me a cheeky grin. “I want to just take this one day at a time with you. We don’t have to put a label on it. If people ask, we can say that we’re friends who fuck.” He waggled his eyebrows.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Sounds delicious if you ask me.” I winked.

The heaviness was no longer there. I wasn’t sure what my issue was exactly. It wasn’t like Shane and I had ever been a couple but I couldn’t get the fact that what I was doing with Camden could possibly hurt him. I didn’t want to lose our friendship over it because I knew that it would make things difficult for both Noah and Presley if that were the case.

When Coffee Beans & Love came into view, my heart skipped a beat. It was my home away from home, but I had never brought a date there before. The other guys had from time to time but never me.

“Are you nervous?” Camden asked, squeezing my hand.

“Nah. Why would I be nervous? I’m only bringing a date to my place of business and introducing him to friends who will give me a hard time over it once you’re not with me. But nope. Not nervous at all.”

Cam chuckled, pulling me closer into his side. “It’s okay, Brady. I’ll behave and won’t tell them how hard you like to fuck and just how filthy you can take it.”

My cheeks heated. “Thank you. That’s something I would like to keep between us if at all possible.”

His laughter deepened. “But Shane knows…”

When his voice trailed off, I chanced a glance in his direction. “Um…no. He doesn’t. It was simple with him if that makes sense at all. Not that things are difficult with you or anything but…” I huffed, shaking my head. “What I’m saying is that he’s more vanilla and you’re…”

“I’m what?” Camden asked, raising an eyebrow.

---