Happily Ever Alpha: Until You (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  Once Cam’s settled, I cup her face, pulling it to me until our lips meet. As we make contact, Cam immediately opens for me and I deepen the kiss instantly. My dick hardens in my shorts, pressing against the zipper hard enough I’m sure I’ll end up with an imprint on my skin. I can feel the heat from her through our clothes, with the way she’s sitting on my lap, and her hips start to grind against my lap as she searches for more contact between us. I slip a hand under her shirt, needing to feel her skin. I eventually break our kiss, resting my forehead against hers for a moment.

  “I need to flip the food,” I tell her, reluctantly tapping her hip.

  After standing, I adjust my dick in my shorts before manning the grill.

  “Do you need me to do anything?” Cam asks, as she stands next to me.

  “Nope,” I tell her, popping the P. “I’ve got everything under control. A bottle of wine is in the fridge for you, if you’d like a glass.”

  “You spoil me, you know that?” she says, leaning over to kiss my cheek before she heads inside. I watch her through the window, as she walks into the kitchen and pours herself a glass of wine. I’m still amazed how easily she walked into my life, just a few weeks ago. We fit together so perfectly, and life has never been better. If I’d had known that a relationship with someone could be this easy, I’d have probably pursued a relationship before, but then again, I think it has everything to do with Cam.

  “Hey, babe, can you bring me the platter that’s on the counter?” I call into her.

  She brings it out to me and I quickly fill it with our dinner, then we take a seat at the table on the balcony.

  “How was your day today?” I ask, as we both dig in to the food.

  “It was good. I got good news for one of my new students. He’s the little boy I was telling you about last week, who just moved districts, and the new school wasn’t wanting to cooperate with upholding his services he was receiving at his prior school. Well, after reviewing his paperwork, they decided to grant him all services. I figured it was going to end up being a fight, but they actually granted them without me having to go to bat for him.”

  “That’s great to hear. It didn’t sound right to me for the school to deny him. It’s the kid that’s going to suffer.”

  “You’re exactly right,” she tells me. “So, what’s the plan for the weekend?”

  “Sex, sex, and more sex,” I reply, trying hard to hide the smirk on my face.

  “Nice try, lover boy.” She smirks back at me, and I wink at her.

  “Can’t fault a man for trying.”

  “No, no, you can’t. Now, what’s really on the agenda?”

  “I don’t really have anything planned. I just wanted to spend the weekend together. Maybe we can catch a movie. Is there anywhere you’d like to go or do?”

  “I think the weather is supposed to be crappy tomorrow, so a movie sounds perfect. We can be lazy and spend the morning in bed, grab some lunch and a movie in the afternoon, and then come back home for dinner. Just relax…and if you’re good, spend the evening in bed.”

  “I like your plan. Especially the hours dedicated to being in bed.”

  Chapter Ten

  Cam

  I’ve settled really well into my job and living here in Nashville. Making the move here a few months ago was the perfect new start for me, both professionally and personally. Meeting Ethan within a few days of moving here also didn’t hurt. We’ve been almost inseparable since, having spent very few nights apart since we started dating. For as long as I mourned losing Ben, and at times, not thinking that I could find someone new to love, I will never regret moving on with Ethan. Ben made me promise him that I would one day find love again, and I feel like I’ve fulfilled that promise.

  The anniversary of Ben’s death is tomorrow, and I can feel the melancholy starting to seep in. Every year, the sadness and grief hit me like a ton of bricks.

  As I lay in bed, I can hear the rain pelting against the windows. The weather fits my mood perfectly. All I want to do is lay in bed and wallow in my grief, cry, and remember all the should-have-been moments that Ben and I never got to experience. I reach for the box of tissues I have on my nightstand as the tears start to fall down my cheeks. It’s then I notice a card propped up against the lamp, with my name scrawled in Ethan’s handwriting.

