Pt. 17: Hard on Yourself

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A/N: I included a song with this because it came up in my notifications as a new song and guess what? This is Cami's anthem. Check it out if you want and enjoy the chapter ❀❀❀ Badass Cami coming through! Dedicated to Alwyn_Knighton because she likes a tough Cami 😁
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"You'd look cute in that."

I glanced down at the dress in my hands and shrugged. "I don't think it's me."

Jesse scoffed, "You've said that about every single thing we've looked at in the past four stores, Cami! The only thing you've bought so far is a purse and some jewelry."

"I love jewelry! And what I got is so cute."

"Yeah..." Jesse cocked his head to the side as we moved on to the next rack. "But Chance said you probably need work clothes for your new job or whatever."

"I do," I agreed, nodding. "I've been working from home, but now I have an office and I have to dress up for work."

We continued to scan the racks until Jesse just got too frustrated with my lack of choices. "I have an idea," he declared suddenly with a gleam in his eye. "Do you trust me?"

"Ummm..."

Soon I was trying on dresses left and right. Jesse made me promise to keep an open mind and just try anything he passed me through the space above the dressing room door. "Are you sure about this one," I asked skeptically as I stepped out to show him another one of his choices.

He stood behind me as I pivoted around in front of the three-way mirror. "You've got a cute figure, Cami. You just gotta show off your assets," he teased.

"I'm just not sure," I replied, fussing with the neckline and smoothing my hand over my stomach.

Jess batted my hand away and gripped my shoulders. "Girl, where does all this self-doubt come from? You look hot."

"I guess I still see myself 40 pounds heavier when I look in the mirror. I still pick out the wrong size clothes and I still dress for my former body."

"That girl is gone, Cami. Quit being so hard on yourself. You looked great in all these!"

"Thank you for helping me," I beamed at his reflection over my shoulder.

"You should get them all."

I laughed as I began changing back into my own clothes. "I don't wanna be greedy. I told Chance I'd pay him back for whatever I bought."

"So take it out in trade," he suggested, wagging his eyebrows suggestively when I reappeared with an armload of dresses. He added, "If he was my boyfriend, I would."

We made our way to the checkout and Jesse helped me sort out my selections. "Chance isn't my boyfriend."

The sales girl rang up my purchases as Jesse eyed me suspiciously. "You don't come off as the fuck buddy type."

I gave him a harsh glare as I swiped Chance's card and finished the sale. "We're not that either. It's just...I don't know, undefined with us."

"New?" he mused as he gathered up my purchases and we made our way out of the store.

"He's my roommate and friend. He actually asked me here as his 'pretend' girlfriend because his boss is such a maneater."

Jesse scoffed. "I don't know what he's told you, Cami but there is nothing pretend about the way Chance feels about you."

We found a small cafΔ— to have a bite to eat before we needed to get back for the afternoon demos. I eagerly kicked my feet up next to Jesse on the bench across from me. After we ordered, I asked him what he meant about how Chance felt. "Did he say something?"

Jesse shrugged and sipped his iced tea. "No. But he doesn't have to. He's extremely protective of you."

I laughed. "He's like that with our other roommate Shayne too. That's just the way he is."

"I bet he doesn't look at her the way he looks at you."

I swirled my ice water around with the straw and glanced over at my new friend. "And how do you think he looks at me?"

"Like he's in love with you."

I nearly choked. "He's so not in love with me!" I scoffed. "Not even close."

Jesse swallowed thickly and nodded. "I don't know a whole lot about girls, but I do know guys. So believe me when I tell you that boy is nuts for you. And maybe he doesn't even know it yet, but it's there."

Our food came and while I picked at my salad, I considered what were the chances that this was more than just flirting, just a getaway, just an excuse to be alone in a hotel room together. What if he really cared for me?

"You guys make a cute couple. They say opposites attract."

We had finished our lunch and were back to hitting up the stores again. "Opposites?" I echoed. "How so?"

Jesse guided me into Victoria Secret and gave me a sly look. "He just comes off kinda dom and raunchy in bed and you're so sweet and angelic."

