Page 8 of Innocent and Sweet (Roosters #2)

“Did you notice how empty the north end of the street is? He kept upping his offer to me. He offered fair market, then made the offers sweeter with each house demolished.” He left the sofa and cupped her chin. “He can build that damn strip mall without killing the neighborhood.”

She blinked back tears. He made sense, but she needed to know one more thing. “Why work for him, then? You hate my father…”

“Because I like you.” He brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. “You’re the shining spot in my life.”

She wanted to believe him. Wanted with every last breath in her body… but something didn’t make sense. “Please don’t tell me you got close to me to con him into leaving you alone.”

“Never.” He caressed her jaw. “Not for a second.”

“Were you considering it?”

“No.” He shook his head.

“Kameron.” She needed the truth.

“My interest in you has nothing to do with your father and everything to do with you being you. I love you,” Kameron said. “My heart’s belonged to you for a long time.”

She paused. “You love me?” She had to be hearing him wrong.

“Jesus, Anissa. Yes, I do. I never wanted money from your father or you. I started working for your family because I needed the job, but I stayed because of you. I hoped one day you’d care about me, too.”

“I do.” She inched into the vee of his legs and rested her palm on his chest over his heart.

“I’ve loved you since you started as my guard.

I’d fantasize that you’d tell me you’d fallen madly in love with me.

” Her face burned. “Maybe it was silly to think you’d see me that way, but I did.

I still do. You’ve been nice, sweet, honest and my friend when no one else has. ”

“I can’t work for you.”

“I know.” She toyed with the wrinkles in his shirt. “You’ve always been cocky and blunt. You know all the answers. But this time, it’s my turn. I’m calling my father’s bluff and taking what I want.”

“You are?” His eyes widened. “Honey?”

“Yes.” She whipped her phone from her pocket. “I’m guessing Julian has already alerted my father, but it never hurts to bring it up, too.” She dialed Julian. Within seconds, he answered. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Julian said. “Are you okay? You’re ready to go? Come outside.”

“I’m ready,” she said. “But you’re the one who can go. My father’s on the way, isn’t he?”

“Ms. Dunn.” Julian groaned. “Why do you think so?”

“Because I’ve taken a long time and haven’t contacted you. That’s standard operating procedure.” She met Kameron’s gaze. “When my father arrives, you can leave with him.”

“What’s gotten into you?” Julian asked. “This isn’t you.”

“I’m marrying Kameron, and we’re going to live together here at his house. I’m staying here from now on.” She kissed Kameron but spoke to Julian. “I’m not planning on returning to the mansion, so good luck and goodbye.”

“He’s on his way, but he’s pissed,” Julian said.

“I know.” She shrugged. She’d planned on upsetting her father.

“He won’t agree to this.”

“Good. Let him argue with me.” She gripped the phone and leaned against Kameron. The scent of him calmed her and reassured her she’d done the right thing.

“Do you love Kam?” Julian asked.

“Yes.” Without a doubt.

“Does he love you?” Julian sighed. “Anissa?”

“You watched him leave under duress. A man who isn’t in love won’t leave the way he did.” She massaged Kameron’s thigh. “You know how he feels.”

“Are you sure?” Julian asked. His voice wavered. “We don’t want to lose you.”

“As a client or friend?” she asked.

“Anissa.”

Was Julian upset? Good. “So you’re upset because you don’t want to lose your job.” She snorted. “You’re excused. I’m assuming you’ll be leaving with my father. Thank you and good night.” She disconnected the call and tossed the phone onto the sofa.

“Honey.” Kam kissed her. “Do you really want to marry me? You could do better.”

“Better than a guy devoted to me? Than one who gives as good as he gets? Than one who makes my heart beat?” She rubbed her groin against his. Heat welled within her. “A man who doesn’t want my money? Yeah, you’re all I want. No questions.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “Julian’s right. Your father will have a shit fit.”

“I’m hoping so.” She’d bet on her father’s anger.

“Anissa.”

“I want him to see I’m not a child. I’m not foolish,” she said.

“It doesn’t seem like it, but I saw through the crap.

He set me up with guys he could control.

He wanted to keep me at home -- where he could control me.

He wanted to push you away. If he prevented me from finding someone I love and nudged me toward someone I don’t, he’ll keep me in line. I’m tired of staying in line.”

Kameron’s eyes widened, and he paled. “You kept me around as a reactionary move.”

Fuck. That hadn’t been her motive at all.

She sighed. “Kameron.” She had to be honest. “Kind of.” She placed her hand over his mouth to keep him quiet.

“I decided to take what I wanted. I got you to see me as more than Anissa Dunn. You see me as a sexy woman. Because I decided to push back against my father. I’m going to be happy with the man I love -- you. No reaction needed. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Kameron grasped her shoulders. “You drive me crazy, but I’m in over my head and don’t want out.”

“Then let’s get this sorted out so I can get on with my life -- with you.”