Beyond the Game

“You make him happy,” Grace says, keeping her voice low and just between us.

“He makes me happy.” It’s the first time I’ve admitted that. It’s the truth. I don’t know him all that well, but from what I do know, Cameron is one of the good guys. I know that people can change, but I’m pretty sure with Cameron Taylor, what you see is what you get.

“I may get grandbabies after all.” Grace laughs as she moves ahead of me to step inside Cameron’s condo.

I stand still, processing her words. We’re not there yet—not even close—but I guess at least I have his mother’s approval. I know how important she is to him, so to know she approves of us is a relief.

“Mom, I’m going to walk Paisley home,” Cameron says, standing at the open doorway of his condo.

“I’m right here.” I point behind me where my front door is a mere foot away.

“I’m walking you,” he says, leaving no room for argument.

“Good night.” I wave to Grace.

“Good night, sweetheart. I’ll see you again soon.” She sounds just as assured as her son as she waves and closes the door behind her.

“You sure I can’t convince you to stay?” Cameron asks as we stroll hand in hand the steps it takes to get to my front door.

“I’m sure. You need this time with her.”

“I need this time with you too,” he says, pulling me into his chest.

“Well, you see now that we’re official, that means you get to see me whenever you want. So, this one night with your mom, that’s just a blip on the radar.”

“Us being official means I need to be with you every spare second I can.”

“Are you going to be one of those boyfriends?” I tease.

“I’m your boyfriend,” he says, kissing me softly.

“And you’re Grace’s son. She drove here to see you, to spend time with you, and that’s what you need to do.”

“Hard-ass,” he mutters, but I can hear the humor in his voice.

“Go. Enjoy your time with your mom.”

“Fine.” He brings his lips to mine for a soft kiss. “Good night, beautiful.”

“Night, Cam,” I say, stepping out of his hold. He stands behind me while I unlock the door and slip inside.

“I didn’t think you would ever get home,” Willow says, scaring the hell out of me. I whip around to find her sitting on the couch.

“I didn’t expect you to still be up.”

“Well, we have a lot to talk about. Namely, Cameron sleeping over last night, and you spending the day with him before going to work.”

“Wil,” I say, plopping down on the couch next to her. “I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into.”

“What? Did he hurt you?” My best friend is on immediate alert.

“No. Nothing like that,” I assure her. “He’s just intense and so sure of himself. Of us.”

“Oh, so there’s an us?” she asks, tucking her legs underneath her as she turns to face me.

“As of tonight, there is an us,” I say, barely able to contain my smile.

“Paisley has a boyfriend,” she sings.