
Love isn’t always easy and you don’t always like the person you love. The reaction to The Hard Fall has been interesting. Readers either love or hate Camden. I created him to be really hard to like and slowly let readers warm up to him. Some people are assholes. That’s life. I thought it would be fun to pair him with the sweetest, most romantic cowboy I could imagine. But even gentle, animal loving hunks have their limits. Thankfully, with enough patience, the hardest heart can be softened.
Camden escapes to a ranch he’s inherited and is not thrilled to discover that his tenant is unbelievably hot. Actually, he’s feeling very put out about it.
It took Camden a moment to realize the cowboy was striding in his direction. Camden’s eyes widened as he looked around nervously. Why was what Camden could only describe as a wet dream straight out of a Man Of The Month calendar here, on his ranch? Why was he quickly approaching Camden? Without thinking, Camden took several steps backward. What are you going to do? Run away? He frowned as he popped the button on the key, opening the trunk and prayed he’d disguised his retreat. Things only got worse as the cowboy got closer. His white t-shirt was damp with sweat, nearly transparent and clinging to wide, firm pecs and sculpted abs. You have got to be kidding me, Camden complained and hoped that all of Dr. Leary’s staff didn’t look like strippers. Camden felt his khakis pull tight and he leaned against the open trunk to hide the hard-on that was going to be very obvious if he didn’t get it under control.
“Hey! You must be Camden Wells,” the cowboy said as he offered his hand. The smooth, deep voice and twanging Texas accent rolled through Camden and he clenched his jaw, stifling a groan as the smell of warm sun and wind bathed skin, sweat and soap reached him. Camden nodded as he accepted the cowboy’s hand. It was large, strong and calloused as it wrapped around Camden’s.
“Yeah. Is Dr. Leary around? He’s supposed to meet me with the keys,” Camden said as he scanned the yard behind the cowboy. The cowboy laughed as he pushed a hand deep into his pocket. Without thinking, Camden’s eyes followed that hand and his cock throbbed and pushed against the front of his pants. Camden cringed as he watched the cowboy’s eyes drop. Camden knew he’d caught sight of his hard-on and he cursed under his breath as he reached for one of the suitcases.
“I’m Dr. Leary but you can just call me Blake,” He grinned as he held out a set of keys. Oh, Jesus, no! Camden begged and he almost dropped the keys when their warmth filled his palm.
“Really?” Camden groaned and Blake’s head tilted and a brow rose as he watched Camden.
“Really,” Blake said as he pulled the other suitcase out of the trunk and shut it. “Did I miss something?” He asked as he looked at Camden expectantly. Camden shook his head as he went to the side of the car to grab the other suitcase and his overnight bag.
“No. Never mind,” Camden mumbled as he shut the door and locked it. “Thanks for keeping an eye on things. Everything looks great,” he said as he pulled the strap of the overnight bag over his shoulder and grabbed the handle of the suitcase. Blake nodded as he picked up the other two suitcases.
“Not a problem. Let me help you get these inside,” Blake drawled. “It’s a beautiful place, you’re going to love it here,” he announced as he nodded toward the front door. For a moment, Camden considered arguing that he could manage on his own but Blake was already bounding up the front steps. Camden sighed as he followed. Camden unlocked the doors and swung them wide. He shut his eyes and stifled another groan as Blake stepped past him. Blake’s arm brushed against his chest and Camden leaned against the door as heat poured off of Blake and pooled in Camden’s groin.
“You can just set those down,” Camden squeezed his eyes shut when his voice cracked. Blake shook his head and it jerked to the left.
“The master bedroom’s this way,” Blake stated as he easily carried the larger suitcases down the hall. Camden frowned as he followed. Helpless, his eyes clung to hard biceps and the stretching and bunching muscles beneath Blake’s t-shirt. Blake set the suitcases down and leaned against the door frame as he watched Camden set down his bag and suitcase. Blake pulled off his hat and offered a lazy grin. Fuck me, he’s gorgeous, Camden’s eyes widened as they drank in a chiseled jaw and cheek bones, large, drowsy blue eyes and wide, full lips pulled in a teasing smile. Blake ran a hand through golden waves before he swung his hat toward the hall. “I went ahead and put some food in the fridge and the pantry. I figured you wouldn’t be in the mood to do any grocery shopping when you got in. There’s a couple of cold beers and a few days worth of food,” he added before he pushed away from the door frame and went into the hall. Camden’s feet decided he needed to follow.