I scowled at him as he began sorting through a pile of thongs. "I'm not that innocent."

Jesse grabbed a baby doll teddy off the rack and waved it around. "Now tell me again how 'not so innocent' you really are," he challenged.

After finding something sexy to wear later on tonight, we rode back to the hotel with Jesse still grilling me about my situationship with Chance.

"So tell me about the sex," he prodded.

I shrugged. "We've done some things but haven't had sex...yet."

"Well...he's waiting. That's a good sign."

I nodded slowly as I glanced at him. "Yeah. He's holding back a little. I guess I am too."

"Is he sleeping with anyone else?"

I blinked quickly and glanced out the window. "I don't know. He works a lot. He has two jobs. And he's never brought anyone home or introduced us to a girlfriend since I've known him."

"Damn," Jesse sighed, stroking his beard. "He must have it bad for you."

.....

We made it back in time for the afternoon equipment demonstrations. Jesse and I dropped off our purchases in our rooms and wandered back to the courtyard behind the hotel to find our guys and see what they were demoing.

Coy was easy to spot with his shiny, bald head beaming in the sun. "Isn't my husband a doll?" Jesse gushed excitedly as he clutched my arm. "I'm gonna go grab him for a second while he's not busy. Call me later!"

I waved and laughed as he rushed off. I saw Coy's face light up at the sight of his husband and when they embraced, I wondered if Coy was feeling more brave around his co-workers.

My eyes began to scan the crowd for Chance, wanting him to know I was here to support him. I walked a bit before coming across his demo station and smiling with pride as he spoke into a small microphone hooked to his ear. I listened to his pitch and couldn't help but feel excited for what he was about to do.

"Watch it," a gruff, familiar voice roared from behind me as I was shoved aside.

"Hey, you pushed me!" I shouted as he nearly knocked me down. "Why don't you watch where you're going?"

The man stopped and spun around slowly. "Who in the hell..."

My mouth dropped open when I recognized the jerk who shoved me. He must have noticed me at the same time because he looked shocked as well.

"Cami? You're the last person I expected to find here."

I crossed my arms over my chest and sighed. "I could say the same thing about you too, Greg."

A smarmy smirk began to stretch across his face as he took in the sight of me. "I guess you're still mad at me, huh?"

I scowled at him and rolled my eyes. "Yeah, you could say that."

He took a half step closer and reached for my face. "That whole thing with me grabbing you was a total mistake."

I shoved his hand away and sighed. "Why are you here, Greg? You don't even belong to the health club anymore, let alone be an employee of one."

Greg leaned forward and grinned stupidly. "That's where you're wrong. I have a new gym and I work there as a fitness trainer. Surprised?"

"Extremely," I sneered. "Well you have fun with that. I need to go find Chance."

"You're still pining over that prison-tatted meathead? Aren't you ready to give up the fantasy yet?"

"Fantasy?" I echoed. "Just go away, Greg."

With that I turned my back on him, ready to retreat from his slimy self. "Cami, wait!" he called out, gripping my arm tightly.

I quickly jerked my arm away and spun around to face him. "Never touch me again!"

"Oooh, I'm so scared," he laughed, looking at a few other guys around us. Greg stepped closer to me, lowering his head to get right in my face. "You forget I know you, Cami. You won't do shit."

"Leave me alone," I growled through clenched teeth.

"What a joke," he smirked.

I could feel my ears getting hot, my stomach twisting with anxiety. Seeing Greg again brought back all those old feelings. I didn't wanna freeze up like last time. I didn't wanna feel so ashamed that I was afraid to tell anyone what had happened. I wanted the strength and the confidence that Chance helped me gain.

And didn't want any regrets.

"The only joke here is you."

Greg's gaze narrowed and his jaw clenched. More people were gathering around us and Greg was taking notice. "Come on, Cami," he chuckled nervously. "You can't be mad because I wouldn't date you."

"Date me?" I echoed incredulously. "I turned you down and you responded with a forearm pressed to my throat."

