torso to his rippled abdomen and the V of muscles that disappear into his silk shorts. My eyes rise to meet his.
He sips his wine and frowns in approval, licking his lips as he stares at his glass. “That’s the stuff.”
I smile and take a sip of my wine. “Was your day okay?”
He turns to the refrigerator and peers in.
“Your dinner is in the oven,” I say.
“Thanks,” he mutters as he takes it out and sets it on the counter. He pulls up a stool and takes a mouthful of the casserole. Our nanny, Madeline, prepared it for us, knowing that we were going to be late. She doesn’t normally cook, as Cameron likes to, but she helps us out on occasion. He frowns as he chews and looks down at his plate. “What is this?”
I smile. I knew he wouldn’t like it much. “Some kind of goulash.”
“Hmm.” He screws up his face and puts another mouthful into his mouth. “Interesting,” he mutters.
I giggle as I watch him as he eats in silence. “What happened with Sebastian today?” I ask.
His eyes rise to mine, but he keeps eating until, eventually, he answers. “How long has he been flirting with you?”
“Seb is just being Seb, Cam. You know he doesn’t mean anything by it.”
“I don’t like it.”
I sip my wine. “What did you say to him, anyway?” I ask.
“Nothing that concerns you.”
I frown. “Was it about me, Cam?”
“No. It was about him disrespecting me.” He pauses for a moment. “And you.”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t roll your fucking eyes at me, Ashley. I won’t stand for it.” He snarls as he takes a bite of his food. “If he says one word out of line to you again, it’s on.”
“He knows we’re together, Cam.” I frown.
“And I know how much respect he has for other people’s relationships.” He growls.
I smile and rub my hand up his thigh. “You’re kind of cute when you’re jealous, you know.”
He sips his wine. “I don’t get jealous.”
“Really?” I smirk,
He rolls his eyes and continues eating. “What is this food?” He grimaces.
I laugh because it really is bad. “You sound like Owen.”
“Did he eat any of it?” He frowns.
I shake my head. “Nope. He ended up having toast.”
“Don’t blame him.” He frowns as he chews. “Much safer option.”
“So, Natasha called me today.”
He nods and keeps eating. “What did she have to say?”
“You didn’t tell me you were going to Vegas with them.” He shrugs. “Does it matter?” He sips his wine. “I should be the only person who matters enough to convince you to take a trip.”
“Cam.” I frown. “I’m just really tired.”
He looks at me. “Why is that, Ash? Why are you so tired that you don’t want to make any plans with me?”
I stare at him, and for some reason I get all emotional. My eyes tear up.
“It’s not you,” I whisper.
“Ash.” His face falls. “What’s wrong, baby?” he asks gently.
I shrug as I try to articulate my thoughts. “It’s like…” I pause.
“It’s like what?”
“It’s like I had to be so brave and strong on my own for so long.” I frown because I know this sounds ridiculous, even to me.
He frowns as he watches me.
I shrug. “Now that I have you to take half the load, my body has decided to relax and fall apart.” I wipe a tear from my eye. “I feel weak, Cam. I feel tired and weak and could sleep for five years.”
He smiles softly as he watches me.
“And I… I don’t like it because I’m the one who holds shit together,” I stammer.
He smiles and stands, and pulls me into an embrace. “You don’t need to hold shit together anymore, Bloss.” He kisses me softly on the lips. “I’m here to hold our shit together now.”
I smile through my tears. “Promise?”
He kisses me softly and rubs his fingers down my cheek as he studies my face. “I promise.”
I put my hands around his broad shoulders.
“Will you come to Vegas next weekend?” he whispers. I smile. “If I must.”
“Good.” He kisses me softly. “Now, I know you’re feeling weak, but luckily for you that’s a great companion to how I’m feeling.” He grabs my ass hard and I laugh out loud. “Now get up to our bed, on your hands and knees, because you are about to be fucked into next week.”
I giggle and wipe my eyes. “Yes, Boss.”
Dr Stantons Epilogue Chapter 3
Ashley
I glance over at Cameron as he drives. “Explain to me exactly what they said this appointment