CHAPTER 12 #3
I adored the contrast of his shyness in public and his boldness when we were alone.
I loved how he grew flustered when I would touch him or kiss him or tangle my fingers with his, which I was doing currently as my hand found his across the table.
Cam in public was quite the contradiction, especially when compared to the man who’d rimmed frosting directly out of my ass.
He was far more reserved and quiet when likened to how bold and attached he was with me when we were only in each other’s company.
I had never really been one for public displays of affection, but that was different with Cam. Everything was different with him, better, more colorful. Life was vibrant.
And I relished every reaction I could get out of him. Teasing Cam had quickly become my new favorite hobby.
“Your shift’s over at one, right?” I asked as I stroked my thumb gently over Cam’s. I watched his ears go bright red as he took a bite of his danish and nodded. “That’s great. I’m already finished for the day, so do you mind if I hang out here until you’re done?”
Cam and I were both off for the holiday but after his shift was over, he’d asked if I could finally show him where I worked. He didn’t explore the campus too much, mostly because he was always with me when we weren’t working and I didn’t go exploring.
“That’s fine,” he told me with a charming smile. Despite his obvious nervousness at me holding his hand in a room full of people, his own began sliding against mine. “As long as you don’t mind that I’ll be working.”
I snorted a laugh, “I love watching you work.” Then added in a low bedroom voice, “I get to see you in that sexy apron of yours. What could be better?”
He choked, blue eyes going wide.
I couldn’t help it, so I kept going. “You should bring it home and wear it for me. But don’t bother wearing anything undernea-”
I was silenced when Cam shoved my half-eaten danish straight into my mouth.
I took a bite happily and smiled as he glanced around to make sure no one had overheard us.
The door chimed as another group of students entered just as the alarm on Cam’s new cellphone went off signaling that his break was over.
I gave him a playful wink as he slid the rest of his pastry toward me. He toyed with his ear piercings as he asked, “So, you’ll take me to see your office when I get off?”
I beamed at him. “Of course, and I’ll give you a grand tour of the lab too. If you want.”
Before he could respond, a cheery voice broke through the noise of the room,
“Mr. Grimsley!”
My head shot up to see a small group of five students approaching me and Cam. I could recognize them all from the senior Enchantments class. Despite not being much of a people-person, I loved my job and, in turn, my students. I smiled kindly at them,
“Well, hello there fellow nerds.”
The students all laughed and snickered. One of them, Becca I recalled, asked me,
“Will you be offering extra credit with our projects, Mr. Grim?”
I chuckled at her causal use of my nickname. I still internally cringed when people called me “Mr.” Made me think of my dad and I shuddered.
Cam shifted awkwardly in his seat, clearly unsure if he could get up and return to work and not come off as rude. Gosh, he was so cute.
“That remains to be seen,” I told her ominously and the others avidly listening.
“That’s not a no, then.” Another student elbowed her jovially.
“Doing anything fun over break, Mr. Grimsley?” Another asked, a young man named Joseph.
I couldn’t help but notice how his freckled cheeks blushed as he smiled at me.
Cam noticed too. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he tried – and failed – to not scowl at the poor guy.
I never fraternized with students. Ever.
So, Cam had nothing to worry about even if he wasn’t in my life.
But his not-so-subtle jealousy made my heart flutter in my chest.
My lips twitched as I replied cooly, “Just going to the Cresthill Music Festival with my boyfriend Cam here.”
Cam’s wide blue eyes shot to me with surprise. The young man visibly deflated while the others grew equal parts surprised and intrigued.
“Mr. Grim, we didn’t know you had a boyfriend!” Becca chimed.
“No way!” another exclaimed. “Bull Witchery? You got tickets? So jealous!”
Then all eyes were on Cam. Once they finally noticed him, their interest only grew as appreciation flickered across their features.
I knew how good Cam looked, especially when taking him in for the first time.
I’d been stunned when I’d first seen him, and he’d been in a morgue!
That black hair which was longer on top and freshly buzzed on the sides into a smooth fade.
The muscles, the tattoos, the piercings, those gorgeous, dreamy blue eyes...
Even his long sleeves couldn’t conceal those delicious biceps, the fabric hugging those muscles obscenely.
Suddenly, I was the one growing jealous. Cam was hot; he turned heads everywhere we went. But that didn’t mean I was going to let my students ogle him right in front of me, little shits.
Cam cleared his throat and glanced between the small group and me.
“Uh, hi,” he said with a small wave. “Cam. The boyfriend.”
They all blushed, offering hellos and shy smiles as they stared at Cam.
“I should get back to work,” Cam told me as he rose from his seat across from me. When he stood to his full towering height, they all craned their heads back, eyes wide with awe. Even Joseph couldn’t hide the attraction in his gaze.
That’s right, this is my man, I thought with a proper amount of smug maturity.
“Sure thing. I’ll be waiting.”
For good measure, I crooked my finger, gesturing for Cam to lean down. When he bent toward me, I grabbed the front of his shirt and hauled him closer, stealing a kiss on his cheek like a thief. A wicked smile spread across my face as his cheeks flamed burgundy.