Greg's eyes went huge as a handful of people stepped forward wearing shirts with the same logo as his. Undoubtedly they worked with him and must have known him from the looks on their faces. Suddenly he was flustered and cringing, trying to shut me up.

"I think we just had a miscommunication, Cami. Why don't we go somewhere private and talk about it?" he urged quietly as he slid his arm around my shoulders and he tried to guide me away from the crowd.

"I told you not to touch me," I reminded him angrily, jamming my elbow into his ribs. When he bent over to catch his breath, I brought my knee up to his mouth and knocked him off his feet.

"You bitch!" he squealed, lying sprawled out on his back and holding his busted lower lip in his hands.

Something inside me exploded as I pounced on his prone body and began throwing punches with both hands. I was so out of control and flailing around that I barely noticed being lifted off of Greg's body by a strong pair of tattooed arms.

"She attacked me!" Greg cried from his spot on the grass. "I'm pressing charges!"

His co-workers pulled him up from the ground and glanced from him to me. "Did this man really attack you when you turned him down for a date?"

Chance, with his arms still secured around my midsection, answered the question for me. "He did. And I have the attack on video to prove it."

The group sighed in disappointment. One man stepped forward and even apologized to me. "If I had known Greg was capable of such a thing, he would have never been allowed to come work for me. I'm so sorry for what happened here. And I'll make sure he doesn't press any charges against you."

I nodded slowly and watched as security escorted him back into the hotel and his co-workers followed behind. I looked for Chance, who must have walked away in the meantime. He was back at his demo station, arguing with Sara and standing near an upset man I recognized from last night. He must be the one that Chance was supposed to impress for Sara.

I guess I fucked that up.

I sprinted through the dissapating crowd to get away from all the onlookers. I was pissed at myself for letting Chance down, but I was still so relieved to have finally stood up for myself with Greg. It was worth it. But I hated thinking that I hurt Chance in any way.

I wandered into the lounge and sidled up to the bar. The bartender sauntered over and gave me a bright smile. The place wasn't busy like last night. Almost everyone was out in the courtyard and it was still early.

"Can I get a whiskey?"

"You don't want the Diet Coke with it?" he asked, obviously remembering my order from last night.

I shook my head and showed him my hand. "I could really use the pain relief right now."

"Ouch!" he grimaced, immediately loading a towel with ice and gently pressing it to my knuckles. "I'll get you that whiskey, hon."

I laid my palm flat out on the bar and held the ice pack to it with the other hand. My breathing was evening out and my adrenaline was slowing down, so my hand was starting to throb painfully. Never in my life had I lost control like that. It was extremely freeing.

The bartender returned with my whiskey, encouraging me to take a sip while he held the ice in place. "Can I get you anything else?" he offered with a smile.

I glanced up and saw his grin disappear. And then I knew why.

"You can get me a scotch... and then you can get your hands off my girl."

The poor bartender's eyes went wide for a moment before nodding quickly and stepping away. I could feel Chance's breath on my bare shoulder as his mouth approached my ear. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

I alternated between sipping my whiskey and holding the ice to my bruised knuckles. Chance rotated around to sit beside me, facing me with one arm draped over the back of the barstool. His other hand gently lifted the ice pack so he could inspect the damage.

"This looks bad. Does it hurt?"

I took a large gulp of my whiskey, the last of it and shook my head. "Nah. This is helping." I still refused to look at him.

"It's 3:30 in the afternoon."

I shrugged as the bartender returned with another glass for me and Chance's drink as well. "You're having a drink," I retorted sassily.

"I needed something to calm me down after worrying like crazy over you."

I kept peering into my glass as he spoke. "Do you have any idea what that did to me? Seeing you punching the shit out of Greg like that?"

I could feel his breath on my neck as he spoke and I could hear the tension in his voice. "I never meant to cause a scene, Chance. I'm sorry but I just couldn't take it anymore, so when he put his arm around me..."

I gasped when Chance pushed the drink out of my hand and tipped my chair back until I was grasping the back of his neck with my good hand. "What the!" I exclaimed before his lips came down forcefully onto mine.

