Page 44 of Eight Count Heat
So simple. So direct. So unlike anyone in my carefully controlled world.
Cameron Blake defies every assumption I've made about the men on this team. He's silent during practices, barely speaking even when addressed directly. Most of the guys joke that he's either mute or plotting world domination. But tonight, he spoke. To me. Shared his secret place. Let me see parts of him—physical and otherwise—that I suspect few others have witnessed.
And he already knew what I was. Had known, possibly from the beginning.
I shut off the water and wrap myself in a towel, mind still churning. All these years of careful training, of suppressing not just my scent but every Omega instinct, and Cameron saw through it immediately. Just as he saw through my solitary walk tonight, recognized something in me that needed escape.
The same thing he needs, perhaps.
As I dry off and change into sleep clothes, my thoughts drift back to the note. I can't ignore it, but I also can't let paranoia consume me. I have seven days left in my trial period. Seven days to secure my position on the team. Seven days until I run out of suppressants completely.
I need to focus on what I can control. Tomorrow I'll call the pharmacy again. I'll talk to Eli about possible alternatives if my refill doesn't arrive in time. I'll—
My phone buzzes with a text. Unknown number.
Still wet from tonight?
My pulse quickens, heat flooding my cheeks. Cameron. It has to be.
How did you get my number?I type back.
Team contact list. Coach requires it.
Of course. I should have thought of that.
To answer your question: no. I showered.I hesitate, then add:You?
Same. Can still taste you though.
I press my hand to my mouth, as if I could somehow hide my reaction from him despite the distance between us. So blunt. So direct. It's disarming.
You can't just say things like that,I reply.
Why not? It's true.
I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips despite everything.Because it's inappropriate.
So was kissing me. Didn't stop you.
He has me there.
That was a momentary lapse in judgment,I type, not meaning a word of it.
Liar.
The simple accusation makes me laugh out loud. He sees through me even via text.
Fine. I don't regret it. But it was still a bad idea.
Why?
Because I'm your coxswain. Because I shouldn't be involving myself with anyone on the team. Because I have a thousand other complications without adding this to the list.
Not asking for complicated. Just acknowledging what happened.
I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at his words. What exactly is he offering? What do I even want from him?
What happened was a kiss,I type carefully.One kiss.
