DAMAGED GOODS.

        “Sorry, ma’am,” Trying his best to dodge the other doctors moving in the opposite direction, Cameron’s slick skills couldn’t stop him from running into a younger woman. His hands were still as water, but his unique feet were a whole other story, thanks to one being real and the other made of metal. Hoping his thick southern accent would calm the other in a comfortable presence, he locked his eyes on her and gave her his best friendly grin. “I didn’t mean to run into you like that. Are you alright?”

        In desperate need of coffee, Cameron entered the local cafe in a hurry and was more than surprised to see it packed with people. He never questioned the business on how well they were doing, but he didn’t know this building could handle the massive amount of human trafficking in the place. After receiving his large cup filled with caffeine, the trauma surgeon looked around for an empty chair to sit. Once finding one in the corner, he approached it but froze when the woman occupying the table spoke in his direction. “Yes, ma’am,” His southern accent evident and thick, he followed her orders in a gentleman's fashion before taking a seat in the open spot across from her. “Sorry for interruptin’ again, but I promise I won’t be much of a bother. I know and appreciate a hard worker when I see one.”

        “Esme,” Quickly realizing the woman’s voice from nearby, Cameron felt a sense of relief hit his body. Still scared and controlled by fear of every second, he also felt comfortable as he was around a fellow doctor who knew what she was doing most of the time. Taking in her words, his eyes narrowed toward the location she talked about before making small movements toward the pile of rubber. He wanted to help more than ever, but didn’t want to scare her. “I’m going to get you out, I promise. I’m glad to hear it doesn’t hurt, but it could once I take off the pressure it’s putting down.” He told her in a calm, tolerable fashion like he did at work. “‘I think I’m alright, too. I woke up not too long ago and didn’t fall asleep during the party, so I believe I just got knocked out. I’d take it over any serious or minor injury, that’s for sure.”

@crimesoflasvegasstarters​.

        “It’s my pleasure,” His manners smoothly rolling off of his tongue, Cameron chuckled toward Grace’s next teasing statement. To her point, he was rarely outside of his work attire, so he understood the weird feeling in the air between them. “When I get the chance to look more than presentable, I take it, and it looks like you follow in the same lead.” He nodded right back, making sure his coworker easily heard the tease in his words. “I am, thanks for askin’. I just got off the dance floor for the first time, and I’m already hoping I didn’t embarrass myself or my new friend too much.” Chuckling toward his words, he took a sip of his drink before asking her a question. “How about yourself?”

        “I don’t know about that, but I like the way you think,” Slightly stunned and more impressed with Charlotte, Cameron was starting to like her more and more every second. She was beautiful, it was more than obvious, but she also kept him far from bored and wholly drawn in on top of that. Once she stood, he quickly finished his drink and placed his hand on top of her own. “Well, darlin’,” His southern accent was made known as he stood himself, raised his arm, and slowly twirled her in a full circle before speaking again, “I think it’s about time we give these other dancers a run for their money.” Keeping his gaze locked on hers, he started to pull them toward the dance floor. In no time, he wrapped his arm around her waist, brought her close, and began to slow dance the night away.

        “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlotte,” As high amuse, intrigue, and curiosity was playing against his features, Cameron let his manners be the first to come into play. He wouldn’t be a true gentleman without them doing so. His hand falling back to his side, a chuckle escaped his lips as appreciation settled as his expression. “In my eyes, you’ve become the most intriguing woman in this building, so it looks like we’ve both got things going for us.” Keeping his eyes on her, he let them fall to take in the stunning red gown she presented. Hoping she wouldn’t mind, his eyes locked back to her own when the question hit his ears. “I do, but not well as something gets in the way.” Without explanation, he exposed a small part of his prosthetic leg. He wouldn’t have done so with anyone this quickly after meeting, but a trained nurse could understand what he was going through, even if it was a small part. “If you don’t mind a slightly wobbly partner, I’d be honored to take you for a spin out there.”

