The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders #4) - L A Cotton Page 0,74
the doorbell rang. That was odd. People usually buzzed to be let into the building.
Throwing the blanket off me, I padded across the apartment and checked the peephole. “Cameron?” His name spilled from my lips and I fumbled to open the door. “What are you doing here?”
“Hey.” An uncertain smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Can I come in?” he asked when I didn’t reply.
“I... uh... this is your apartment too; you don’t need an invitation.”
Cameron was here.
Oh God.
I pulled my oversized cardigan around my body.
“Are you okay,” he said, “you don’t look so good?”
“I’m fine. What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry to just show up, but my mom—”
“Is she okay? I mean, I know she’s not okay. But did something—”
“Hailee, relax, she’s okay, all things considered.”
“That’s good.” I let out a small sigh of relief. “You didn’t call to say you were coming?”
“Honestly?” He ran a hand down his handsome face. “I didn’t know what to say.”
“Oh.”
This was so awkward, and I hated it. I hated that we’d become like strangers to one another.
“Do you want to sit?” I asked.
“Yeah, that would be good.”
We moved into the living room. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He eyed the glass of ice chips and the blanket.
“I haven’t been feeling great.”
“I didn’t know.”
“You’ve had bigger things on your mind. How’s Xander?”
“He’s good. Thank you for the care packages. He loved them. He misses you.”
I gave him a small shrug. “It’s the least I could do. Cameron, why are you here?” I blurted out.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“That came out wrong. I’m happy to see you, I am. It’s just you kind of caught me off guard.”
“I miss you, Hailee. I miss you so fucking much. I wanted to call, but I was so scared you’d tell me not to come...”
“You thought I’d... Cameron, I’m right here. I’ve always been here. I’ve just been trying to give you space.”
“I know you have.” He reached for me, but thought better of it and thrust his hand under his thigh. It stung.
“My mom had a dream...”
“A dream?”
“I know it sounds crazy, but she got it into her head you needed me. She insisted I come to see you. Like got really weird about it.”
“So, you’re here because of your mom?”
“No, that’s not... I know how it sounds, but I wanted to come. I’ve wanted to come ever since you left. But I couldn’t leave them, and it wasn’t fair to ask you to stay. Fuck...” Cameron’s eyes shuttered as he inhaled a ragged breath. “Everything is so fucked-up.”
Shuffling closer, I took his hand in mine, squeezing it gently. “It’s okay. I understand.”
“Do you?” His eyes slid to mine. “Because I don’t. I don’t understand anything anymore. But my mom said I needed to come, and it was like she was giving me permission... so here I am.”
“Cameron...” I swallowed the words. It was like Karen was here, standing over us, watching as we tried to sort our shit out.
I knew if Cameron hadn’t turned up here today, I probably wouldn’t have told him yet. But could I really let him leave without giving him the truth?
“I don’t understand either,” I whispered. “But your mom was right.”
“W- what do you mean?” His eyes were filled with trepidation.
“I’m pregnant.”
The silence was deafening. My pulse hammered inside my chest, making me a little lightheaded.
“You’re pregnant?”
I nodded. “Almost three months.”
“But... how?”
“The doctor said it happens sometimes. I didn’t miss a period, but I was sick when I came to Rixon with you, remember?”
“You knew and you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t think you’d be ready to hear it...” I still wasn’t sure he was.
“The ice chips?”
“Morning sickness sucks.” I went to pull my hand away, but Cameron caught it.
“A baby? We’re having... a baby?” He swallowed, an awestruck expression falling over him.
It was too much, and tears sprang from my eyes as I nodded.
“I’m sorry.” He dropped to his knees, moving between my legs. “I’m so fucking sorry. I should have been here. I should have been here with you.”
“No.” I brushed the hair from his eyes. “You needed to be with your family. I understand—”
“You’re my family too, Hailee. I should never have pushed you away. I’m so sorry. She knew, my mom knew... how is that even possible?”
I didn’t know, but I would be forever thankful to her.
“Maybe she just wants to make sure you’re happy before she...”
Sadness washed over us both. “She said the same thing.” Cameron curved his hand around the nape of my neck