Love Hurts

Five

                   

Camilla,
  
              Why did I agree to let him follow me home? This is a bad idea. I can barely be in the same room with him without wishing he would kiss me already. I just ran away from one man with authority, so why would I think it's a good idea to start a relationship with someone else? When we pull up outside my property, I've made up my mind that he needs to leave and I won't engage in this behavior anymore. But then he steps out of his truck, looking lean and gorgeous. He wears his jeans just above his hip bones and a tight t-shirt that perfectly hugs his biceps. I become all fuzzy-headed and start drooling like a dog with rabies. He walks over to me with an excessive amount of confidence.    "What's up, Camilla?" he asks, using his finger to wipe the edge of my mouth. "You had a little drool," he says, smirking. I smack his hand away and say, "You wish." But he responds smugly, "Do I, though?" I say goodnight to Officer Moore and he apologize, "I was just trying to have some fun with a friend." He says, pulling my hair behind my ear, "Let me clarify, we are not friends." I try to say with confidence, but it comes out in a whisper. Moving closer, he says he wants us to be friends. And that move right there is why we can't be friends. I don't have time to be friends with anyone right now. "Your friends with Olivia." He reminds me. "Olivia is an exception. You cannot tell her no; about anything," I tell him. "I call bullshit," he says. "I don't give a crap what you call," I say, pushing him back and walking toward my house. Before I get halfway to the house, he has his arms around my waist before I know what's going on and turns me around to face him.
     "Look, I won't push you into anything you don't want, but everyone needs friends," he says, leaning in and kissing me on my cheek before letting me go and stepping back. "I will see you in a couple of days and we can get that lunch I was talking about earlier." Hoss say. My heart is jackhammering out of my chest. 'What are you doing, Camilla?' You can't get involved with a cop. He will find out who you really are and probably put you in jail for impersonating someone else, and then call Alan and tell him where you are. You are as good as dead if Alan finds you.
     "Camilla, are you okay? You checked out on me."
     "Yes, I'm okay." I tell him. "Yes, lunch will be nice. A girl must eat after all, right?" I say, shrugging. "Alright, I'll see you in a couple of days," he says, kissing my cheek. "Goodnight, Hoss." With a smile on my face, I enter my house. There's no reason for me to be smiling. I should get Hoss off my heels, but god he is so damn gorgeous and confident, sweet, and boy, he is nice to look at. Alan was never sweet. We dated each other in school, and it was just expected of us to get married. But I think he was always an asshole. He was just so good at hiding that part of him until we married, and I was all his.
     Lying in bed a couple of hours later, I can't seem to get Hoss off my mind, so I decide to call my dearest and closest friend Kim. I know it's late, but I'm sure she is still awake.
     "Hello," Kim answers.
     "Hello," I say back then I get into what I was calling her for.
"Camilla, I understand that you've been through a lot with your husband and faking your death. It's natural to be cautious and hesitant about getting involved with someone new. But not every guy is like your husband, Alan. You deserve to find happiness and move on from your loveless marriage. I know you're worried that if you get involved with a cop, he might turn out to be like Alan or discover your true identity and arrest you for impersonation. But remember, not all cops are the same. There are good people out there who will treat you with love and respect. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and give someone a chance. And if it turns out that he's not the right person for you, I'll be there to support you and kick his ass if needed. I'm glad I could be there for you when you needed someone to talk to. You know I always have your back, Cam. Now go out there and show this guy, whoever he is, what you're made of. I love you too, Cam. Goodnight."
                                                                                                       ♾️
      The next few days pass by quickly, and it's been busy at the hospital. Hoss came by to let the kids visit Mr. Spaghetti, and we all went to the park for lunch. The tacos from the taco truck were amazing, the best I've ever had.
    After we finish eating, I ask Hoss how his day has been. He says it's been fairly good because he got to see me. I blush and tell him that  look doesn't suits him. He responds with a cocky grin I don't know what look your talking about. I playfully call him a liar and he asks what look I'm talking about. I tell him it's that cocky look. He insists that he's not cocky, just confident. I can't help but laugh at his self-assuredness.
    Suddenly, he leans in and kisses me out of the blue, catching me off guard. My instinct is to jump up and run off, but Hoss quickly pulls me back by the arm and tells me to sit back down.
    Once I do, Hoss leans in and apologizes. He compliments my appearance and his dog, Mr. Spaghetti, jumps up between us, showing signs of jealousy. I inform Hoss that I need to return to the hospital, but he suggests meeting for dinner at a nearby diner owned by his family. I agree, and as we walk back to the hospital, he holds my hand, making me feel cherished. Later that night, I meet up with Hoss, who playfully comments on my uniform. I explain that I didn't have time to change, and offer to reschedule if it's embarrassing. Hoss reassures me, saying I look hot and that no one would dare say anything negative. I realize I overreacted and apologize for my outburst.
