Tiffany swallowed the birth control pill and stashed them in the back of her drawer. Even though she was eighteen, she didn’t want her parents to know she was on birth control, or having sex. There would be too many questions. Questions she wasn’t ready to answer yet.

The sex wasn’t as good as she had hoped. While gentle and attentive, Tony didn’t seem overly creative and Tiffany often found her mind wandering. She knew the majority of women never reached orgasm and figured she must be one of them. There hadn’t been any crazy explosions or earth shattering instances. She knew Aralyn still wasn’t having sex yet, but she wished her cousin was, so she had someone to talk to and ask questions about. It had been awkward enough going to the doctor to ask for birth control. She suspected her cousin Dana had had sex already but it was hard to keep secrets in the Belden-Duke Clan, so talking to her was out of the question.

It still brought a lump to her throat at school, whenever she saw Tony talking with a female teacher, or Callie West made one of her pathetic attempts to get his attention, but she knew he only had eyes for her. He was careful to not call on her more than usual, or show any sign of favoritism, but sometimes she caught him glancing in her direction from the corner of his eye.

At night, she laid in bed texting him, flirting as much as she could through her phone. Some nights he was busy grading, others they had heated text message conversations that would have to wait until the weekend to be tested. Both had busy schedules which made it difficult to see him during the week.

With the school on winter break, Tiffany had anticipated spending more time with Tony, and less with her family. It wasn’t quite working out that way but there was still some time left.

***

Aralyn giggled, wrapping her arms around Cam’s neck and pulling him to her. They were curled up on the sofa, supposedly watching a movie, but as usual, making out. Her body was on fire for him and she knew she had to slow things down. She was still hesitating, even though the day at the lake house, she had felt sure it was time.

Aralyn kissed the tip of his nose as he secured his arms around her snugly. Kissing him gently, she didn’t protest when he laid her back on the sofa, their kisses becoming more urgent. Cam hesitantly began to unbutton her sweater, one button at a time, conscious of her usual pulling away.

Removing his lips from hers, they stared into each other’s eyes, his long, lean frame up against and half on tops of hers.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said softly, smiling as she blushed.

“You’re the most handsome man, I know,” she said honestly, a twinkle in her eyes, “that I’m not related to.”

Cam laughed and kissed her again, his hand sliding over her lace covered bra. He knew by now she favored lace on most of her bras, and he suspected she preferred all of her underclothes to be lace, though he had yet to find out that. Her body tensed as his hand moved over her skin and down her stomach, and his fingers touched metal. Surprised, he looked to realize her belly button was pierced.

“When did you get that?” he asked, amused, his finger touching it.

“Sixteenth birthday. Daddy knew I wanted one so he let me.”

“It’s cute,” he said, toying with the metal bar with a sparkling blue stones. “It suits you.”

Aralyn giggled nervously, feeling horribly exposed with him staring at her stomach, wishing she could get rid of the ‘baby fat’ she still carried. Another twenty pounds and she’d be happy.

Catching his hand in hers, she laced his fingers through his as she kissed him again. Cam understood, his hand wasn’t going any further, to his body’s dismay, since he got very uncomfortable just about every time she kissed him. Hell, all she had to do was look at him, truth be told. She had one expression, when she was contemplating something, where she’d press her lips together for just a second or two, and then smile. It drove him crazy.

When his cell phone buzzed, it startled them both and he tried to hold his balance but crashed to the floor, to her amusement. Cursing softly, he fumbled to find his phone while she discreetly rebuttoned her sweater, sitting up in the couch, and smoothing her hair down.

“Yes?” He rolled his eyes, “No Dean. No. All right man, later.”

Snapping the phone shut he looked over at his girlfriend who was smiling, her pretty face flushed. “Dean is an idiot.”

“I knew that,” she said calmly, running her hands through his hair as he sat on the floor, one arm on the sofa seat, facing her. “What’d he want?”

“For me to go to a strip club with him,” Cam said in disgust as he set his phone on the table.

The smile vanished from her face.

“Do you go often with him?” she asked.

“No,” he said firmly, “and I have no desire to, so don’t even get it in your pretty little head to worry about it.”

Aralyn gave him a small smile. “Good.”

“I have everything I desire right here,” he added softly, getting on his knees to kiss her.

Aralyn finally pulled away, smiling as she stared into his bright blue eyes. Running her hand along his jaw, she wondered how she had gotten so lucky. When he smiled at her, her stomach turned to jelly. When he kissed her, her knees went weak, and he was the only man that made her feel safer than when she was with her father.

At the lake house, she had been ready to take that final step but now she was hesitating again, unsure of herself. She wasn’t unsure of Cam; it was her own insecurity with her body image. Clothes could be used to disguise and flatter. Naked, it wasn’t possible. And while Cam insisted she was perfect and beautiful, Aralyn didn’t think so. Which was making it difficult to advance their physical relationship.

