Chapter 29
“You don’t have to come up.” Camille fidgets with the hem of her top as I pop the trunk and go to grab an armful of purchases from Nesting.
I turn back to the stubborn redhead, her eyes still puffy and cheeks blotchy from crying earlier, my chest aching with the need to help.
Giving her the look that comment deserves, I scoop up as many bags as I can safely carry.
“Yeah, I’m going to drop you off on the curb with a shitload of bags and let you haul them up all on your own.
That definitely sounds like something I’d do. ”
A weak huff of a laugh escapes her at my sass. “I know…” She pushes a curl behind her ears and averts her gaze for a moment. “But we’ve been out for a long time, and I didn’t know if you needed to get back to Dahlia. Or had other plans.”
“Dolly is fine.” I wave her off. “Ambrose is probably feeding her way too many snacks while she sits on River’s lap like a pampered princess all day.
” I almost mention that the guys offered to watch her overnight, but I doubt that’s where this date is headed.
Which sucks, but not for selfish, wanting to get my dick wet reasons. For Camille’s happiness.
Her spark vanished after her run in with that alpha creep.
I may be oblivious sometimes, but I’ve deduced that those people must’ve been her sister and her brother-in-law.
The whole ride back to her place, I hoped Camille would feel comfortable enough to explain what happened, but no.
She was quiet, asking if we could listen to music, and staring out the window solemnly.
Even my terrible singing could only bring a weak smile back to her face.
Maybe she’s saying I don’t have to come up because she wants to be alone.
Reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder, I peer down into her warm hazel eyes. “Okay, level with me, Cami. Do you not want me to come up? Or are you saying that because you’re trying to give me an out?”
The tension in her posture eases at my directness and my touch. Her soft, far too kissable lips curve into a half smile. “I want you to come up.”
I grin back at her, sliding my hand up from her shoulder to cup her cheek and claim her lips.
She tastes like coffee and chocolate from the scone she ate in the car, reminding me a little of her slick—though it’s nowhere near as good.
Still, having my mouth on hers is enough to send heat rushing through my body, straight to my dick.
Camille smiles against my lips as I reluctantly pull back. “What was that for?”
“For being a good girl and telling me what you wanted,” I murmur, savoring the slight flare of desire in her eyes at my words.
She shakes her head and steps back, placing a hand on the curve of one of her ample, bite-worthy hips. God, I want to sink my teeth into every inch of her soft flesh. “I’ve got to be at least five years older than you, so I’m not exactly a girl.”
I chuckle and shrug, knowing my dirty thoughts are written across my face. “Yeah, but you like it.”
Camille shakes her head again but doesn’t argue against that. Not that I thought she would. I know from her heat how much she gets off on being told she’s good. And I’m more than happy to tell her just how perfect she is.
Though, she’d probably think I’m nuts if I voiced my praise-filled thoughts every time one passed through my mind. They happen every time I look at her. Every time I hear her voice. Every time I catch her scent.
So basically, every second we’re together.
I’m down bad for Camille, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
I nudge her shoulder. “Would you rather I called you ‘good woman’?”
Her cute little nose wrinkles. “No, not really.”
“What about ‘ma’am’? Or I know!” I clap my hands together and waggle my eyebrows at her. “What about ‘madam’?”
My dick twitches at my own words. Huh, guess I’m into that.
Camille scoffs and goes to grab a bag from the trunk, but I step in front of her and hold a hand up to stop her. “Let your strong, handsome beta carry your bags, madam.”
“You’re ridiculous,” she giggles.
Maybe I am, but she likes it. The clouds hanging over her head are dissipating, and I’m happy to continue being silly to keep the storm away.
Hours later, and more than a few feeble protests from Camille, we’re putting the finishing touches on her new nest. What was an unremarkable bedroom, with none of the softness and warmth that Camille exudes, is now a charming haven.
I may be a beta, but I can’t resist preening knowing I helped her put this together.
She asked for my opinion and trusted me to help her set up a space that’s sacred for an omega.