  Cam,

  I know this weekend is going to be hard for you, but I want you to know I’m here for you in any way you need me to be. If you need me to hold you while you soak my shirt in tears, I’m your guy. You need me to take you out and get you drunk, I’m your man. You need to have a girls’ night, well, then I’m not your man, but I’ll keep Cash company while you and Lilly go out. You’ve become very important to me in these past few months, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.

  Text me once you’re up for the day and we can meet for lunch, if you’re up to it. If you need me for anything today, call me. I’ll see you for sure tonight, so decide what kind of evening you need, and I’ll make it happen.

  All my love,

  Ethan

  The tears that had started before I read his card are now falling even harder. How I managed to find this man, I’ll never know. Some might call it fate, but I believe that Ben somehow sent Ethan to me. He knew I’d have a hard time moving on, and yet it was my willingness to finally step foot in a tattoo shop, to get my tattoo for Ben, that brought me into Ethan’s world. I set the card back on the nightstand, grabbing the box of tissues while I just let the tears fall. They are a mixture of sorrow, but also happiness. Sorrow for Ben and happiness for having Ethan in my life.

  Once I stop the cryfest long enough to dry my face and blow my nose, I grab my phone to send Ethan a text.

  Cam: Hey, thank you for the card. I just found it a few minutes ago.

  Ethan: How are you doing this morning? I wish I could be home with you all day today.

  Cam: I’ve had my first good cry of the day, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

  Ethan: Do you want to meet for lunch?

  Cam: Maybe? What time will you be free?

  Ethan: I’m just on a break now with a large piece. It will probably be another couple of hours before we finish. If we finish on time, I should have about an hour between clients. We could go somewhere close by and grab something, or you could bring something here if you don’t want to go out somewhere.

  Cam: I can pick something up and bring it to you. That way if you run late, you can still eat something.

  Ethan: Sounds good, babe. I hate to cut you short, but my client just sat back down in my chair. I’ll see you around 1:30.

  After texting with Ethan, I pull myself out of bed and into the shower. Once I’m ready for the day, I grab my iPad and get comfortable on the couch, pulling up the FaceTime app, so I can call Candace. This weekend is hard for all of us, but we have never gone a year without calling each other or spending the time together. I love Ben’s family and am so thankful his mom has kept up our relationship.

  “Hey, girlie. How ya holding up today?” Candace asks as soon as our call connects.

  Flashing a small quick smile, tears prick my eyes, and I suck in a breath before answering her. “As well as I can. I had a good cry before I even got out of bed this morning. How are you doing?”

  “Sad, and I miss him so damn much. But I also have a weird sense of peace over me this year. I think I’ve finally wrapped my mind around the fact that he really is gone and isn’t coming back. I know if he could be here, he would. But we can’t change the past; we can only allow it to help shape our future.”

  “Yeah, I’m hopeful that I can get to the same point, where it will not hurt quite as much. I know I’ll never get to the point where I won’t feel no pain, but it still hurts so damn bad. I miss him so much. I’d do anything to just hear his voice or feel his arms around me again.”

  “I know, sweetie. How’s Ethan handling everything?” Ethan and Candace “met” awhile back via FaceTime. She’s been very suppo
rtive of me dating again, and loved getting to talk to him, albeit not for long.

  “He’s so amazing. He left me a card on my nightstand for me to find when I woke up this morning, with the sweetest note inside. I’m going to go meet up with him for a late lunch here soon.”

  “I’m glad to hear that he’s so supportive and understanding. That’s a good sign he’s a great man.”

  “I know. I’ve been thinking lately how lucky I am to have had Ben in my life, and the chance to love him as much as I did. And now, to have Ethan in my life, and have a new love building between the two of us. I’ve been so scared for all these years that I would never find that again with someone else. But I did, and I’m so thankful for that.”

  “I like seeing that look of love on you, sweetie. It looks good on you,” Candace tells me, a huge smile on her face. “Ben would want you to be happy and in love again. I know he’s looking down on you and approving of how you’re moving on.”