“Thanks,” Camden said and was about to offer his hand to send him off when Blake swept past the front door and went through the living room, into the kitchen.
“If there’s anything you need, I’m just on the other side of the pool,” Blake waved toward the floor to ceiling windows and glass doors. Camden’s brows pulled together as his eyes went beyond the large pool to the small cottage.
“I doubt I’ll need anything,” he mumbled as he noted the cottage windows that faced Camden’s living and dining area. The back of Camden’s house was almost entirely glass. Like the stables, the cottage was designed to match the main house. There were a lot of large windows and only a pool between them. “I won’t be cooking,” Camden sighed as he turned and looked back at Blake. He was leaning against the kitchen counter and his boots were crossed at the ankles and looked amused.
“Not much of a cook?” He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. Camden shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck, silently hoping he could find a quick end to the conversation and get Blake out of his house.
“No. The only things I make are cocktails,” Camden said as his eyes scanned and he felt a ripple of relief when he spotted the bar. It was well stocked and he didn’t waste any time crossing the room. “In fact, I plan to drink myself into a long-ass nap. I’ll just order a pizza if I wake up before morning,” he decided as he opened a decanter and sniffed. It was really good scotch and Camden hummed happily as he reached for a glass and Blake’s brows fell.
“You don't want a tour of the house and the property?” He asked in disbelief and Camden shrugged as he poured a generous amount into the glass.
“I don’t know the first thing about horses. Don’t really care, if I’m honest.” Camden took a long drink and sighed. He was too tired and wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do about the fact that Wild Bill Big Cock lived in spitting distance of his back door. Camden snorted and shook his head. He didn’t actually know what Blake was carrying in his holster but his presence was making Camden’s dick hurt. “Maybe tomorrow,” Camden lied as he gestured toward the front door. Blake frowned as he followed and Camden pretended not to notice. “After four days in the car, sitting in my underwear and eating a pizza sounds like heaven. If I ever go back, I’m selling my car and flying.” He pulled the door open and offered half a smile as Blake went through.
“Well, if there’s anything you need…” Blake paused when Camden shook his head.
“You’ve done more than enough,” Camden said quickly. “I’ll see you around.” He offered a stiff nod before he shut the door. “Alone at last,” Camden whispered as he lifted the glass to his lips.
Blake isn’t over the moon about the situation either.
Catching sight of Camden lounging by the pool at lunchtime didn’t help Blake’s mood. It was tragic, Blake thought, that someone so attractive could have such a shitty personality. He glared out the window as he ate, his eyes refusing to let go of Camden’s sweating, sleek body. When he stretched and rolled over a low groan rattled in Blake’s chest and heat flooded his groin. He was too tired and too irritable. The night before had been long for Blake. He wavered between irritation with Camden over his comments and presumptuousness during dinner and irritation with himself for seeing Camden half naked and asleep on the sofa every time he shut his eyes. Of all the people for Blake to lust after, he had to be the worst. For some reason, every lousy moment he spent with Camden only made Blake want him more until Camden pushed Blake’s patience to the limit and sent him fleeing.
After a quick shower and a salad, Blake girded his loins and went to deliver his substandard soap. He vowed that he’d be in and out as quickly as possible. He was too tired to deal with another confrontation with Camden. When Blake tapped on the glass Camden was sitting at the kitchen counter reading. He waved Blake in without looking up and Blake took a deep, fortifying breath before pushed the door open.
“Hey, here’s the soap,” Blake announced and Camden nodded absently as he flipped a page.
“Just set it anywhere,” he murmured as he reached for his drink.