I sighed when I felt his teeth nibble my lips and his tongue reaching in to touch mine so exquisitely. His free hand gripped my thigh, squeezing as he pulled on my lower lip with his teeth. "Chance," I whimpered when he brought me back to an upright position.

He stood next to me, his chest heaving slightly as he kept me caged in his arms. "I asked you a question," he whispered softly into my ear.

"A question?" My mind was drawing a complete blank. All I could think of was that panty-dropping kiss. I covered his hand with mine when I saw him gripping the edge of the bar.

"I asked you if you knew what it did to me...to see you fighting Greg?"

I glanced up at him, his face so close to mine. I shook my head and watched a slow smile spread across his face. His gaze dropped down slowly and I followed it down between his legs. His athletic shorts doing nothing to hide the beast straining behind the thin fabric.

I swallowed hard and moved my eyes back to his smirking face. "You liked that?"

He chuckled, lowering his head to rest on my shoulder. "A little more than liked it, baby doll."

I slid my good hand under the bar, getting excited by the small gasp of breath shuddering past his lips when I gripped him through his shorts. "Somehow this isn't the reaction I was expecting."

He licked his lips and nodded. "I loved seeing you stick up for yourself, being tough. That's all I wanted for you, baby. You being strong is a big turn on for me."

"Then why did you stop me?" I smirked, stroking him once and then letting go so I could grab my drink and take a sip.

Chance hummed and settled back into the barstool next to me. "I couldn't let you go to jail for murder."

The playfulness of this conversation had my head spinning. I had fully expected him to blow up over this. "What about your boss? The deal? Didn't I screw everything up for you?"

Chance moved closer, sliding his hand over my jean short clad thigh, his thumb absently stroking the inside as he spoke. "I took care of that." His hand drifted closer to my aching center. My eyes widened when his thumbnail scratched down the seam that covered me. I guess he was getting even...and I didn't hate it. "And even if I hadn't...there was nothing keeping me away from you. I shouldn't have walked away in the first place. I really got scared thinking that security was holding you too."

Chance bit his lower lip as his eyes scanned my face, taking in my responses to his naughty touches. "No," I replied with a shaky breath, "I don't know what happened to Greg."

"I do. I stopped by the security office just in time to see him getting fired and being escorted out of the hotel. His boss wasn't very impressed with the things I told him he had done to you."

He must have seen the worried look on my face, because he leaned in close and kissed my temple. "He'll never get near you again. I'll make damn sure of that."

I finished the rest of my drink, feeling that yummy hum in my veins I got from that tipsy feeling. I swiveled around to face him, lifting my hand to sift through his hair. "So now what?"

His eyes drifted closed and he hummed softly. "I need to get back."

When I tried to pull my hand away, he gripped my wrist and held it up to his face. "I don't wanna go," he murmured.

I shrugged and tried to force a smile. "I just wanted to show you what I bought at Victoria Secret today. But I know you're a busy guy."

Chance's brow furrowed deeply as he stood up and towered over me. "Let's go."

I peered up at him. "No, thanks. I can't go back there and face all those people after going psycho on Greg. Just leave me here so I can pout with my drink." I turned away from him and called for the bartender. "Can I get one more?" I asked him.

"She's good. Can you just get me the bill?"

The poor bartender glanced between us and finally told Chance, "Why don't I just charge it to your room?"

"Perfect," he sighed before returning his attention back to me. "Let's go."

"No," I pouted.

"I'll carry out of here if you don't get up and walk," he threatened, his lips brushing my ear and his tone indicating he wasn't kidding.

When I refused to move, he pulled the barstool back and took my hands into his. "Please come with me, Cami baby."

I hesitated for only a moment before sliding down from the stool and stalking away from him. He caught up to me as the elevator opened and he pushed us inside. "I thought you had to get back."

Chance moved to stand in front of me and pulled me into his arms while hoisting me up with my legs around his waist. He pressed me to the back wall of the elevator and squeezed my thighs tightly. "You come first, Cami. Always. I'd never leave you downstairs with that flirty bartender. I'm making sure that you get up to our room safely."

"Oh."

When Chance lowered his

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