Page 92 of Pride High 2: Orange

“Tell me about this,” he said, considering the small vial he held.

“It’s sandalwood oil, which I thought you might appreciate since wood is your thing. Open it up and take a whiff.”

He did so. “Hey, I like this!”

“Good! You can wear it as a cologne, if you want.”

“Does it have a sprayer?”

“No, like this.” She had him hold out his arms so she could apply a drop to the underside of each wrist. Then he was instructed to rub them together. “Now press them on each side of your neck,” she said. “Right on the jugular. That way, when Anthony is getting you hot and horny, all that rushing blood will increase the scent.”

“He doesn’t stand a chance,” Cameron said. “Not when I’m wearing this. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. Hey! What did you get him?”

“I can show you on my way out. That’s where I’m headed next.”

“But not yet, I hope,” Mindy said. “Stay a little longer.”

“Yeah, for sure! What should we do?”

“I still want to upset my parents,” Mindy said. “Would you mind moaning in pleasure a few times?”

“I’ve got a better idea,” Cameron said as he began to bounce up and down on the mattress. There was just enough of a squeak to make it worthwhile. Especially when Mindy joined him while laughing.

“We should hang out more often,” he said over the noise as they continued to bounce. “I always have fun with you.”

“Yes!” Mindy cried. “I feel the same way! I wonder if my parents would let you spend the night?”

“I’d like to see their faces when you ask them.”

“I will! After they find out the truth.”

There was a knock. Mindy bounced off the mattress and went to answer the door, only opening it a crack as if they had something to hide.

“Is everything okay up here?” he heard her father ask.

“Of course,” Mindy said, throwing open the door so he could see. “Cameron is a carpenter. I thought he could fix my squeaky bed.”

“I think it might be the box spring,” he said helpfully.

“Okay then,” Mr. Beaumont said, still sounding suspicious. “Why don’t you join us downstairs? There’s plenty of eggnog.”

“We’ll be there soon,” Mindy said, shutting the door and pressing her back to it.

They held their breath while listening to Mr. Beaumont walk down the hall. Then they both cracked up. Despite what they’d promised, they remained in her room. She asked about his parents, Cameron eager to tell her about the late-night conversation he’d had with his father. Especially since he’d promised himself not to bother Anthony with any of it. He wanted the holiday to stay upbeat. And he always felt better after commiserating with Mindy.

“My parents saidhorriblethings,” she said. “Mostly to each other, but sometimes to us. It’s important to remember that they’re human. I bet you’ve said things you regret when upset.”

“Most definitely,” he said. “You really think that’s all it was?”

“Your dad would be crazy not to love you. And like you said, he was clearly trying this morning, right?”

Even when Cameron’s mom had made a cutting comment while they were opening presents, his dad had shrugged it off instead of snapping at her like he usually did. “Yeah.”

“He’ll come around,” Mindy assured him. “Our parents have been forgiving us our entire lives. When my mom and dad got divorced, I finally learned to start doing the same for them.”

She was so amazing. If Cameron was ever going to give his heart to a girl… Then again, he supposed he just had! They hung out a while longer before she walked him to his car. When she saw the nightstand, she did a happy little skip. “That issoromantic. Anthony is going to adore it! Why didn’t we go dumpster diving on our date?”