The Trouble with You (Rixon Raiders 1)

“I—”

A knock at his door startled us both and Cameron froze above me. “Yeah?”

“It’s just me, Son. Mom wants to know if you’re hungry?”

Heat blazed in his eyes as he hardened between my legs. “I, uh, yeah sure, Dad.” His voice cracked with lust. “But tell her to make an extra plate.”

My cheeks burned as I silently shook my head with disbelief.

“I see …” His dad cleared his throat. “Well, we’ll… hmm, we’ll see you both soon.”

“Sure thing, Dad.”

“Cameron,” I hissed the second his dad’s footsteps grew quiet. “What the hell?”

“Time to meet my parents.” He winked, dropping a kiss on my head before clambering off me and the bed, not bothering to even try and hide his erection.

I wanted to be mad at him, to argue that this was moving too fast, that he was completely crazy. But as I watched him pull on his jeans and a clean tee, I couldn’t find it in me to protest. Because he loved me.

Cameron Chase loved me.

Ten minutes later, I was having second thoughts.

“I’m not sure this is—”

“Hailee, stop.” Cameron pulled me into his arms. “They’re going to love you.” He gazed down at me with such intensity I felt my throat constrict.

“Yeah, but—”

“No buts. I need you, okay?” His expression softened. “Please, do this, for me.”

Arching my brow, I let out an exasperated breath. “You’re not playing fair.” I wanted to be there for him, I did. But it wasn’t fair to use his situation against me.

Damn him.

“I told you once before, I’m a Raider. And Raiders never quit. Even if we have to play a little dirty sometimes.” Something flashed across his face, but it was gone before I could decipher what it was. “Ready?” he added, and I gave a little shrug. “I guess.”

Cameron led me into his kitchen, his hand firmly around mine. “Mornin’,” he said without a care in the world. “Hailee’s going to stay for breakfast. I hope that’s okay?”

A woman with short dark hair and Cameron’s gray-blue eyes beamed at us. “Of course, it’s okay, sweetheart. Hailee, I’m Karen, Cameron’s mom, it’s lovely to meet you.” She came over and hugged me. “And under better circumstances this time. I’m sorry you had to see that, sweetie,” she whispered, and I swallowed over the lump in my throat.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” I said as Cameron wrapped his arm around me, guiding me over to one of the stools.

“Hailee,” Mr. Chase said around a wary smile. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Hello.” I gave him a small wave as I sat down while Cameron helped his mom get some extra plates from the cabinet.

“How was the game last night?”

Cameron stiffened but quickly recovered. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.” He came and sat down beside me, taking my hand in his, as if he needed the contact. “While Mom is going through her… treatment,” the word got stuck in his throat. “I think I should quit the team.”

Mrs. Chase gasped, the sound almost painful, while Mr. Chase’s brows pulled tight as he shifted uncomfortably on the stool. “Son, there is no need to—”

“Just hear me out, Dad, please.” Cameron ran a brisk hand down his face. “This week has been hell for me; my game was off. I’m angry, confused… it isn’t what I need right now or what the team needs. I want to be here for you guys, for Xander. I need to be here.” With the last word his chest heaved as if a weight had been lifted.

“But, Son, the scouts—”

“Don’t matter, Dad. This is more important. Mom is more important.”