Guilt trickled down my spine. It seemed so fucking inexcusable now, but at the time, after leaving Xander, all I’d wanted was some time with my thoughts. One hour had turned into two and two into four. I’d made one quick stop for gas and to use the restroom and then got back on the road.I hadn’t stopped to think about Hailee.I hadn’t stopped to think about anything besides my kid brother back home, breaking his heart because I was leaving him again.It was all I could think about.And, in this moment, I realized how screwed up that was. I’d taken a lot for granted these last few weeks. Hailee. The team. My classes.Hailee.Fuck.I glanced at the table again. She’d planned an entire romantic evening and I hadn’t even fucking called her to tell her the change of plans.With a heavy heart, I moved through the apartment to our bedroom. It was quiet, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight of Hailee asleep on the top of the bed, clutching a pillow, her new lingerie accentuating

“Okay...” My brows furrowed, not liking the finality in her tone. “Do you want to quit the team?”I reared back, my eyes growing to saucers. “How did you—” I was going to kill Jason.“So it’s true?” Disappointment washed over her, the distance between us vaster than ever.“No... I mean, I thought about it, but—”“You thought it about it and you never said a word. What is happening to us, Cameron? Because when the semester started and you began pulling away, I told myself it was just the pressure of balancing everything. Then you started going back and forth to Rixon more and more, and I got it, because it’s Xander. He’s your blood, your family. But what I didn’t anticipate was that every time you left, it would drive the wedge growing between us deeper.“I think I’ve been understanding. I’ve tried to be there for you, for Xander, even your parents. I don’t grumble or complain, or trash talk you to our friends. Because I get it. I get you want to do the right thing. You wouldn’t be the

HAILEE“Hi, sweetheart.” My mom came to me in a dream, only when I opened my eyes, she was standing right there.“Mom?” I pushed up, my muscles sore from sleeping on the row of plastic hospital chairs. “What time is it?”“A little after one.”It had been two hours since Cameron and his dad had disappeared into Karen’s room.“I must have fallen asleep.”She nodded. “Cameron called and asked me to come and get you.”“He did?” I frowned, glancing down the hall where I knew he was with his parents. “They’re going to stay with Karen. He didn’t want you to be out here all by yourself.” “Oh, okay.” My stomach dipped.“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go home.”But as I got up and let her lead me away, all I could think was I was leaving my home behind in that room.“It’s so good to see you, Hailee. I just wish it was under better circumstances.” Mom made small talk as we walked to her car. It was dark out, a blanket of stars kissing the inky sky. Such a beautiful scene for such a tragic night.“Di

I buried my hands deep in her hair, angling her face to mine as I captured her lips. Hot, needy kisses. “I will always love you,” I barely whispered the words against the corner of her mouth.Hailee rose up slightly, grasping my shaft in her hand before sinking down in one smooth motion.“Cam,” she breathed, clutching onto my shoulders. “It feels—”“I know,” I groaned, rocking into her. My hand curved over her hip, guiding her movements. I wanted her slow and deep, fast and hard. I wanted her anyway I could get her. Because being like this with Hailee would never be enough… and yet, for now, it would have to be.My chest tightened as she rode me. I memorized every roll of her hips, every breathy moan to fall from her lips. But I needed more. I needed every single thing she had to give.Without warning, I flipped Hailee over and began thrusting into her. She raked her nails down my back, crying out as I went harder. “Oh God, Cam…” Sucking in a sharp breath, she held onto my shoulders a

“Hush, you’ve got to think for two now.” I shot her a disapproving look.“Too soon?”“What do you think?”“I think you need to explain how you’re pregnant when you told me you and Cameron were going through a dry spell?”“Seriously, that’s what you’re choosing to focus on?” “Fee, you’re doing it again,” Mya said.“Sorry, I’m sorry, okay.” She held up a hand. “I just... pregnant. She’s freakin’ pregnant.”“Yes, I got it the first time.” Mya offered me an apologetic look. “How are you feeling, really?”“Confused. Scared. Did I say confused?”“It’s okay, Hailee. You’re going through something huge.”“Have you told Cam?” That was Felicity. I pressed my lips together, averting my gaze. “Hailee...you have to tell him.” “I can’t, not yet.”He was dealing with something huge; he didn’t need this to worry about.“Girl,” Mya reached for my hand. “He’d want to know.”“I need to process it first and then figure out what I’m going to do.” “What do you mean?” Felicity paled. “You’re going to keep