     "You're fine, baby. Let's find a booth and get a server, I know the right one." He says cocky.
     I say, rolling my eyes at him. "I'm sure they're all good," I add.
    "Yeah, but there's one that's just a little extra special," he says, grinning.
    We find a booth in the back and he tells me he'll be right back. After about 5 minutes, he returns with a pretty little blonde who has the same light blue eyes as him.
    She looks about 18 or so. I assume she's his niece.
    "Camilla, this is my niece, Julie. She's the best server I've ever seen, so just tell her what you want and she'll have it here in a jiffy," he introduces.
    "Is that a fact?" I ask.
    "Fact, my friend," he confirms.
    "I think my uncle is being a little biased," Julie says, extending her hand to shake mine. But instead of a handshake, she does a fist bump.
    I realize I'm getting old because I forgot people still do that. So it turns into a shake bump.
    "We'll work on that," she says, smiling.
    "What can I get you to drink, Camilla?" Julie asks.
     "I'll take a Dr. Pepper, please," I reply.
     "One DP coming right up. And you want a sweet tea, right Uncle Rene?" Julie asks, turning to Hoss.
     "I'm sorry, did I hear you right? Did you just call him Rene?" I ask, surprised.
     "Yes, ma'am," Julie says, winking at her uncle's scowling face.
     "Don't you even say a word," Hoss warns me.
      "Not a word, Rene," I say, trying and failing to hide the laugh that's bubbling up in my throat.
      "You just wait until we get out of here," Hoss threatens.
     "I'll have you yelling my name at the top of your lungs," he whispers.
     And the heat that floods the lower part of my body shocks the shit out of me. I haven't felt this turned on in a long time.
    "Damn it, Camilla, you can't go there," I scold myself.
    "You wish," I whisper back.
    Hoss leans so close to my face that I can feel his breath all over my face and neck.
    "No, sweetheart, that's a promise," he says, winking at me.
    I gulp, and his cocky smile returns.
    "Here are your drinks," Julie says, interrupting us. "Thank goodness! I don't know how much longer I can look at him and not kiss his beautiful lips. Are you two ready to order, or do you need another minute or two?"
    "Let's do this. Can I have the hamburger steak with brown gravy and onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, and corn?" I ask.
    "I will have what the lady is having," Hoss says.
    "Alright, I'll get that put in for you," Julie replies.
    "Oh, Uncle Hoss, are you coming to Nana's next Sunday for dinner?" She ask.
   "Of course, I have only missed one of your Nana's dinners. And I still have not lived it down. I was in college then," Hoss says.
    "I remember her chastising you about it a couple months ago," Julie laughs. "Anyway, bring someone with you this time," she adds, not so subtly looking my way.
    "I'll think about it squirt," Hoss tells her with a smirk.
   "Okay, Uncle Rene," she deadpans. "I'm going to make a bold statement and say that she dislikes being called 'squirt' just as much as you dislike being called 'Uncle Renea'."
   "You might be correct," Hoss admits, shaking his head.
    Our food arrives about 20 minutes later, and we eat in silence. Once we're done, we get ready to leave and another blonde with blue eyes walks up to Hoss, giving him a hug.
    "Why didn't you come to the back and tell me you were here?" she asks.
    "I figured Julie told you," Hoss replies.
    "Earlier, I was busy with office paperwork. I apologize for being rude. I'm Mallory, Hoss's older sister."
   " Nice to meet you, I'm Camilla," I say, extending my hand for a handshake. Hoss interrupts his sister, saying it's time to go. Mallory looks at him as if he's lost his mind and says she'll see us next Sunday. Hoss assures her that he'll be at her house before then. She suggests that they catch up over a beer and a game sometime soon. Hoss tells Mallory that he'll let her know a good day and see if it works for everyone. Mallory invites me to join as well, and I agree. In a moment of impulsiveness, I agree to go back to Hoss's place for a few beers, even though I don't actually like beer.
   After Kim's words resonated in my mind, I decided to let go and go with the flow. I followed Hoss back to his house in my truck and parked behind his truck in a narrow driveway.
   As I walked into the hall right inside the door, I couldn't help but admire the lovely little home. "This is such a lovely little home," I commented.
    "Thank you, I had it built last year," Hoss replied.
    "That explains why it still looks new and clean," I remarked.
    Hoss chuckled and said, "Because I'm a bachelor, so it must be dirty with beer cans and pizza boxes everywhere, right?"
    I smiled at his brief outburst, "Well, I will have you know I take pride in keeping my house clean." He tells me.
   " That's not what I was insinuating at all." I tell him.
     Hoss then suggested, "So, how about that beer? Why don't you set down on the couch and I will bring us a couple out, and we can talk about boring, meaningless stuff before it gets awkward."
    His comment made me laugh so hard that I almost peed myself. I couldn't believe how effortlessly and frequently he made me laugh. "For being a cop, you are nothing like what I expected," I admitted.
     I couldn't help but think about Alan's friend, Officer Dully, who never broke a smile and never told a joke. Hoss responded, "Well, my friend, you have been hanging around the wrong cops. If we were serious all the time, this job would eat us alive."
    I agreed with his perspective and added, "That's a good way to look at things. It's the same way as what I do. I try not to be serious all the time."
    As I fell silent, not wanting to say anything further, Hoss must have sensed something. He guided me into the living room and gestured towards the couch for me to sit down. "I'll be back in a moment," he said.
