Page 106 of Cougar

“Hmm?”

“It’s Cam.”

Cam.

My eyes pop open and I blink into the darkness of my bedroom. Cam’s voice still echoes somewhere in my subconscious as if it had pulled me from sleep. Confused, I look over to the side of my bed to find it empty.

But it felt so real.

* * *

Just over a week ago, Cam flew out to California to attend some charity function for the league and for some guy time with Liam. Our conversations were via text because of Liam but we spoke briefly on Saturday night. I haven’t heard from him since. When I spoke to Liam today, I asked him what he and Cam had been up to. According to Liam, Cam flew back three days ago. Three fucking days and not a single call or text.

My heart slams against my chest as I pull up his name in my favorites and send him a text.

Me: Are you home?

Cam: Yeah. Just got back.

Liar.

Me: It’s Wednesday. Do I get to see you tonight? I’ve missed you.

Cam: Can’t tonight. I’ll call you later.

Fucking coward.

Maybe this is how he breaks things off with women. I’ve only ever known Cam to have one semi-serious girlfriend, and his breakup with Lauren caused all kinds of drama. I don’t know why I thought he’d be different with me. But since we’ve known each other for so long, I thought I’d at least get an explanation.

I’m definitely no expert on relationships. When Chris cheated, I felt betrayed and hurt. But in the end, that was on Chris. Marcus’s death was out of my control, and it’s taken me months to finally let someone in. I wasn’t sure where things were going with Cam, but he’s been the breath of fresh air I’ve craved for so long. He told me he loved me. I didn’t say it back. Not because I don’t love him, but because he was right—I’m scared. And clearly I had my reasons. I tried not to let my insecurities get the best of me, thinking about him being in California with Liam. What if he was spending time with all those young, beautiful women and realized I’m not what he wants? As much as the thought of losing what we have hurts, I’m not a selfish woman. I won’t hold him back, but he could at least tell me to my face that this is over. I won’t chase, but I damn sure will have the last fucking word.

I slip into my running shoes and take a walk over to Cam’s, figuring it’ll give me time to calm down and prepare myself for whatever he has to say. However, I’m not prepared for what happens next.

There’s a red BMW parked in the driveway, and standing beside it is Cam with his arms around a blonde woman with a messy bun on top of her head. I jerk to a stop as déjà vu reaches out and punches me in the stomach. Suddenly I’m transported back to that awful day when I watched in horror as Chris had Rebecca up against her little sports car.The day he cheated on me.

My stomach knots and a sharp pain spreads across my chest before the heaviness settles in and I’m struggling to breathe.He’s cheating on me.

Cam releases the blonde and opens the driver door. He leans in and presses a kiss to her cheek before she slides behind the wheel.

Tears spill from the corners of my eyes, but I angrily wipe them away as I turn on my heels and walk back home.

* * *

Cam: Are you free today? I was hoping we could talk.

Em: Can’t. Busy.

Cam: I’m sorry for blowing you off last night. I was being an ass and I want to explain.

I’m tempted to reply withNo need to explain. I saw it with my own eyes. You’re a dick. Thanks for breaking my heart. Have a nice life.But instead I ignore his text altogether.

My phone buzzes in my hand and I jump. When I see Cam’s name light up the screen, I immediately decline the call.

It buzzes again, and my thumb hovers over the Decline button before I realize it’s Jay calling. Alarm bells are going off in my head, because she’s not allowed to have her phone during school hours.

I don’t even bother with a hello. “What’s wrong?”

“Why do you think something’s wrong?”

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