Page 41 of Southie
“Camilla, I’d like you to meet my best friend and brother, Gerald Hawkins. Gerald, this lovely and beautiful young lady is Camilla Jennings.”
Camilla extended her hand to Gerald, and he did the same.
“Nice to meet you, Gerald.”
“Same here, beautiful.”
She released his hand and her head fell against my chest as a flush tinted her brown skin.
“Well, I’ll let you guys get back to your day,” Gerald said. “Thanks for calling me, Southie. I’ll miss the old broad.”
When I stood, we embraced. “No problem. She loved you, man.”
“I loved her too. If you need me, I’ll put in a few calls to some of my old military brothers to help.”
“I’ll let you know what I need,” I said. “We got to meet up with the police tomorrow morning and give statements. After that, we can get started. Let me walk you out.”
I walked Gerald out to his car so he could give me an explanation of what he’d meant by Camilla having baggage. She said she’d moved to Boston for personal reasons, and I’d wished she would’ve elaborated, but I hadn’t expected her to.
“So, what’s up man?”
“It’s her story to tell, not mine. But if she doesn’t, do a simple internet search for her and you’ll get all the answers you need.”
“Why the hell did you say anything if you weren’t going to tell me?”
“Just in case her baggage caused all this and not you being in the mob.”
“What did you say?”
What could Camilla be involved in that would follow her to Boston and cause someone’s death? Was it possible Camilla had been the target and not my grandmother? They’d spent a lot of time together from what I could tell.
“Ask her,” he said before he jumped in his jeep and sped off.
As I watched Gerald leave, I stood a few moments longer and tried to wrap my head around the fact that Camilla might have caused this, not me. I needed to get my emotions in check before I went back inside. If Camilla caused this, it meant she could be in trouble.
With more questions than answers swirling in my head, I walked into the kitchen to find her pulling out pots and pans. I wrapped her in my arms from behind. All the tension surrounding the death of my grandmother and Camilla’s connection disappeared the moment she relaxed. It was unbelievable how normal and right it was for her to be in my arms.
“I hope you don’t mind me rummaging through your kitchen. I thought you might like to eat.”
“Yeah, I could eat,” I said, licking my lips and kissing the column of her neck. “I’d love nothing more than to taste you on my lips and tongue again.”
My hold tightened around her as I pushed my erection against her ass.
She groaned and pushed back against me. “First, we eatfood, Southie. Then we can get back to that.”
“Southie, huh?”
“I like it. It fits you.”
“It’s been a nickname since I was a kid. The neighborhood kids started calling me that. I’m glad you like it, but I prefer you call me Liam. It sounds so good coming off those sexy pouty lips of yours.” I pushed my erection up against her a second time.
I couldn’t wait to be inside her again.
“Food first, Liam,” she said with humor in her voice.
“Okay, I’ll behave as long as you’re on the menu for later. We’ll go with your plan of food first.” I feigned disgust. “Make yourself at home.”
She laughed and turned toward me. “I believe you’re going to be trouble, Liam Daugherty.”