   "Okay," I replied, eagerly awaiting his return.
    Hoss returns a minute later, attempting to hand me my beer. He then sits down beside me and we engage in some conversation. "So, tell me a bit about yourself," Hoss says, and I suddenly freeze. "Camilla, are you okay?" Hoss asks, concerned.
     "Yes, sorry, I daydream a lot," I said with a shaky laugh.
     "So, what do you want to know?" I asked him.
    "What are your parents like?" he inquired.
    "Easy one," I replied. "My dad is the sweetest man you could ever meet. He has been the preacher for our nearby church for the last thirty years. In his free time, he works as a repairman. Mom is a Judge and a hard ass about everything, but she's very devoted to her family."
   "So, you must take after your mother then," he commented.
   "I like to think I have a bit of momma and a bit of daddy both in me," I smiled.
    "How long has it been since you've seen them?" Hoss asked.
    "That obvious, huh?" I sighed. "It's been over a year since I've seen them and about four months since I've talked to them."
    "Wow, Cam, why so long?" he asked.
    "Time to talk about something else," I quickly changed the subject.
    He narrowed his eyes, but didn't push me. Thank god.
    "What made you want to become a cop?" I asked him.
    "I always knew I wanted to be a cop, or a marine," he replied.
    "What stopped you from being the marines?" I questioned.
    "My ex-fiancé," he answered.
     The situation is becoming intense, and I'm starting to question my decision to want to talk over watching TV. "I've changed my mind I want to watch TV." Hoss doesn't question my sudden change and turns on the TV. We find an interesting movie and he pulls me back onto the couch, wrapping his arm around my waist. Although it feels good to be in his arms, I feel conflicted and try to wiggle out of his embrace. Hoss reassures me that we're just friends watching TV. But suddenly, I have the urge for him to kiss me. I'm taken aback by this thought and need to gather myself before things escalate. However, his touch feels so comforting that I go with the flow and rest my head on his shoulder. He starts kissing my hair, indicating that he wants something more tonight. I'm unsure if I can go through with this.
    Can I allow another person to touch me without feeling uncomfortable? There's only one way to find out. I gaze up at him, and he smiles back at me. "Can I kiss you?" he asks, his voice filled with anticipation. I swallow hard and reply in a whisper, "Yes." He hovers over my lips, the moment stretching out before he finally crashes his lips onto mine. His kisses start off gentle, nibbling at my bottom lip, before his tongue slips into my mouth, deepening the kiss and taking control. A moan escapes me before I can stop it. No one has ever kissed me like this before. It feels amazing, yet also feels forbidden. He pulls away, and I can't help but feel a pang of loss. He plants soft kisses all over my face, trailing down to my neck. The sensation sends waves of desire through my body. I feel his hand sliding up under my shirt, exploring my stomach.
     Moving up slowly, Hoss reaches the base of my bra and slides his hand underneath, finding my nipple. His thumb massages it, causing my body to arch in pleasure. I should tell him to stop, but it feels so good. Hoss then moves his hand down my stomach, igniting my desire, and cups my pussy through my pants. I call out his name, trying to sit up, but his weight keeps me down. Panic sets in and I push at his chest, finally getting his attention. "Hoss, please let me up," I say. He apologizes, realizing his mistake. "I'm so sorry, Camilla." Maybe I was too forward. I feel like a high schooler being asked to go to second base by my boyfriend. I laugh. Hoss kisses his way back up to my face and asks, "Um, well, can I, Camilla?" He jokes, fluttering his eyelashes. I can't help but laugh.
      Hoss gazes at me intently, his eyes filled with desire. I can feel his presence, his touch, making me feel like I am the most important person in the world. It has been a long time since someone has made me feel this way, and I can't help but be drawn to him.
     "You make me feel worthy," I reply, my voice filled with sincerity. Hoss's words reassure me, making me believe that I am truly deserving of his affection.
    He leans in, his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. The intensity between us grows, and before I know it, he has me lying on my back. The desire between us is undeniable, and I can't help but surrender to the moment.
    "I want to make love to you, Camilla," Hoss whispers, his voice filled with both longing and respect. His words send shivers down my spine, and I nod in agreement, my heart pounding with anticipation.
     As we continue our passionate encounter, I can't help but make a playful comment to lighten the mood. "We skipped second base and went straight to third," I say, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.
    Hoss smiles back at me, his eyes filled with adoration. He sits up and removes his shirt, revealing his strong, masculine physique. I feel a surge of desire course through me as he undoes my bra, leaving me exposed and vulnerable.
    "Please lift your hips," he instructs me, his voice filled with a mix of desire and tenderness. I comply, allowing him to pull my pants down to my knees, exposing more of my body to him.
    "Stay lying down," he says softly, removing my pants completely. I feel a rush of excitement as he takes in the sight of me, his gaze lingering on every curve and contour.
    We sit there, locked in a moment of anticipation, our eyes locked on each other. The air is thick with desire, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the night holds for us.
   
    

@Crystal Steadman2023