***

“I can’t believe you’re going to do this,” Tiffany muttered.

Aralyn grinned. Bo looked over at his daughter and just smiled. Tim laughed.

“It's going to be awesome!” she enthused.

Tiffany rolled her eyes as Bo pulled into the parking lot. They had arrived at the tattoo and piercing parlor where Aralyn had gotten her ears and bellybutton pierced. Bo knew the owner, and insisted if Aralyn was intent on getting a tattoo, she come here.

The girl behind the counter waved eagerly, her eyes never leaving Bo, until she saw Tim standing behind him.

“Hi Mr. Duke, girls,” she said breathlessly. “Who’s the stranger?”

Aralyn withheld her snicker. It never failed. Women were drawn to Bo like flies to honey. How had her mother stood it all these years? Tim had grown into a real looker as well, which didn’t surprise Aralyn, considering his gene pool.

“Tim Mangan,” he flashed her a heartbreaking grin and his female cousins snickered. “Another cousin.”

“Hey, Cindy. How are you?” Bo asked cordially.

“Just fine,” her smile grew bigger.

“My girl has an appointment with Joe for a tattoo,” Bo smiled adoringly at his daughter.

“Sure thing, I’ll let him know you’re here!” Cindy walked from behind the counter, swinging her hips, but Bo paid her no attention as he was facing his daughter and cousin. Tim however, made no attempt to hide his appreciative smile until Tiffany smacked his arm.

“Show some subtlety!” she hissed.

Tim chuckled.

“You sure about this?” Bo asked Aralyn.

Aralyn nodded eagerly. Bo would go in with her, Tiffany flat out refused as she hated needles. Tim, who already had two, decided to remain outside the room and flirt with Cindy.

An hour later, she walked out with her father and cousin. Throughout the process he had gripped Bo’s hand tightly, knowing he would never tease her about a few tears.

“Well?” Tiff asked.

“It hurt. A lot,” she winced. “It doesn’t hurt now but god, it really hurt!”

“I told you,” Tiffany wasn’t feeling sympathetic, despite the red eyes of her cousin. “The skin over the spine is one of the most sensitive areas. The tramp stamp is the most painful.”

“But it looks neat,” Aralyn grinned, hugging her father. “Tramp stamp, please! I think it’s awesome.”

***

Cam stared at the base of Aralyn’s spine.

“Don’t touch it,” she warned.

Cam held back the urge to run his hand over the design. Leaning forward, he whispered into her ear, “That’s a very provocative place to have that.”

Aralyn giggled. “I know. That’s what Tiff said. Something about a tramp stamp.”

Cam wisely kept his mouth shut.

Turning to face him, she looked up eagerly at him. “Do you like it?”

Cam just nodded, unable to voice just how much he liked it. It didn’t help she wore low rider jeans, and he found himself distracted throughout the day, catching a glimpse of it any time she leaned over to grab something out of her backpack.

***

Running her hands through Cam’s thick hair, Aralyn sighed happily as he held her close, kissing her hungrily.

“Y’all can come up for air anytime,” Dean said sarcastically.

“Go away,” Cam laughed, breaking the kiss but holding her tight.

Dean just shook his head and went back to the living room.

It was two days after Christmas and he was hosting a small party for some friends. Tiffany and Tim had come with Aralyn, and Cam found he liked the newly returned cousin. He saw no trace of the sullen, angry boy he had heard about; military school was obviously good for him. Dean had rarely spoken about Tim, Cam had been startled to find out Tim and Dean had been best friends since childhood, sans the last few years.

Tim and Dean chatted about the military, catching up on the lost three years. Tiffany mingled with some of the others, as Cam played host, with Aralyn at his side. Dean had artfully hung mistletoe everywhere, and Tiffany was careful to look up where ever she stood, as Dean seemed to always be nearby.

Much later, once everyone was gone and it was just them, Aralyn and Cam were snuggled on the sofa, kissing. Cam had been quiet the last few minutes, and distracted.

Hand trembling, Aralyn pulled the collar of his sweater down to kiss his neck. Having his arms around her and his hands on her constantly through the night, the little kisses, the longer kisses, were driving her crazy. Tiffany had stuck condoms in her purse earlier, and Aralyn had decided tonight would be it. Trixie had given her permission to stay the night and they had a long talk about protection.

Aralyn was ready. She wanted Cam to make love to her and she knew he was waiting on her. She wanted to see all of him, and feel him in her.

Instead of responding to her advance, Cam pushed her back.

“Cam?” she asked softly, confused.

When he looked at her, his bright blue eyes glassy and she realized his color wasn’t good. The red sweater usually looked good on him but tonight, his cheeks were flushed an unusual red that stood out against his usually fair skin.