Blake set the soap down and frowned as he looked around. The kitchen was a disaster. A pizza box sat open and two plates with wadded up napkins from lunch and dinner sat on the counter. On the opposite counter, by the sink, the coffee maker was caked in and surrounded by a thick puddle of coffee grounds. Two apple cores had been tossed into the sink and one sat in the corner by the fridge, apparently it had missed its target and bounced off the wall.
“What the hell happened?” Blake complained as he rushed across the kitchen, grabbing the plates as he made his way to the sink. Camden shrugged as he looked up.
“I forgot to use a filter,” he explained before he went back to the book. Blake could only stare in disbelief.
“How did you forget to use a filter? And why didn’t you clean it up?” He knew his tone was getting a bit high and loud but he couldn’t get his mind around the debacle in the kitchen.
“I don’t think I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve made coffee,” Camden stated before he took another long sip of what was probably scotch and Blake shook his head in shock. Coffee was splattered on the ceiling.
“You’ve only been here for twenty-four hours!” He exclaimed as he turned back to Camden. He nodded in agreement.
“I know, I’m kind of hopeless,” he admitted. “That’s why I need someone here during the day,” Camden said as he got up and went to the bar. Blake rolled his eyes as he threw the napkins away and rinsed the plates.
“But you’re not helpless. Why didn’t you clean up?” He asked as he set the plates in the dishwasher. Camden snorted as he poured.
“Yeah… I don’t like doing that,” Camden stated. “Want a drink?” He asked and Blake sighed.
“Sure. Looks like I’ll be here for a while,” he grumbled as he tossed the apples in the trash.
Half an hour later, Blake dried the coffee pot and set it back in the maker before he looked around to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. Everything was back to normal and he felt relieved as he leaned against the counter and sipped his scotch.
“So, is the first time you’ve lived alone?” Blake asked as he watched Camden. His brows pulled together as he frowned at Blake.
“No, I’ve lived alone since I was seventeen. Why?” He looked thoroughly confused and Blake laughed softly.
“I just assumed you lived with your parents or some other family member since you don’t seem capable of taking care of yourself,” he teased and Camden shook his head and took a drink.
“It’s been just me. Well, I’ve had a housekeeper for the last twelve years or so. My parents died when I was twenty. I have twin sisters but they spend most of the year in Connecticut with their kids and husbands,” Camden explained and became absorbed in his glass as he swirled his scotch. Blake felt a stab of pity and sighed heavily.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine it would ever be a good time to lose your parents but twenty had to be tough. You were still in college and just starting out,” he said softly. Camden’s head snapped up and his eyes flicked to Blake’s. He appeared to be completely startled by the comment. For a moment, Blake thought Camden was broken. He just stared and blinked for several moments. Then, he shrugged and went back to staring at his drink.
“Thank you. But it wasn’t as difficult as you imagine. I barely knew them and they disowned me when I came out. They were terrible people.” Camden took another long drink and avoided Blake’s eyes. Blake wasn’t sure how to respond. He’d be destroyed if he lost his parents. He decided to try a different topic.
“Are you close with your sisters?” Blake’s hopes for the conversation plummeted when Camden shook his head again.
“No. I hate them. They think I’m a soulless sinner and wouldn’t want me within a mile of their perfect little families,” he said before he drained his glass. Camden rose and held out his hand for Blake’s glass. Blake frowned and finished it quickly before he handed it to Camden. On to something else.
“Have you always lived in New York?” Blake asked and Camden nodded but didn’t offer more. “And your parents? Were they from New York?” This time Camden shook his head.
“Dad was from England and my mother was Spanish,” he offered and Blake nodded. “What about you? Parents? Siblings?” Camden asked abruptly, dismissing the topic as he turned and went to the bar. Blake shook his head in disbelief as he stared at Camden.
“Both of my parents are alive and well in Texas and I adore my sister, she’s my best friend,” he said as Camden returned his drink. Camden raised his as he sat.
“Lovely,” he mumbled.
