Page 103 of The Forever Vault

All eyes were on my boyfriend.

It wasn’t a perfect routine, but it was close enough, and the power he put into each tumbling pass was breathtaking. With each movement, I was reminded of the strength and quiet beauty he possessed. It was his body I first noticed when he walked into the gym in Florida all those years ago, but it was his presence on the podium that solidified the attraction.

Cam owned it.

He transitioned seamlessly from one strength move into another, turning a handstand into a series of flairs before approaching the corner for his last pass. I could tell he was repressing a smile. Of course the little fucker was enjoying this. Like it was a walk in the park!

I admired his composure, which, of course, as soon as he landed the pass and saluted the judges, shattered immediately with a whoop and a swinging fist pump.

The arena erupted into a deluge of cheers. It was hard to hear what Noah was saying even though we were next to each other, but I’m guessing he was also screaming at the top of his lungs in happiness.

It was a formality at this point to see Cam’s score. There was no way it was close.

The entire team, with all the coaches, met Cam coming off the podium, but he ignored everyone and came straight for me. Careful with my sling, he squeezed me so tight, running his fingers through my curls.

“I’d never have gotten this far without you,” he whispered into my ear, as we were jostled by everyone around us.

I whispered back, “That’s true. If I didn’t fuck my chest up, you’d be sitting up there with Ty.”

He pulled away from me to make eye contact. “That’s not what I meant at all.”

“I know. I was only teasing.”

He seemed to consider what I said for a moment, before replying. “I’m glad you can joke about it, but I’ve never felt more worried in my life when I got that text from Shane…after you lied to me and said you were fine.”

“Your score, Cam!” Ezra slid in between us. I swear if he were a dog his tail would be thumping both of us right now.

“Well, I am fine, and you’re about to be a gold medalist,” I said, around Ezra’s face. “And I promise I won’t lie to you ever again.”

14.933.

The arena erupted. The team surrounded us. I couldn’t see beyond the crush of bodies jumping up and down around us. I found my way into Cam’s arms and we just let everyone else push us together. I just kept telling him how much I loved him and how proud I was of him as he cradled me in his arms, protective of my injured side.

In time, the crush ended, and the other teams came over to congratulate Cam and his teammates. A few of the experienced gymnasts like Jack Davies and Hiruto Uchida came to chat me up for a little bit. I’ll admit that was a nice surprise, to get a little attention from them.

Japan ended up in second place and Brazil in third. I’d have to look back at the scores, but it seemed Great Britain fell off a little. I think Jack was hurt in the elevator somehow, but performed anyway, and maybe with him a little off, his team lost its rhythm.

I’d have to ask Ezra to tell us the whole story.

After he stopped singing We Are the Champions.

20

Camden

I was blasted in the face as soon as I set foot in the locker room, so I swore and held my hands out, looking for Luke.

“Cut that shit out!”

“USA! USA!”

I dodged the spray and weaved my way past…Colton and Ty? And watched the rest of the guys enjoying champagne facials. They saved a bottle for Woodward too.

After Ezra started screaming, “It burns! It burns!” and running into the showers fully dressed, they finally stopped shaking the damn bottles.

“How’d you guys get in here?” Luke asked.

I barely held back a laugh, watching the foamy liquid drip off his chin.