  “Thank you. I’ve had to remind myself a few times that he made me promise him before he died that I would move on one day and allow myself to love someone new. I’m just glad I upheld that promise. I just need to get the courage to tell Ethan just how much I care for him.”

  “You two haven’t expressed those three little words yet?”

  “Not outright. He did sign his card to me with ‘All my love’. I’ve just been a little gun-shy about it, but I’m ready to tell him now.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Cam, and I can’t wait to meet Ethan in person soon. Maybe Dan and I can plan a long weekend trip to Nashville, and come visit the two of you. I’ve wanted to head out that way for a long time, so it would be the perfect excuse to see you at the same time.”

  “I’d love to see you guys! Just tell me the dates you choose, and I’ll make sure my schedule is free to spend the weekend with you.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll look at our schedules this weekend and pick some options, and let you know. Until then, I’m going to let you go. Go enjoy lunch with your man,” she says, smiling at me through the camera.

  “Thanks. We’ll talk soon.”

  “Love you, sweetie,” she says, before disconnecting the call.

  After my call with Candace, I’m feeling more alive and upbeat than I was this morning. My calls with her can leave me feeling on top of the world one moment, and the next, I’m an emotional mess.

  Embracing the heartfelt feeling, I take off to pick up our lunch and head for Ethan’s shop to enjoy some time with my man. The one who, after today, will know just how much in love with him I am.

  Chapter Eleven

  Ethan

  I finish up with my morning client before Cam arrives, so I take the time to disinfect my chair and get all the supplies pulled out and ready for my next client. I hear the door chime, signaling her arrival. Perfect timing.

  I walk out to greet her, leaning down to place a kiss on her lips as we approach each other. “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Hi, did you finish up yet?”

  “Yep, finished about ten minutes ago,” I tell her, as I take the bag of food from her and escort her back to the break room.

  “How are you holding up?” I ask tentatively, knowing she could break out into tears at any moment.

  She gives me a small smile, sucking in a deep breath. “I’m good. I had the one cryfest when I first got up this morning. I FaceTimed with Candace for a bit. She is going to look at her and Dan’s schedules, and figure out a long weekend they can come here for a mini-vacation, as well as to see me. She said they’d love to meet you in person.”

  “I’m glad you had a good chat with her. How is she this weekend?”

  “Good, she helped pull me out of my funk. Told me it was okay to grieve, but also okay to move on. He would have wanted that for me. She’s also glad I have you to help me now.”

  “Always, babe,” I tell her, reaching for her hand and giving it a small squeeze.

  We fall into a comfortable silence as we dig in to our lunch. She picked up the shrimp tacos we love so much from Charley’s Tavern.

  “Did you decide what you wanted to do tonight once I’m off?”

  “I’ve decided that I don’t want to wallow in my grief, so I want to do something fun. Think we could still get tickets to the improv comedy club for tonight’s show? Maybe we can grab some dinner and drinks beforehand, if tickets are still available.”

  I grab my cell out of my pocket and pull up the website. They have two shows tonight, and we’re in luck; the late show still has a handful of tickets available. I quickly purchase two of them before putting my phone back down.

  “Comedy tickets for the late show have been purchased. Now, where do you want to eat at tonight?”

  “I’m not sure yet. We can just go to one of the restaurants around the club. What time will you be done today?”

  “Around five thirty or six. I’ve got a few shorter appointments making up the rest of my day so, as long as everyone shows up on time, I shouldn’t be late tonight. We can figure out dinner once I’m back at your place.”

  “Speaking of my place… What do you think about making it our place?”

  A huge smile breaks out over my face. “I’d love that,” I tell Cam, as I pull her out of her chair and into my lap, cupping her face before kissing her hard.

  “My lease is up soon on my apartment, so we can take our time moving my stuff over, and it gives me time to sell or donate whatever we don’t need to keep.”