Dear Lord, how many drinks do I have to have before I can leave? Blake wondered as he studied Camden. All of it seemed odd to Blake. Camden was smart, rich, probably a talented artist and ridiculously gorgeous. When he wasn’t scowling or glaring. Camden should have had an entourage of adoring friends. It was probably for the better that Camden was an obnoxious ass. If he’d been just a little bit charming and interesting, Blake would have been in very serious trouble. If Camden actually smiled, there would be no way he’d be able to stop himself from falling hopelessly in love with the man.
Blake suffered through another half hour before he lied and said he needed to check on one of the horses.
You don’t have to like someone or be in love to want them. Some things are unavoidable.
“A few more weeks and you should be ready to run again,” Blake said as he latched the stall door shut then patted Wind Dancer’s mane as she nuzzled at his chest. He saw Camden rush into the breezeway and sighed as he stepped back and wiped his hands on his jeans. He could tell from the way Camden was glaring, it was going to be good. Blake leaned against a post and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Camden approach. “What can I do for you this morning?” He offered a lazy grin because he knew it would tweak Camden’s nerves. It worked. Camden’s lips pulled tight and he pointed at Blake. Fuck, Blake hated when people pointed at him.
“You can move that filthy, big ass, piece of shit truck out of the driveway. The movers are delivering my stuff from New York today,” Camden shouted and Blake raised a brow.
“You could have just told me this morning or sent me a text. There’s no reason to storm in here and act like a raging dick,” he argued and Camden fumed as he advanced on Blake.
“I didn’t see you this morning and I told you days ago that your truck was in the way,” his hands were waving, gesturing angrily and Blake knew it was his Spanish roots coming out. He couldn’t decide if it was pissing him off more or turning him on. “Do you need me to draw a cave painting for you to understand?” Camden yelled and Blake’s temper surged.
“If it will save me from having to talk to you, go for it,” he pushed away from the post and they were almost nose to nose. Camden’s chest rose and fell as he seethed.
“I could think of about a hundred things I’d rather do than waste my time talking to you,” Camden returned as he stepped closer, bumping Blake’s chest with his.
That was it. Blake growled angrily as his hands wrapped around Camden’s face and backed him against the stall door behind him. His mouth crashed into Camden’s and Blake’s tongue slipped between Camden’s lips when he gasped in shock. Blake felt Camden’s hands fist in his shirt, pulling him closer as Camden angled his head and took the kiss deeper. Heat exploded and Blake groaned as he slid one hand around Camden’s neck and the other glided around his chest then down his back until Blake got a handful of Camden’s ass. Camden moaned into Blake’s mouth as his tongue twisted urgently around Blake’s. Camden’s hands slid down Blake’s chest, clawing at pecs and abs as his hips thrust against Blake’s groin.
Their lips and tongues fought angrily as they gripped and pulled at each other. It was hot, hard and frantic as they bucked and writhed, trying to get closer. Blake wrapped his other hand around Camden’s ass and lifted him as he settled his hips between Camden’s thighs, grinding hard as he pinned him against the door. Blake’s hat hit the dirt as Camden’s hands tangled in his hair and he pulled as their tongues dueled fiercely. Camden’s cock was hard and Blake felt the heat of it pressing against his own throbbing length as Camden locked a leg around Blake’s thigh and rocked his hips. Blake pulled back on a gasp and stared at Camden, completely in awe and panting with more desperate lust than he’d ever experienced.
How? Why? He wondered as his eyes searched Camden’s. Everything about Camden was perfect. His body locked against Blake’s as if they were matching pieces and his lips and tongue tasted like honey and mint. Blake had never wanted someone so completely, so intensely. He knew that if he stripped off their clothes, Camden’s body would feel like heaven in his arms and fucking him would be a life changing experience. Camden was perfect. Until he opened his mouth, then he was perfectly awful. As if on cue, Camden licked his lips.
“What the fuck was that?” His voice was thick and low and Blake felt it against his skin. He shook his head and groaned as his lips brushed against Camden’s.
