Not So Broken (West Coast College Book 3)

Chapter 26

‼️the next two chapters do have sexually explicit content so if you are uncomfortable with that, please consider skipping‼️

Cameron

Since we played a hell of a game last night, we get a well earned day off today.

Which works out perfectly 'cuz I have a gorgeous girl sleeping in my arms that I've been staring at for the past half hour, watching the way her nose scrunches and her lips part and unpart.

I've learned that Ava loves to cuddle in her sleep. She woke me many times-not that I minded-to wrap her arms around my waist and bury her head deeper into my shoulder, her breath warm and even against my skin.

Currently were both on our sides facing each other, her chest pressed up against mine. She's laying on top of my bent leg, her own thrown over my hip.

Sure, I've had wakeless sleeps before but I've never felt this sort of peace.

And it's all because of Ava.

This sunshine laying right here, in my arms...

Love has never been something that's intrigued me.

Because what the hell is even love? I don't know.

I liked almost nobody growing up and my foster parents-and most of my foster siblings-returned that same hatred.

Huh. That makes Rhys one of the only three foster siblings I've ever gotten along with. And the only one I still talk to.

Not the point.

The point is I didn't plan to like someone so much that it felt like I was drowning in them.

But holy fucking shit. Ava just smiled and suddenly all the love songs made so much more sense. Ava smiled and-

She jolts in my arms suddenly, her head trying to twist violently in my arm that cradles her. I loosen my hold slightly. "Hey, it's just me."

Ava relaxes immediately, breathing lightly. "Oh. Forgot where I was for a second." Her head lifts, meeting my eyes with that smile. "You're still alive. Phew. Thought I'd have to get Mike in here for some mouth to mouth."

I blanch. "If Mike ever had to give me mouth to mouth, please just let me die. Don't even care at that point 'cuz we both know he'd try and use tongue."

"But you'd be fine because as soon as you heard my voice, you'd be revived by the sound." She says, clearly holding in a laugh.

"Either works for me but I think it would be better if you moan. Preferably my name. Underneath me. On top. Doesn't matter." I whisper, leaning in close to kiss her chestnut curls.

Ava sputters, hiding her face but I don't miss the blush on the tips of her ears. "You can't just say stuff like that."

"And why's that, Sunshine?"

Her jaw drops open before she snaps it shut, giving me an exasperated look. "Be-because that's. Cameron. That's insane."

I blink, gripping her chin so her eyes meet mine. "Is it actually insane or because you want it to happen insane?"

Her fucking eyes. So fucking captivating. Like evergreen trees and the sun hitting the ocean.

Ava doesn't answer me, her face pinched with emotions that she's clearly battling. A twinge of guilt runs through me. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No, I think..." She pauses, glancing up at me and holding my stare. I raise an eyebrow. "I think you should just kiss me. But for real."

A swallow works its way down my throat. "Then I'll kiss you until you realize that I'm not faking it. Not anymore. I think it's always been real for me."