Maybe I should’ve pointed out that normally I’d need permission to enter an omega’s nest and that me making it with her is a pretty big deal, but what purpose would that have served?
Camille clearly isn’t comfortable with her omega yet.
I get it. If I suddenly went through a heat and needed to make a nest, and couldn’t keep myself from reacting when an alpha barked at me, I’d be a lot less composed than Camille. It’s a monumental adjustment.
So I don’t argue when Camille flops down on her cozy pile of blankets and pillows and pats the space next to her.
She rolls over onto her side to look at me, and my chest squeezes at the sight of her, cheeks pink, hair frizzed out a bit, and sweat on her brow from our hard work.
My dick fills as it reminds me of how she looked during her heat.
“I’ll get back up in a minute,” she sighs, closing her eyes and snuggling closer. Her face brushes up against my chest, and I don’t know if she realizes she’s started to scent mark me. Her neutralizer must be wearing off, because her delicious spiced latte scent is wrapping around me.
I stroke her arm and bask in her nearness and invigorating scent. We stay like this for a few minutes, my heart growing more and more full of affection for her with each passing second.
My dick might be hard, but this isn’t just physical. I like Camille. A lot.
Another few minutes go by, and I wonder if maybe she’s passed out, but she releases a heavy sigh. “I guess I should tell you about the people in Nesting.”
I keep my touch light, hoping to stop her from tensing up again. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t driving me a little crazy not knowing, but I can deal. Only tell me if you feel comfortable.”
She huffs out a soft chuckle. “See, this is why I like you. You’re honest about how you feel, but manage to not use those feelings to pressure me.”
I roll over to face her, a slow grin spreading my lips. “You like me, gorgeous?”
Camille rolls her eyes. “Yes, Jackson. I like you. Why else would I have you in my bed, or, uh, my nest?”
At this angle, it’s really hard to not look down her top at her luscious tits, so I don’t bother fighting it.
“Maybe you’re trying to seduce me.” I direct my response to her chest, fingers twitching with the desire to reach up and knead her breast. I drag my gaze back up to her face, where her eyes have grown heavy-lidded and her cheeks awash in pink. “If you are, it’s working.”
My grin is dirty as I wait for her response, though there’s a clench of something unpleasant in my gut. What if sex really is the only reason she likes me? I hate that I even consider that, but given my dating history, it’s better to acknowledge the possibility.
Most people want me for my body, but lose interest when I try to give them my heart.
Camille’s brow furrows as she searches my face.
“That’s not why I want you here. I like all of you, Jackson.
When I’m around you…” She looks away for a second, then meets my eyes again.
“I’m comfortable for the first time since becoming an omega.
You quiet all the worries that I’m not doing this right, and let me just be me. ”
A lump forms in my throat at her confession, honored that I can be that for her and because I feel the same way. When I’m with Camille, the voice that tells me I need to work harder, be better, and stop being so silly to compensate for not being an alpha goes away.
“It means everything to me that I can be that safe space for you,” I whisper, pushing a lock of hair out of her face and cupping her cheek. “We haven’t spent a lot of time together, but I know I can trust you with my real self, too.”
She nods, eyes shining. “You can. I don’t want anything but the real you.”
I’m not sure who moves first, but our lips meet in a gentle, aching kiss that deepens when she lets out a breathy little sigh. Soon our limbs are tangled together, her hot core pressed up against my thigh as my dick digs into her plush lower belly.
Camille pulls back for air with a gasp, her eyes bright with desire and lips swollen from the kiss. Placing a hand on my chest, she gives me a sheepish smile. “Not to ruin the moment, but we should still talk about what happened.”
My dick yells at me to convince her that talking can wait, but I put some space between us and nod. “Good call.”
Camille takes a moment to compose herself. “So… that was my sister and her husband, back at Nesting.”
“I figured. She looks a bit like you.” That and the disgusting alpha mentioned choosing the wrong sister.
My blood boils just thinking about it. I wish I could go back and punch the leering grin off his face.
Somehow, I manage not to let my violent thoughts show on my face, staying outwardly calm and receptive to whatever Camille wants to say.