Beyond the Game

“See you guys.” She waves at her family.

My arm that’s around her waist eases to rest on the small of her back as I lead her out of the stadium and to my truck. “You okay?” I say once we’re inside.

“Yes. I just… I’ve never introduced them to anyone.”

“You said senior prom.”

“Oh, God, Cam. It was a disaster,” she moans.

My cock is instantly hard at the sound. Did I mention we’ve not slept together yet? Yeah, there’s that. It’s not that I don’t want to. Hell, I know she wants to, but this all happened too fast between us, so I’ve slowed that part down. Sure, I want to share that intimacy with her, but we’ll get there. I’m content to hold her in my arms each night as I fall asleep and wake up to her smile every morning. I just want to be near her.

“Come on, I’m sure it wasn’t that bad,” I say, as I discreetly adjust my cock.

“Oh, it was that bad.” She goes on to tell me about how her dad acted with her prom date. “I’ve never brought another guy home. Either he was using me to get to Dad, or I just wasn’t feeling him.”

“So you’re telling me I’m the only one to make the cut?” I glance over at her and flash her a grin.

“Yes!” she exclaims. “Now you see the issue. This is nerve-racking.”

I reach over and place my hand on her thigh. “Babe, it’s fine. I’m all yours. They’re going to see that, and if they don’t, I’ll tell them, and they’ll see it in time. It’s going to be fine.”

“You say that.”

“Are you afraid of your dad?” I haven’t gotten that vibe from her, but she’s really nervous.

“No. I’m not afraid of him, but I hate disappointing him.”

“By having a boyfriend?”

“I’m Daddy’s little girl. Well, we all are, but I was the first, and he chose me, you know?” she asks. “He didn’t have to step up and be my dad. He didn’t have to love me the way he loves my little sisters, but he does. He adopted me, gave me his last name, and—” She pauses, and I can hear the emotion in her voice. “He’s an amazing man, and he’s given me so much. I just don’t want to disappoint him.”

“You think being with me will disappoint him?” I force the question past my lips.

“No.” She’s quick to defend. “It’s not you. It’s just I know my dad. He’s always said no one will be good enough for his girls, and well, I guess I just worry he’s going to be rude to you, and you don’t deserve that.”

“I can handle it.” I can handle anything as long as she’s mine.

“You shouldn’t have to handle it. That’s what stresses me out. I won’t let him be that way. Not with you. You’re different, Cam. You’re with me for me, and you’re so good to me. If my dad can’t see that, then I-I don’t know what…”

I guide my truck into the parking lot of the restaurant and park before removing the keys from the ignition and turning to look at her. “Hey.” I reach over the console and cradle her cheek. “I don’t want you fighting with your family for me. I’m a man. A man who is crazy about you. I can take what they dish out. Okay?”

“I-I don’t want you to decide this isn’t worth the hassle.”

Fuck me. “Baby, that’s never going to happen. I’m in this. Me and you. I fought too damn hard to get you to be with me. Do you really think I’m going to let your dad run me off?”

“I really like what we have, Cameron.”

“Me too, baby. Me too.” Leaning over, I kiss her softly. “Now, let’s go inside and have dinner with your family. I don’t want you to stress or worry about anything. I can handle it. I promise you that. As long as I know at the end of the day you’re mine, none of this will get to me.”

“Cam, I—” She starts but then stops. “Thank you,” she says instead of what was on the tip of her tongue.

“Anything for you. You ready?” I ask.

“As I’ll ever be.”

I nod. “Stay put. I’ll get your door.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’ve told you this.”