Page 65 of Caged Hunger

Thirty minutes later, they were walking into Rolling Hills Living. They had taken the bus since carrying grocery bags was next to impossible while on a motorcycle—especially one as sporty as Basher’s.

Butterflies danced in Cameron’s stomach. He was both excited and nervous about Basher and his mother meeting.

He was excited because he wanted his mother, the most important person in his life, to meet the second most important person in his life.

Did he love Basher? He wasn’t quite sure yet, but he knew he cared for Basher deeply, and, of course, the attraction and chemistry were off the charts. He knew he was at the point in their relationship where he really wanted to share his joy with his mother.

That led him to his next issue. Given his mother’s condition, he never really knew what he was walking into. She had her good days and her bad. If she was having one of her good days, he would be able to share the good news with her—that he was dating someone very special and had never felt this happy in his life.

If she was having one of her bad days… Basher might just end up being another friend stopping by to see how she was doing. She wouldn’t be able to understand the nature of their relationship and might still believe he was that fourteen-year-old boy waiting for his mother to come home from work.

While it pained him to admit it, he really wanted his mother to have a chance to get to know Basher before the disease took her even further.

Cameron knocked lightly on his mom’s partially open door, then eased it open wider and stepped inside.

“Hey, Mom, it’s me, Cam,” he said cautiously, hoping to find his mother in good spirits.

“Cam!” His mother beamed from where she sat in her armchair by the window. Her face lit up when she spotted him by the door. “It’s so great to see you!”

She stood from her chair, then froze when she spotted the scary tattooed man standing behind him.

“Oh! And you are?” she asked, staring at him curiously, clearly unsure whether he had the right room or not.

“Mom,” Cameron began, taking a step to his left and letting Basher take a step in behind him. “I wanted you to meet someone very special to me.”

His mother’s gaze shifted to her son.

“This is Basher. My boyfriend.” Cameron’s breath caught in his chest. They had never actually defined what they were to each other, and calling Basher his boyfriend just felt kind of… high school-ish? He wasn’t exactly sure how they should refer to their situationship.

“Significant other?” Cameron asked, glancing over at Basher, who was now watching him as well. “You’re more than just my lover.” Cameron felt his cheeks flush when he realized what he had just said in front of his mother.

He glanced over at her quickly, feeling embarrassed as shit. “As you can see, we haven’t exactly labeled our relationship yet.”

“And why should you?” Cameron’s mother stated. “You were born a special unicorn; you should also have a relationship title that fits something just as unique.”

“I’m Basher,” Basher finally spoke. He took a step forward and stuck out his hand. “I really like your son. He’s special, and I’ll do anything for him.”

His mother took Basher’s hand in hers and stared at his bulging bicep.

“Yes, my son is definitely safe in your arms.”

Cameron tried not to laugh as Basher’s cheeks flushed.

“Basher’s more of the strong, silent type. So don’t mind him if he doesn’t say much. I swear he’s listening and paying attention; he can just be a little shy,” Cameron added, wrapping his arm around Basher’s other arm.

“Well, I’m Linda, and it’s a pleasure to meet the man who’s stolen my son’s heart.” She gave Cameron a wink.

God, he loved his mom. Seeing the smile on her face and the light in her eyes, it was just like old times, growing up with nothing to worry about.

“Okay, so what do we have on the menu this evening?” his mom asked, eyeing the bags Cameron had set down by the door.

“I thought perhaps we could make caprese chicken, with apple turnovers for dessert. How do you feel about that, Mom?”

Linda’s face lit up at the mention of the menu. “Oh, yes, hun. That sounds perfect!” She walked over to Basher and linked her arm with his. “Now, tell me, dear. How are your cooking skills?”

Basher looked over at Cameron as if pleading for help. Cameron just smiled.

“Well, to be honest, I’m more of a taste tester than a cook.”