“It was this or drive my fist into your nose,” Blake admitted and Camden nodded faintly.
“Good choice,” he murmured before he sucked on Blake’s lower lip.
Sweet Lord, Blake complained as he covered Camden’s lips with his.
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Camden escapes to a ranch he’s inherited and is not thrilled to discover that his tenant is unbelievably hot. Actually, he’s feeling very put out about it.
It took Camden a moment to realize the cowboy was striding in his direction. Camden’s eyes widened as he looked around nervously. Why was what Camden could only describe as a wet dream straight out of a Man Of The Month calendar here, on his ranch? Why was he quickly approaching Camden? Without thinking, Camden took several steps backward. What are you going to do? Run away? He frowned as he popped the button on the key, opening the trunk and prayed he’d disguised his retreat. Things only got worse as the cowboy got closer. His white t-shirt was damp with sweat, nearly transparent and clinging to wide, firm pecs and sculpted abs. You have got to be kidding me, Camden complained and hoped that all of Dr. Leary’s staff didn’t look like strippers. Camden felt his khakis pull tight and he leaned against the open trunk to hide the hard-on that was going to be very obvious if he didn’t get it under control.
“Hey! You must be Camden Wells,” the cowboy said as he offered his hand. The smooth, deep voice and twanging Texas accent rolled through Camden and he clenched his jaw, stifling a groan as the smell of warm sun and wind bathed skin, sweat and soap reached him. Camden nodded as he accepted the cowboy’s hand. It was large, strong and calloused as it wrapped around Camden’s.
“Yeah. Is Dr. Leary around? He’s supposed to meet me with the keys,” Camden said as he scanned the yard behind the cowboy. The cowboy laughed as he pushed a hand deep into his pocket. Without thinking, Camden’s eyes followed that hand and his cock throbbed and pushed against the front of his pants. Camden cringed as he watched the cowboy’s eyes drop. Camden knew he’d caught sight of his hard-on and he cursed under his breath as he reached for one of the suitcases.
“I’m Dr. Leary but you can just call me Blake,” He grinned as he held out a set of keys. Oh, Jesus, no! Camden begged and he almost dropped the keys when their warmth filled his palm.
“Really?” Camden groaned and Blake’s head tilted and a brow rose as he watched Camden.
“Really,” Blake said as he pulled the other suitcase out of the trunk and shut it. “Did I miss something?” He asked as he looked at Camden expectantly. Camden shook his head as he went to the side of the car to grab the other suitcase and his overnight bag.
“No. Never mind,” Camden mumbled as he shut the door and locked it. “Thanks for keeping an eye on things. Everything looks great,” he said as he pulled the strap of the overnight bag over his shoulder and grabbed the handle of the suitcase. Blake nodded as he picked up the other two suitcases.
“Not a problem. Let me help you get these inside,” Blake drawled. “It’s a beautiful place, you’re going to love it here,” he announced as he nodded toward the front door. For a moment, Camden considered arguing that he could manage on his own but Blake was already bounding up the front steps. Camden sighed as he followed. Camden unlocked the doors and swung them wide. He shut his eyes and stifled another groan as Blake stepped past him. Blake’s arm brushed against his chest and Camden leaned against the door as heat poured off of Blake and pooled in Camden’s groin.
“You can just set those down,” Camden squeezed his eyes shut when his voice cracked. Blake shook his head and it jerked to the left.
“The master bedroom’s this way,” Blake stated as he easily carried the larger suitcases down the hall. Camden frowned as he followed. Helpless, his eyes clung to hard biceps and the stretching and bunching muscles beneath Blake’s t-shirt. Blake set the suitcases down and leaned against the door frame as he watched Camden set down his bag and suitcase. Blake pulled off his hat and offered a lazy grin. Fuck me, he’s gorgeous, Camden’s eyes widened as they drank in a chiseled jaw and cheek bones, large, drowsy blue eyes and wide, full lips pulled in a teasing smile. Blake ran a hand through golden waves before he swung his hat toward the hall. “I went ahead and put some food in the fridge and the pantry. I figured you wouldn’t be in the mood to do any grocery shopping when you got in. There’s a couple of cold beers and a few days worth of food,” he added before he pushed away from the door frame and went into the hall. Camden’s feet decided he needed to follow.
