Page 44 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
Craig and I work in silence, both glancing out the window from time to time watching Cameron as he scrapes the grill clean. I hand Craig another plate which he dries and then places it in the cabinet. “It’s good to have him home.”
“He really seems to be finding his place.”
Craig takes a glass from me and glances over at me as he dries it. “You have a lot to do with that you know.”
I smile, liking the idea I may have something to do with Cameron’s happiness. “I don’t know about that.”
“I do. You need to give yourself more credit, Sam. I’m not saying Cam doesn’t love the farm, but he was born to be a soldier. He loved being in the Army. I’m a little surprised he didn’t make a career of it.”
His statement fills me with concern, and I glance out the window again at Cameron. “He didn’t tell you why he decided to leave the Army?”
“No, just that it was time. I didn’t push him. I figure he’ll tell me when he’s ready.”
I drain the water from the sink, rinse the dishrag and my hands, before drying them on the towel hanging on the cabinet. “You should see him with the veterans at the legion. They love talking to him as much as he loves listening to them.”
“Yeah? That’s good he needs to be able to talk to someone about his Army days.”
I lay my hand on Craig’s arm. “Hey, I’m sure you’re right, he’ll tell you when he’s ready. If it makes you feel any better, he hasn’t told me why either. One thing’s for sure though, no matter who he tells first, we’ll both be there for him when he does.”
Craig smiles as he hangs the dishtowel to dry. “Yes, we will.” He wraps me in a hug. “Thanks, Sam.”
I return his hug and pat his back. “Anytime.”
“Hey, get your own girl,” Cameron calls as he walks in the back door.
Craig pours more salt in the wound by dropping a kiss on top of my head, making me laugh, and Cameron pulls me into his side. Craig winks at me as he claps his brother on the shoulder. “She’s a good one man, don’t let her go.”
“Not planning on it.” Cameron squeezes me tighter as I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest.
“Good,” Craig says as he makes his way up the stairs. “Goodnight, you two.”
“Night,” we reply in unison.
Cameron moves me from his side to stand in front of him, my arms still wrapped around his waist. “What time do you need to be home?”
I fight a smile as I look up at him. “You realize I’m twenty-eight, right? I haven’t had a curfew in years.”
Cameron’s smile widens. “Okay, then how about we watch a movie?”
I run my hands up his massive chest until they are draped over his shoulders. “Only if we can make out on the couch like teenagers.”
Cameron lifts me onto the kitchen counter making me squeal in surprise. He moves to stand between my legs. “Who says we need a couch?” His hand caresses my cheek as he moves to cup the back of my head, fingers weaving into my hair. No pressure is needed, due to the undeniable magnetic force between us. His lips softly brush mine, teasing, bringing all the nerves in my body to life. As my arms wind around his neck, my legs wrap around him drawing him closer. Our kiss becomes more demanding, the need between us more evident than a moment ago. Cameron’s mouth leaves mine to trail kisses down my neck. I cling to him not wanting to lose the feel of his mouth on my skin. Heavy gasps fill the air as I try to restore my lungs with some much-needed air.
“Cameron,” I whisper, my train of thought derailing as his hand slips beneath my shirt.
“So soft,” he murmurs as his thumb brushes over my lace-covered breast causing my nipple to strain against the fabric.
My fingers tug at his hair, bringing his eyes up to meet mine. “Take me upstairs.”
Cameron’s eyes blaze, the gold flecks more prominent in his hazel irises. “Are you sure?” I nod, as the word yes slips past my lips. His hand cups my cheek as he leans in and gives me a quick kiss before stepping back and slipping his arm under my knees as the other wraps around my back. “Hold on.”
He easily lifts me off the counter and starts up the stairs. “I can walk you know.”
Cameron grins. “I know. I’m just ensuring you don’t change your mind and run off.”
I laugh as I tighten my arms around his neck. “Not going to happen.”
When we reach the top of the stairs, Cameron steps through the open door on the left and lowers me to stand in front of him. A sudden rush of nerves hits me, and I find myself looking around his room. The bed is made to Army standards, not a wrinkle in sight on the blue patchwork quilt. A nightstand sits next to the bed with a lamp and alarm clock, a closet with bifold doors on the other side. A bookcase and chest of drawers stands opposite of each other with a window between them, light blue grommeted curtains delicately dance from the ceiling fan overhead.
