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Chapter Eight

Nina opened her eyes. She was lying on Cameron’s chest and they were both cocooned in the blanket. She stretched the crick in her neck and glanced at the clock. Seven a.m.

Cam stirred. He glanced around the room as if disorientated. He locked eyes with her and a smile spread over his face. “Morning.”

“Morning,” she said, studying his expression. “What’re you smiling about?”

He shook his head. “Nothing.” A tiny streak of colour rose in his cheeks. “Just remembering that the track is finished and that makes me feel smug.”

She smiled. “So it should.”

Cam stretched. “Breakfast?”

“Sounds great,” she said, sitting up.

Cam moved aside the blanket and got to his feet. Nina followed him out of the studio and to the kitchen.

She got out some fruit and pastries while he made them some coffee. They took the food and drink out onto the terrace.

Nina sat next to him and gazed at the horizon where the sun was streaking orange across the sea. She sighed. “This place is stunning. How much longer will you be out here?”

Cam leaned back to look at her. “Until the end of the season in September.”

She stuck her bottom lip out. “You lucky thing.”

He laughed. “Just stay out here with us.”

She studied the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. I wish you were being serious.

“Hey,” he said, “I nearly forgot.” He took out his phone and pressed some buttons, glancing at her. Music started playing and she recognised it from the disjointed snatches she’d heard down in the studio in between listening to her audiobook. She was struck by the flow of it. Uplifting piano soared as the backdrop to Isla’s breathy vocal. Nina couldn’t help but get to her feet. Instantly she was transported to her university days, out in a club dancing with her friends.

“This is awesome!” she said over the music as she danced around him on the terrace.

He grinned as he watched her. “Do you really like it?”

“No,” she said, grabbing his hands and lifting him to stand, “I love it.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, still watching her and not moving.

Nina was disinhibited as if she’d had a drink. Maybe it was the lack of sleep or her irresistible attraction to him—or even the euphoric drop in the track. But even though it clearly wasn’t appropriate when he had a girlfriend asleep inside, she put her arms around him and started encouraging him to dance with her.

He smiled and circled her waist, pulling her in close. She guided him to move along with her. Nina’s heart picked up pace as he held her gaze, only inches away. Cam brushed her hair from her face. “Nina—”

Ash’s voice sounded from inside. “Hey, anyone around?”

Nina stepped away from Cameron. She might have been imagining it, but it seemed like he was reluctant to let her go.

Nina turned to the patio door and Ash was coming through the kitchen, yawning. “What’s that noise?” she asked.

“Noise?” Cam said. “That’s our song.”

“Oh, cool,” Ash said, taking a seat and lifting a pastry. “You finished it?” She made a face and put the pastry back down.

“Yep,” Cam said, glancing at Nina. He killed the music and took a seat next to Ash.

Nina thought it safest to sit on Ash’s other side in order to distance herself from Cam. She eyed Ash. I’m a shitty friend, coveting her boyfriend while she was only metres away. “Are you okay?” she asked her. “You look a bit pale.”

Cam nodded, also studying Ash. “And you’re awake and dressed early. Plus, you’re screwing your face up at your favourite pastry.”