“Thanks,” Camden said and was about to offer his hand to send him off when Blake swept past the front door and went through the living room, into the kitchen.
“If there’s anything you need, I’m just on the other side of the pool,” Blake waved toward the floor to ceiling windows and glass doors. Camden’s brows pulled together as his eyes went beyond the large pool to the small cottage.
“I doubt I’ll need anything,” he mumbled as he noted the cottage windows that faced Camden’s living and dining area. The back of Camden’s house was almost entirely glass. Like the stables, the cottage was designed to match the main house. There were a lot of large windows and only a pool between them. “I won’t be cooking,” Camden sighed as he turned and looked back at Blake. He was leaning against the kitchen counter and his boots were crossed at the ankles and looked amused.
“Not much of a cook?” He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. Camden shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck, silently hoping he could find a quick end to the conversation and get Blake out of his house.
“No. The only things I make are cocktails,” Camden said as his eyes scanned and he felt a ripple of relief when he spotted the bar. It was well stocked and he didn’t waste any time crossing the room. “In fact, I plan to drink myself into a long-ass nap. I’ll just order a pizza if I wake up before morning,” he decided as he opened a decanter and sniffed. It was really good scotch and Camden hummed happily as he reached for a glass and Blake’s brows fell.
“You don't want a tour of the house and the property?” He asked in disbelief and Camden shrugged as he poured a generous amount into the glass.
“I don’t know the first thing about horses. Don’t really care, if I’m honest.” Camden took a long drink and sighed. He was too tired and wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do about the fact that Wild Bill Big Cock lived in spitting distance of his back door. Camden snorted and shook his head. He didn’t actually know what Blake was carrying in his holster but his presence was making Camden’s dick hurt. “Maybe tomorrow,” Camden lied as he gestured toward the front door. Blake frowned as he followed and Camden pretended not to notice. “After four days in the car, sitting in my underwear and eating a pizza sounds like heaven. If I ever go back, I’m selling my car and flying.” He pulled the door open and offered half a smile as Blake went through.
“Well, if there’s anything you need…” Blake paused when Camden shook his head.
“You’ve done more than enough,” Camden said quickly. “I’ll see you around.” He offered a stiff nod before he shut the door. “Alone at last,” Camden whispered as he lifted the glass to his lips.
Blake isn’t over the moon about the situation either.
Catching sight of Camden lounging by the pool at lunchtime didn’t help Blake’s mood. It was tragic, Blake thought, that someone so attractive could have such a shitty personality. He glared out the window as he ate, his eyes refusing to let go of Camden’s sweating, sleek body. When he stretched and rolled over a low groan rattled in Blake’s chest and heat flooded his groin. He was too tired and too irritable. The night before had been long for Blake. He wavered between irritation with Camden over his comments and presumptuousness during dinner and irritation with himself for seeing Camden half naked and asleep on the sofa every time he shut his eyes. Of all the people for Blake to lust after, he had to be the worst. For some reason, every lousy moment he spent with Camden only made Blake want him more until Camden pushed Blake’s patience to the limit and sent him fleeing.
After a quick shower and a salad, Blake girded his loins and went to deliver his substandard soap. He vowed that he’d be in and out as quickly as possible. He was too tired to deal with another confrontation with Camden. When Blake tapped on the glass Camden was sitting at the kitchen counter reading. He waved Blake in without looking up and Blake took a deep, fortifying breath before pushed the door open.
“Hey, here’s the soap,” Blake announced and Camden nodded absently as he flipped a page.
“Just set it anywhere,” he murmured as he reached for his drink.
Blake set the soap down and frowned as he looked around. The kitchen was a disaster. A pizza box sat open and two plates with wadded up napkins from lunch and dinner sat on the counter. On the opposite counter, by the sink, the coffee maker was caked in and surrounded by a thick puddle of coffee grounds. Two apple cores had been tossed into the sink and one sat in the corner by the fridge, apparently it had missed its target and bounced off the wall.