        Letting the door close behind him, Cameron found a comfortable spot on the balcony before releasing a needed sigh. Head toward the sky and eyes locked on the stars, he quickly let the silence fill his ears and mind. For working in a highly intense environment, the southern gentleman wasn’t keen on large crowds. He could handle tight spaces for a small amount of time, but he’d spend every second alone if he had the choice. Hearing something shift in the distance, his eyes landed on a woman a few feet ahead of him. Taken back by her beauty, he pushed his awkwardness away and gave her a grin when she passed. Feeling a small need to get a second look in her direction, his head snapped her way once the familiar curse word fell from her lips. He was filled with southern charm, but Spanish was a language he picked up in his younger days. Concern taking over his features, her question made him shift his attention toward her before shaking his head. “No, ma’am,” He responded, taking a few steps her way before stopping a foot away. “I’m used to fitting sharp objects into small spaces, but not in that way.” He nodded toward the door. He raised his hand to the locked knob but let it fall back to his side as he believed the look in her eyes was genuine. “Do you have your phone on you, by chance? I left mine at home, out of all places.”

        “You deserve it,” Shooting her a friendly wink, Cameron’s grin never ceased to leave his lips as he watched the small interaction happen between the new woman and bartender. His mother raised him to be a gentleman, so offering to buy the drink was the least he could do. She did save him from an awkward rejection he didn’t want to make, after all. “As intrigued I am to hear your guesses, I never shy away from a proper introduction.” Ultimately facing his newest interest, it didn’t take him long to extend his hand her way. “I’m Cameron, Cameron Hayes. 35-year-old Texan who’s city living and working as a trauma surgeon. You are?”

        “You have my word,” Giving the woman a nod of affirmation, Cameron felt his grin grow by the second. It was due to the relief of the other leaving, but her presence had him already feel a little more than comfort. “I’m also not the one to use pick up lines on someone. I do on occasion, but most of the time, I start with small talk and see where the conversation leads.” He told her in confidence. Ripping his eyes from her, he got the bartender’s attention before looking her way again. “Order whatever you’d like.”

        A small plate of appetizers and glass of whiskey in hand, Cameron faced the crowd of nicely dressed folk and scouted the room for anyone familiar. Spotting Grace not too far away, he made his way through the slightly crowded area. Approaching his coworker, the surgeon made sure to make himself known once the person occupying her time left her side. “There’s my favorite resident,” He said her way once he closed in on where the woman was standing. “You look stunning, Grace. To be honest, you threw me off guard a little because I’m so used to seeing you in scrubs.”

        “If you thought that was impressive, you need to see me with a 10-blade,” Chuckling to his own words, Cameron teased Olivia with ease as he gave her the drink she ordered. He wouldn’t be him without bringing up work in almost every conversation due to the passion and love he had for it. Following her lead, he lifted his glass and opened his mouth to speak again. “Cheers to protecting our drinks at all costs and for being each other’s arm candy for the evening.” He lightly joked before clinking his glass against his date’s. “We can finally check off having our first drink together off our list. What’s next on the agenda?”

        “Hey, I know we just met, but we should like, shower together soon.” Many women hit on Cameron often, but this specific woman he truly just met shocked him like no other. He expected to be hit on with the help of him looking good in his sharp, black tux and his inviting southern charm, but not like this. A small trail of uhh’s leaving his lips as he blinked the shock away; a rush of relief hit his system once a new woman took a seat next to him. “Sorry, ma’am, but she’s got my undivided attention. Thanks for the offer.” Giving the flirtatious woman a nod goodbye, he was quick to turn his attention onto his new barstool buddy located at the bar. “You couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Can I buy you a drink just for simply sittin’ next to me?”

Cameron Hayes is wearing a checkered, black suit with a black tie to match. He is accompanying @oliviawright and is attending the event in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 14th, 2020.

        Sitting on the edge of Lorelei’s bed, Cameron stared at the bedsheets in thought. Bare-chested and pants on, but still unbuttoned, he still couldn’t believe he was having casual sex with his best friend. They both agreed on doing so, he remembered the conversation all too well, but it still came as a slight shock after every time they did the deed. Hearing footsteps approach, he lifted his head and locked eyes with Lorelei. “I’m almost dressed and am close to getting out of your hair, don’t worry,” He told her in a calm tone with tease hinted within. “What do you have going on for the rest of your day?”