The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One) Danda K. (dark academia books to read TXT) 📖

plates when I notice Cam isn’t here. I head to the kitchen and spot her on her hands and knees, cleaning the floors.

“Baby, don’t worry about that right now. We’re all eating.”

She scrubs vigorously. “I just need a minute.”

This is not about the floors.

I’ve noticed when Cameron’s anxiety is triggered, her go-to is cleaning the floors. I’m sure it’s not easy for her to be the center of attention while hosting our first holiday together. And I’m not sure why she uses cleaning as an escape from her discomfort, but I’m pretty sure it has something to do with her dad.

I bend down next to her and put my hand over hers so she’ll stop. Cam looks up at me and blows some hair out of her face. Leaning back on the balls of her feet, she stares ahead as I say, “You’re not there anymore, baby.”

I help her up and turn her to face me, nodding my head towards the living room. “Come on out. Everyone’s waiting for the chef.” Kissing her forehead, I take her hand in mine and lead her towards the table.

We finished eating about an hour ago. Most of the guys sit around the table now, watching recaps from the earlier football game, when I notice Sam asleep on the couch. I watch as Cameron lays a red blanket over him. Sometimes I wonder what we’d be like as parents. I’d be the push-over for sure. She’d be the rule maker. I try not to think too far ahead because, with Cam, everything has to be on a day-by-day basis.

Tegan’s loud laugh rattles in my ears as she slaps Morgan’s shoulder, hysterical over something he said. They’ve been talking each other up all night, making me wonder if he finally got over his obsession with his curly-haired Houdini.

“I’m going to call it a night, Beta.” Sayeed places his hand on my shoulder, and I turn my head to face him from the chair. “Thanks so much for having us.”

I stand up and pat his back a few times. “Thanks for joining us. I see Sam couldn’t make it past nine.”

Sayeed laughs, “To be honest, I can’t wait to join him. Cameron’s meal was delicious.” He says goodnight to the rest of the clan before picking up Sam and heading out the door.

I join Shane on the couch and flip through some channels. He peaks over his shoulder to where Cam and Camilla are clearing off what’s left on the table. “So, how’re things going with you guys?”

“It’s goin’ good. Cameron’s really something else.”

He huffs out a laugh. “Ain’t that the truth. I’m glad to hear it. Cam’s good people. She hasn’t had it easy, so I’m glad she has you.”

We cheers with our beers and continue watching the TV.

Around eleven, everyone heads out. Morgan offers to take Tegan home, and Shane and Camilla head out in their car. We say our goodbyes at the door then Cameron heads back to the living room, flops down on the couch, and covers her face with her arm. I lift her legs to sit next to her, then rest them on my lap.

Cameron lets out an exasperated breath. “I’m exhausted. My feet are killing me, and I can’t move. I may actually just sleep here.”

I watch as she adjusts her head on the pillow. I pick up her foot and remove her sock, rubbing the sore area with my thumbs.

“So, how was your first Thanksgiving, Nyx?”

A long hum escapes her lips before she answers, “I think it went pretty well for my first time. I still can’t believe I cooked all that.”

“You always cook good, baby. I’m not surprised.”

She lets out a yawn. “Yeah, well, you wanna get laid in the foreseeable future, so you have to say that.” I put her foot down and scoot behind her to lie down, bringing the blanket over us both.

“Nyx?”

Her breath is steady as she responds sleepily. “Hmm?”

“I love you.”

She mumbles back a variation of the words, half asleep. If there’s anything in my life to be thankful for at this moment, it’s this. I just hope things continue to go up from here.

Thirty-two

Cameron

I haven’t had a day off in six straight days. I made plans with Tegan and Kim to come over and watch Friends reruns with me, but they canceled. Honestly, it’s for the best because I could really use a quiet day to myself. Jaxon’s working ‘til later tonight, so it’ll just be me Netflix and chillin’. I make myself a cup of coffee, grab some Stella D’oro, and head back into the living room for my binge session of the greatest TV show ever.

It’s freezing today, and although I turned on the heat, it still isn’t taking the chill out of the air. I grab a few blankets from the closet and bring them over to the couch. Jaxon usually sets up the fireplace when it gets chilly, but he was in a hurry when he left and didn’t get to it. I’ve never set it up and really don’t want to burn the house down today.

Just as I contemplate calling Jaxon, there’s a knock at the door. I walk over and open it to find Sam and Sayeed.

“Hi Cameron, sorry to bother you. I have to head to the store to help Jaxon. There was a bit of a mishap with a delivery. Do you think you could just hang with Samir until the sitter gets here? I know it’s your day off, and I’m so sorry.”

Me? Babysit? Who the hell would want me to babysit their kid?

I mean, Sam’s older and independent, so it’s not like I have to coddle him. I’ll just sit him on the couch with some snacks. It can’t be that hard. Sayeed turns around to leave, waving his hand. “I’m sorry, I’ll just take him with me.”

His back’s already to me when I blurt out, “I’ll watch him!” I open the door wider. “Just let the sitter