“What the hell happened?” Blake complained as he rushed across the kitchen, grabbing the plates as he made his way to the sink. Camden shrugged as he looked up.
“I forgot to use a filter,” he explained before he went back to the book. Blake could only stare in disbelief.
“How did you forget to use a filter? And why didn’t you clean it up?” He knew his tone was getting a bit high and loud but he couldn’t get his mind around the debacle in the kitchen.
“I don’t think I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve made coffee,” Camden stated before he took another long sip of what was probably scotch and Blake shook his head in shock. Coffee was splattered on the ceiling.
“You’ve only been here for twenty-four hours!” He exclaimed as he turned back to Camden. He nodded in agreement.
“I know, I’m kind of hopeless,” he admitted. “That’s why I need someone here during the day,” Camden said as he got up and went to the bar. Blake rolled his eyes as he threw the napkins away and rinsed the plates.
“But you’re not helpless. Why didn’t you clean up?” He asked as he set the plates in the dishwasher. Camden snorted as he poured.
“Yeah… I don’t like doing that,” Camden stated. “Want a drink?” He asked and Blake sighed.
“Sure. Looks like I’ll be here for a while,” he grumbled as he tossed the apples in the trash.
Half an hour later, Blake dried the coffee pot and set it back in the maker before he looked around to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. Everything was back to normal and he felt relieved as he leaned against the counter and sipped his scotch.
“So, is the first time you’ve lived alone?” Blake asked as he watched Camden. His brows pulled together as he frowned at Blake.
“No, I’ve lived alone since I was seventeen. Why?” He looked thoroughly confused and Blake laughed softly.
“I just assumed you lived with your parents or some other family member since you don’t seem capable of taking care of yourself,” he teased and Camden shook his head and took a drink.
“It’s been just me. Well, I’ve had a housekeeper for the last twelve years or so. My parents died when I was twenty. I have twin sisters but they spend most of the year in Connecticut with their kids and husbands,” Camden explained and became absorbed in his glass as he swirled his scotch. Blake felt a stab of pity and sighed heavily.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine it would ever be a good time to lose your parents but twenty had to be tough. You were still in college and just starting out,” he said softly. Camden’s head snapped up and his eyes flicked to Blake’s. He appeared to be completely startled by the comment. For a moment, Blake thought Camden was broken. He just stared and blinked for several moments. Then, he shrugged and went back to staring at his drink.
“Thank you. But it wasn’t as difficult as you imagine. I barely knew them and they disowned me when I came out. They were terrible people.” Camden took another long drink and avoided Blake’s eyes. Blake wasn’t sure how to respond. He’d be destroyed if he lost his parents. He decided to try a different topic.
“Are you close with your sisters?” Blake’s hopes for the conversation plummeted when Camden shook his head again.
“No. I hate them. They think I’m a soulless sinner and wouldn’t want me within a mile of their perfect little families,” he said before he drained his glass. Camden rose and held out his hand for Blake’s glass. Blake frowned and finished it quickly before he handed it to Camden. On to something else.
“Have you always lived in New York?” Blake asked and Camden nodded but didn’t offer more. “And your parents? Were they from New York?” This time Camden shook his head.
“Dad was from England and my mother was Spanish,” he offered and Blake nodded. “What about you? Parents? Siblings?” Camden asked abruptly, dismissing the topic as he turned and went to the bar. Blake shook his head in disbelief as he stared at Camden.
“Both of my parents are alive and well in Texas and I adore my sister, she’s my best friend,” he said as Camden returned his drink. Camden raised his as he sat.
“Lovely,” he mumbled.
