Free Tempting Cameron by Karen Erickson Page B

car.
    Everything was his fault, as usual.
    The coffee finally brewed, he went back into the living room, ready to ask if she wanted a cup when he stopped short, finding her passed out on the couch. Her hair a dark riotous mess about her head, her lips parted slightly, he swore he heard a little snore emanate from her and he smiled.
    Going to her, he carefully pulled the blanket back over her body, tucking it around her shoulders. She smelled amazing, like wildflowers and rain, and he leaned over her and pressed his lips to her temple.
    For once in his life, he wanted to give in. He wanted to take what he desired and damn the consequences. What was the point of life if all he did was worry about how he’d screw everything up? Chloe was a big girl. If she was asking for a summer adventure with him, then why couldn’t he give it to her?
    He wanted to. Damn it, he wanted to more than he cared to admit.
    “You’ve got me all twisted up inside and you don’t even know it,” he murmured, unable to resist kissing her again. “I’ll do my best not to hurt you, Chloe.”
    He hoped like hell he could keep that promise.
    …
    She’d fallen asleep again. It was like she couldn’t control herself but at least this time, she’d somehow ended up with her cheek pressed against a warm, solid chest, a big, muscular arm slung around her waist, holding her close. The scent of him woke her first. Fresh, clean, with a hint of pine and his own unique smell, she knew without a doubt it was Cameron.
    Holding her, his arm around her while she slept on him.
    Her heart in her throat, she was afraid to move, afraid to disturb this moment she wanted etched on her memory forever. One minute he was telling her he was no good for her and the next he was letting her sleep in his arms. She had no idea how she even ended up there.
    It made no sense. She was downright afraid to question it.
    “You’re awake.” His deep voice rumbled through his chest against her ear and she sighed, glanced up to find him watching her.
    “How long have I been asleep?” She rested her hand on his chest, the T-shirt he wore soft against her palm, the steady beat of his heart reassuring.
    “I’m not sure. A couple of hours, at least. I napped, too.” His voice was sleep roughened, deeper than usual and so sexy her entire body went on high alert.
    This was what it would be like, waking up with Cameron. Hearing that voice, his warm, hard body so close to hers…
    “Oh.” She studied his shirtfront, watched as she drew her fingers down, lightly stroking him. She shouldn’t. She had no business touching him like this but she couldn’t resist.
    “Chloe?”
    Tilting her head back, she met his gaze once more. “Yes?”
    “Do you remember what you said to me that night at the bar?”
    She frowned. There was so much she’d forgotten. Details of that night at The Tree were fuzzy. “Not really.”
    He trailed his index finger down the side of her face, careful to avoid the cuts and scrapes, his touch light as a feather, making her cheek tingle. “You asked me to be your summer adventure.”
    Her face burned with embarrassment. “I must’ve been drunk.”
    Slowly he shook his head. “You had one of Sal’s special beers on tap. No one can get drunk on that stuff.”
    Chloe pressed her lips together, wondered where he was going with this. Wondered more why he was touching her in such an intimate manner. Not that she was protesting. His finger drifting across her face made her achingly aware that he was acting much like that night at Jane’s reception. Warm and receptive, his gaze hungry as he studied her, like maybe he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
    “What are you saying, Cam?” Her heart was in her throat. She felt like she couldn’t breathe as she waited for his answer.
    He slipped his finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up, their mouths aligning perfectly. “I’m saying I think I want to take you up on your request after all.”
    Before she