Page 22 of Always Be My Baby

Scooting lower and raising the blanket closer to my neck, my face burned. I was in so much trouble.

Chapter Fifteen

Back To Work

Cammy

“Welcome back, stranger.” Gus seemed to be in a good mood from the sound of his tone. “How are you feeling?”

Leah had called Gus to let him know I had the flu.

“I’m feeling better. Thanks for asking.”

Rushing to my spot, I surveyed the lunch crowd. After a long morning listening to a lecture, I felt overwhelmed. Then I remembered I hadn’t eaten anything that morning because I got up late. I badly needed a coffee or to eat something. If only I could just go across the court to the bakery and get a drink.

I cringed at the sight of Lucas’s frat brothers and shrunk a little lower when Lucas saw me. Shifting my attention, I rung up the customer and then another, aware of his presence and his eyes on me as he strode my way and... Crap! So was Grayson from the other side, but he was closer, all smiles and dimples and not aware of Lucas. I stiffened.

“Hey, Cams.” Grayson grinned. “What are you—”

“Do you mind, Grayson,” Lucas sneered beside him, cutting him off. “I would like to talk to my girl, whom you’ve been trying to steal.”

He didn’t ask how I was feeling? Not a single word about my well-being.

“He isn’t doing anything,” I spat.

Grayson took a step back like a perfect gentleman, shaking his head.

“Do you mind, Lucas?” Gus appeared beside me. “If you want to talk to Cammy, get in line and buy something. You’re holding the line.” Gus only scolded Lucas and grinned at Grayson.

I took care of the customer who glanced at all four of us, looking uncomfortable, and then turned to Lucas. “I’m at work. Let’s talk later.”

His nostrils flared, and his tone dipped lower. “You were willing to talk to that guy behind me, but you won’t talk to me? Okay, I see.”

“Stop it, Lucas. You’re wrong.” I shook my head. “He’s not making a scene, but you are.”

He threw up his hands. “I can’t deal with this shit anymore, Cammy. Either we make it work or we’re done.”

My jaw dropped. How dare he? My eyes burned and heat flared in my body. “I’m not talking to you right now. Go away and cool down.” I was already exhausted, but seeing Lucas drained me.

Lucas’s eyes diverted to Grayson with daggers. His expression told me I was not in the wrong. Lucas shouldn’t have shown up and demanded like that, especially at work. Unprofessional. Again, he thought of only himself and what he wanted.

Lucas stormed away, and Grayson retreated, taking small, backward steps, examining me as if silently asking if I was okay.

After I finished with the customer who had to witness the bickering, Grayson came over.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to get him upset. I didn’t know he was here,” Grayson went on.

“Stop, Grayson.” I almost reached out to him. “It’s not your fault and please don’t apologize. Lucas thinks he has the right to demand my attention whenever he wants. Did you have a question?”

He rubbed at his temple. “Oh. Here.” He placed a paper mug on the counter. “It’s for you.” His eyes set on my face as if he could read through me. “You looked exhausted when I came in, so I thought you might need some coffee.”

Tears pooled in my eyes, and I lowered my gaze. I had let Lucas’s words slice through my heart, and here was Grayson, being so sweet and giving me what I wished for, like my angel mending it back up.

“I really need this, Grayson. You’ve saved my day. You’re my hero. Thank you so much.” I offered a warm smile and I savored the first hot sip.

Grayson’s dimples answered my gratitude. “There’s one condition.”

I took another sip, moaning softly with my eyes closed, breathing in a deep breath. “What’s the condition?” I asked, opening my eyes.