“I’m too hot,” he muttered, pushing her off of him. Sitting up, he fell back against the couch.

“Cam, what’s wrong?” she sat up, turning his head to face her. The color had drained from his face except his flushed cheeks. Clumsily, she managed to tug his sweater off. The t-shirt he had on underneath was damp with sweat.

“Cam, talk to me!”

“I don’t feel…” his words trailed off as his eyes closed.

Aralyn grabbed her phone and called her uncle.

“Aralyn, what’s wrong?” Brian answered sleepily.

“Brian, something’s wrong with Cam. I think he has a fever and he’s kinda gray in the face.”

“Isn’t he diabetic?” Brian asked.

“Yes,” she answered.

“Hang up, call 911,” he ordered. “Then call his parents, get some orange juice up there. Call me back and tell me where I’m going.”

Aralyn did as she was told. Moments later his parents were there in their bathrobes right before the paramedics arrived. Cam was barely conscious but could mumble an answer to his father’s voice.

While the paramedics were fussing with him, Aralyn stood back. Brian arrived, dark hair disheveled. The paramedics stepped back as Brian ordered Aralyn and his parents to stay in the living room as they moved the tall, semi conscious boy into his bedroom.

Moments later, Brian came out.

“He’s lucid. He says he forgot to eat dinner today. He seems all right, just a little shaky but nothing some orange juice won’t fix. He’s sipping it slowly, but I’d keep him on it for a while. Small sips. He won’t go to the hospital for a more thorough checkup, and I can’t force him, but I think he’ll be okay,” he said.

“He hates hospitals,” Aralyn said. “Ever since his coma a few years ago.”

His parents affirmed her statement.

“Well, his color is back and he looks much better. He’ll be all right by morning and he’s refusing an iv,” Brian said. “I suggest someone stay with him, just in case.”

“I will,” Aralyn said quickly. His parents looked surprised. “Please. I want to stay with him.”

They agreed and Brian decided to stay awhile as well. He had specific instructions for Aralyn once Cam woke up.

Aralyn was getting herself a glass of water when her uncle joined her.

“Aralyn, honey,” he started.

She paused. Brian had his doctor voice.

“Uh, yeah?”

“I know your parents have talked about sex with you, but Trixie confirmed you had permission to stay the night.”

Aralyn felt her face flush red. Discussing sex with her uncle was not high on her list of things to do.

“I know you’re a smart girl, but I wanted to give you these.” He held out a package she recognized as condoms. “I keep them in my bag, and I know you’re embarrassed but your mom isn’t ready to be a grandmother. If you and Cam are having sex or about to start, please, be smart about it. And this. It’s the morning after pill. Even with the condoms, I want you to take these. I’ve been holding onto these, waiting to find a moment to talk to you about it.”

Aralyn nodded, unable to speak, but memorized the instructions he gave her on the pills.

“If you want to go on the pill, let me know. You’re eighteen and don’t need permission from your parents. I’d be happy to get you started on it.”

“We’re not having sex. Yet,” she added. “And of course we’ll be careful when we do.”

Brian nodded. “I mean it about the pill, Ari. I don’t want you turning up pregnant because of a lack of preparation.”

“I promise,” she said. He nodded.

“You know I don’t advocate sex at your age, but I also know how headstrong and determined you are,” he smiled faintly. “And I remember what it’s like to be 18 and full of hormones. At least I can arm you.”

Aralyn smiled shyly at him. “Thanks, Uncle Brian. Mom was okay with me spending the night; she said she’d take care of Dad.”

Brian chuckled. “You’re the apple of his eye, Aralyn. It’s hard for him to realize you’re really growing up now.”

Aralyn nodded. “Yeah, he gets this lost look sometimes.”

“Your dad holds family more important than anything,” Brian said quietly. “We all do. All you kids are important to us.”

Unsure of what her uncle was really saying Aralyn set her glass down and hugged him tightly.

Once everyone had left, Aralyn took off her shoes and crawled under the comforter next to Cam, who was already asleep.

Cam woke slowly, his head foggy, as the sun started to come up. Opening his eyes, he realized he was wrapped around someone, and it didn’t take much to realize it was Aralyn. Her golden hair was loose and disheveled, and she was fully clothed, sprawled on her stomach.

Sitting up, he blinked and tried to clear his head. The last thing he remembered was taking a long drink from Aralyn’s cup while they were cleaning up. His mouth tasted awful he thought, and his body felt sluggish. Carefully he left the bed, so as to not disturb her, and headed for the bathroom. To shower, brush his teeth and then drink a whole lot of water.

Aralyn woke later, smiling as she felt the strong body next to her. Then her eyes popped open when she remembered where she was.