Dear Lord, how many drinks do I have to have before I can leave? Blake wondered as he studied Camden. All of it seemed odd to Blake. Camden was smart, rich, probably a talented artist and ridiculously gorgeous. When he wasn’t scowling or glaring. Camden should have had an entourage of adoring friends. It was probably for the better that Camden was an obnoxious ass. If he’d been just a little bit charming and interesting, Blake would have been in very serious trouble. If Camden actually smiled, there would be no way he’d be able to stop himself from falling hopelessly in love with the man.
Blake suffered through another half hour before he lied and said he needed to check on one of the horses.
You don’t have to like someone or be in love to want them. Some things are unavoidable.
“A few more weeks and you should be ready to run again,” Blake said as he latched the stall door shut then patted Wind Dancer’s mane as she nuzzled at his chest. He saw Camden rush into the breezeway and sighed as he stepped back and wiped his hands on his jeans. He could tell from the way Camden was glaring, it was going to be good. Blake leaned against a post and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Camden approach. “What can I do for you this morning?” He offered a lazy grin because he knew it would tweak Camden’s nerves. It worked. Camden’s lips pulled tight and he pointed at Blake. Fuck, Blake hated when people pointed at him.
“You can move that filthy, big ass, piece of shit truck out of the driveway. The movers are delivering my stuff from New York today,” Camden shouted and Blake raised a brow.
“You could have just told me this morning or sent me a text. There’s no reason to storm in here and act like a raging dick,” he argued and Camden fumed as he advanced on Blake.
“I didn’t see you this morning and I told you days ago that your truck was in the way,” his hands were waving, gesturing angrily and Blake knew it was his Spanish roots coming out. He couldn’t decide if it was pissing him off more or turning him on. “Do you need me to draw a cave painting for you to understand?” Camden yelled and Blake’s temper surged.
“If it will save me from having to talk to you, go for it,” he pushed away from the post and they were almost nose to nose. Camden’s chest rose and fell as he seethed.
“I could think of about a hundred things I’d rather do than waste my time talking to you,” Camden returned as he stepped closer, bumping Blake’s chest with his.
That was it. Blake growled angrily as his hands wrapped around Camden’s face and backed him against the stall door behind him. His mouth crashed into Camden’s and Blake’s tongue slipped between Camden’s lips when he gasped in shock. Blake felt Camden’s hands fist in his shirt, pulling him closer as Camden angled his head and took the kiss deeper. Heat exploded and Blake groaned as he slid one hand around Camden’s neck and the other glided around his chest then down his back until Blake got a handful of Camden’s ass. Camden moaned into Blake’s mouth as his tongue twisted urgently around Blake’s. Camden’s hands slid down Blake’s chest, clawing at pecs and abs as his hips thrust against Blake’s groin.
Their lips and tongues fought angrily as they gripped and pulled at each other. It was hot, hard and frantic as they bucked and writhed, trying to get closer. Blake wrapped his other hand around Camden’s ass and lifted him as he settled his hips between Camden’s thighs, grinding hard as he pinned him against the door. Blake’s hat hit the dirt as Camden’s hands tangled in his hair and he pulled as their tongues dueled fiercely. Camden’s cock was hard and Blake felt the heat of it pressing against his own throbbing length as Camden locked a leg around Blake’s thigh and rocked his hips. Blake pulled back on a gasp and stared at Camden, completely in awe and panting with more desperate lust than he’d ever experienced.
How? Why? He wondered as his eyes searched Camden’s. Everything about Camden was perfect. His body locked against Blake’s as if they were matching pieces and his lips and tongue tasted like honey and mint. Blake had never wanted someone so completely, so intensely. He knew that if he stripped off their clothes, Camden’s body would feel like heaven in his arms and fucking him would be a life changing experience. Camden was perfect. Until he opened his mouth, then he was perfectly awful. As if on cue, Camden licked his lips.
“What the fuck was that?” His voice was thick and low and Blake felt it against his skin. He shook his head and groaned as his lips brushed against Camden’s.
“It was this or drive my fist into your nose,” Blake admitted and Camden nodded faintly.
“Good choice,” he murmured before he sucked on Blake’s lower lip.
Sweet Lord, Blake complained as he covered Camden’s lips with his.
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