Page 60 of Call It Home

“Wow, that’s really kind. You didn’t have to do that.” It sounded lame, but I didn’t know what else to say.

Em’s laugh was light. “We didn’t know what you’d feel up to doing when you got home. But I knew from what Cam told me on the phone, you did a lot of the heavy lifting. She said it was pretty nonstop, so we thought we’d keep everything pretty quiet tonight. But I just to warn you, you’re expected to the family dinner tomorrow evening at Chase’s. We usually do brunch, but we figured you guys would want to sleep in as much as possible.”

Cam talked to her cousin about me? That surprised me. I wondered what else she’d confided in her cousin or other family. “I don’t want to intrude.”

Zach snorted. “Dude, save yourself the argument and just say you’ll be there. You’re part of the family now.”

I laughed, hoping it didn’t sound as nervous as his words had made me. “You know, Cam and I didn’t run off and get married or anything. I’m not part of the family.”

He shook his head, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “You don’t need to be a blood relative or an in-law to be an honorary Dawson or Allen.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “Isn’t that right, Sunshine?”

“He’s right. Paige will be there, and I think Megan and Clay will be joining us, as well. They’re not related, but they’re just as much a part of the family. Now you are, too.”

Paige was a wild card, but Megan, the owner of the candy store downtown, and her boyfriend, were nice.

“I’m not sure what to say.”

“Just say you’ll be there,” Em answered.

“I guess I better not start off by becoming the black sheep of the family, then. Thank you.” I didn’t bother mentioning I didn’t have a ride to get to there tomorrow since I’d returned by company truck before we left. I’d deal with that later.

As the car carried us closer to my cabin, a mix of emotions swirled within me. I was a little overwhelmed by the sentiment. It was like a baptism by fire, a sudden immersion into a family full of love and generosity. The future wasn’t as clear as it once was. But, for now, I decided to hold on to the fragile hope that I’d found a piece of home I’d always longed for.

* * *

It took me all of twenty minutes to put my things away, and that included the two full grocery bags that Em and Zach also gave me. I tried to pay them, but they insisted it was a gift from everyone. My freezer was fuller than it had ever been, and my fridge was well stocked , as well. She promised me the same had been done for Cam, but they were able to have it already put away since they had a key to her house.

But now I stood in the middle of my small living room, wondering what I was supposed to do. Before we left, I’d already gone online to schedule a visit with Trey, but visits were limited to weekends, so I had to wait another week before I could go. Getting a new truck would be a major priority this week.

My cabin wasn’t much bigger than the trailer we’d shared, but without all of Cam’s stuff, it felt too big, too organized. I missed having something to pick up, or maybe it was more that I missed having someone to pick up after. I definitely felt like my bed was too big.

After I ate one of Em’s amazing dinners, I grabbed a book from my shelf and settled on my couch to read, but despite being a great thriller, it couldn’t hold my attention. I pulled my phone out instead and started thumbing through the pictures. I skipped several that were of the house and stopped on one of Cam as she talked to Chelle. Paint spatters decorated her shirt, but the smile on her face was excited and bright. I skimmed the screen with my thumb and stared at another one. I’d captured it the day we’d gone on our impromptu picnic. She stood next to the little waterfall, her head tipped back and her eyes closed. The shade of the trees filled most of the picture, but as if it knew her beauty should be highlighted, a ray of sun gently caressed her face. My thumb did the same, brushing over her cheekbones and down to her neck, one of my favorite spots to kiss, knowing it would always cause a little shiver.

Through my kitchen window, a beam of light pierced the dark night, followed by the crunch of tires on gravel. A quick glance revealed Cam’s car. Like a kid who was expecting a special delivery, I hurried to open the door.

“Long time, no see,” I quipped. “What are you doing here?”

She slowly came up the steps, a look of hesitation on her pretty features. “Do you want the short or the long answer?”

I chuckled lightly. “Let’s start with the short.”

Her lips pressed together as she gave a little shrug with one shoulder. “I miss you.”

A slow smile spread across my face. I stepped aside so she could enter. “Maybe you should come in and give me the longer answer.”

As she brushed past, I breathed in my fill of her delicious scent. “Can I get you anything? Em and Zach really stocked—”

She was a blur of clothes as she flung herself into my arms, her head tipped back, lashes fluttering shut, and lips searching for mine.

I didn’t make her wait. I kicked the door shut with my foot and swept her into my arms and claimed them.

Shit, it’s only been a day, but it feels like it’s been a lifetime. There’s nothing sweet about the kiss, especially when her hand slid down and palmed my cock through my jeans, then unzipped them. She wriggled out of my grasp and sank to her knees, taking my dick out as she went. I didn’t even have time to process it before she had her mouth on me, and fuck, I thought I already saw stars. My head fell against the wall behind me, my hand dropping to the top of her head. I allowed it to continue for only a few more seconds, then I pulled myself from her lips before I came too fast.

Without a word, I swept her into my arms and carried her to my bed. Within seconds, I had us both undressed, then I leaned over her, rubbing the tip of my cock along her slick entrance. I stared into her eyes, bright with desire and something else.

“I missed you, too,” I whispered, just before I pushed all the way into her. Her legs wrapped around my hips. Hoping I could last, I repeated the movement, causing her mouth to open in pleasure. Her hand cupped my cheek, drawing me in for a kiss before I increased my rhythm.

“Oh, God, Mac. Please.”

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