“Good morning, Goddess,” Cam said softly. She turned to face him. He had showered, she noticed, his black hair was still wet, and she could smell soap and toothpaste.

“Hi,” she smiled. “How do you feel?”

“Crappy,” he answered. “What happened?”

She frowned. “You don’t remember?”

“Not really. I remember cleaning up. I must have been dreaming some weird stuff; I kept hearing your uncle Brian.”

Aralyn frowned. “You didn’t eat dinner, Cam. You got really sick and I called my uncle and the paramedics. Something about your blood sugar. Brian said you were lucid.”

Cam groaned. “Yeah, it’s coming back to me now. Wow. That was dumb of me, to skip dinner. I kept thinking I’d just run out and grab something and then I got busy with the party prep and making sure Dean didn’t spike the punch.”

Aralyn nodded. “You did say you were feeling funny right before you went all pale and such.”

Cam nodded. “That’s why I feel this way. I should have realized it. It’s just been so long. I’m usually better at monitoring myself. I did have a cup of that punch. It must have pushed me overboard.”

Aralyn shook her head and snuggled up against him. “You scared me.”

“I didn’t mean to,” he kissed the top of her head. “I won’t let that happen again.”

“Good,” she murmured against his chest.

Cam smiled. “You didn’t have to stay, you know.”

She reached up and touched his face. “I wanted to. Brian said someone should stay with you.”

“Thank you,” he said softly, kissing her gently. One kiss turned into two, which turned into a longer kiss and Aralyn pulled him down on top of her as her fingers toyed with his shirt.

“Aralyn?” he murmured.

“Shh. We would have done this last night but you pushed me away,” she giggled, staring in to his eyes.

“Oh, I was definitely sick if I refused this,” he chuckled, brushing her hair back from her face. “You sure?”

“Yes,” she kissed him again, and as his hand slid under her shirt, there was a loud knocking at the door and they heard it open.

“Cam?”

“My mother,” whispered hoarsely, leaping up from the bed. Aralyn tried to smooth her shirt down and cursed as he rose from the bed and stepped into the living room. She could hear them as Cam assured her he was better. Several moments later, he returned.

“She brought us some breakfast,” he sat on the edge of the bed.

Aralyn sat up against the pillows.

“I uh, guess the mood’s kinda shot huh?” he asked sheepishly.

Cam chuckled.

“Kind of. I mean, your mom, you know…”

Cam nodded and crawled over next to her, pulling her close so they could cuddle.

“I’m okay with it. I’d like it to be a little more special than the morning after I get sick from not eating.”

She laid her head against his shoulder. “I don’t mind.”

“I do,” he kissed the top of her head. “It’s the first time for both of us, I think it should have some, you know, planning. Besides, I don’t have any condoms and there’s no way I’d risk you getting pregnant.”

“I have some,” she admitted. Startled, he looked at her with a laugh.

“How long have you been planning this?”

“Just since last night,” she said, her cheeks tinged with pink.

He sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she leaned up and kissed him before snuggling into his arms. “It’ll happen when it’s right.”

***

Dean closed the apartment door behind him, humming. He had charmed a stunning, older college student into letting her photograph him, but her invitation was clear and there was more than photography that went on. He had ended up spending the night with her, but now was on his way to meet Cam for a late breakfast, as they often did on Sundays.

He walked towards his car, checking his camera bag again to make sure he had everything, was still smiling to himself when spotted the SUV parked across from his Civic. There was nothing particularly special about it; there were a million black SUVs in New York, probably White Plains by itself. What made this one different was the US Marshal sticker on the back and the license plate.

Dean frowned. What on earth was Tiffany’s car doing here? He was sure it was hers, the license plate read DUKE02, just like her hockey jersey.

Suddenly overwhelmed with a very bad feeling, Dean heard a door open and on impulse, stepped knelt down behind the car he was next to. Something told him to stay hidden and he peeked around the corner. Tiffany Duke was standing in the doorway of an apartment near her car, and it was obvious she was making out with someone. He’d recognize her silhouette and frame anywhere.

Tiffany was seeing someone? Dean wondered. She hadn’t said anything. Older college student, maybe? There were a number of them in this complex. Tiffany was awfully quiet about her private life.

He could hear her sparkling laughter and quickly pulled his camera out. In one fluid motion he had the cap off and raised the camera, zooming in on the doorway for a glimpse of her lover.

“C’mon, let me see,” he muttered to himself. Tiffany was laughing at something her lover said, then she leaned in for one more kiss. “Let me see you, buddy,” Dean whispered. “Who’s got Tiffany Duke sneaking around?”

She stepped out of the doorway as the person she had been kissing came into view and swatted her lightly on her butt as she was leaving.

“No way,” Dean whispered, frozen as he realized it was their English teacher, Tony Roth.