  We discuss a little more about moving and what furniture we want to keep versus sell or donate over the next few weeks. We clean up our mess from lunch, and Cam takes off just as my next client arrives.

  Chapter Twelve

  Cam

  I leave Ethan’s shop feeling high on life, and that’s a completely refreshing feeling, considering how I felt when I woke up this morning. Knowing we’re taking the next step in our relationship and officially moving in together has added a little pep in my step and lessened the broken heart I’ve been living with for so long.

  Once I get back home, I start my normal weekend duties of cleaning and laundry. It keeps me busy until Ethan gets off work and we can head out for dinner and drinks. Ever since leaving his shop, I realize that the sadness that would normally plague me has lifted and hasn’t continued to weigh me down today.

  “Hey, babe,” Ethan calls out, as he walks in the door.

  “Hey, I’m folding laundry in the bedroom,” I reply.

  He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him, and brings his lips to my neck.

  “How was your afternoon?” he asks, lips still grazing my neck.

  “Good. Got the bathroom and kitchen all cleaned and working on the laundry. Once I’m done folding this load, all laundry will be done.”

  “I think I’ll keep you around,” he teases.

  “You better,” I say good-naturedly, as I turn in his arms and kiss him on the lips.

  Ethan deepens the kiss, swiping his way past my lips. I open to him immediately, and the tingles that run down my body from his sensual kiss wash over me, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, settling in my core. I went from feeling nothing to being turned on in a few seconds, all from his kiss and touch.

  I lean in closer, wanting to feel his rigid body pressed as close to my own as possible, and he lifts me, my legs wrapping around his hips. That brings his hardening cock in line with my now aching pussy, where I so desperately need contact and friction.

  Ethan slows the kiss, nipping at my lips before pulling back completely, until he’s looking at me with hooded eyes.

  “Tell me what you need, Cam,” he whispers.

  “You. I just need you.”

  As soon as the words leave my lips, he drops his hands from my waist, squeezing my ass. With just one step, he now stands at the edge of the bed, but realizes he can’t lay me down on it without messing up the piles of folded clothes.

  “Fuck,” he groans, looking at me.


  “Set me down, and we can move it,” I tell him. We quickly move the clothes out of our way, along with the clothes covering our bodies. His now fully erect cock stands proud between us, already glistening at the tip where the first drop of precum has leaked out. I drop to my knees and swipe my tongue across the tip, before wrapping my lips fully around it.

  “Fuuuuck…” he groans again. “Your mouth on my cock is heaven.”

  I continue to suck as much of his length in and out, adding in my hand to help stroke what I can’t fit inside my mouth. I cup his balls in my other hand, rolling them around as he moans in pleasure. I pull back when I feel him start to shake beneath my touch. He takes that opportunity to reach down and pull me up from my knees.

  “I need inside of you, right now,” he says, before kissing me hard again. We tumble onto the bed, and I laugh out loud at our frenzy to get on the bed and him inside of me. He reaches for the bedside drawer looking for a condom, but I stop him.

  “We can go without if you’d like.”

  He freezes and looks at me, searching my eyes for any doubt that may linger.

  “You sure?” he questions.

  “Yes, Ethan. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it. It’s been over a month now since I got my IUD placed, so we’re protected. So, if you want to ditch the condoms, we can.”

  He doesn’t answer with words, he responds with the actions of his body. Ethan captures my lips with his own as he maneuvers our bodies until he’s lined up at my entrance. He briefly breaks the kiss, laces our hands together, and pulls my arms above my head. With our eyes locked on each other’s, he pushes inside, filling me completely. The feeling of him skin to skin, with no barrier between us, is so powerful.

  Ethan drops his lips to mine again but stops when they’re a breath’s space apart. “I love you, Cam,” he whispers against my lips. Hearing those words from him are so amazing and I can feel his love washing over me.