Chapter Five

Nina glanced at where Cameron was sitting on his lounger, running a hand through his hair. For a moment she was distracted by the thought that she wished she were the one running her fingers through his hair, and also along the contours of the perfectly chiselled torso he had on display. It took her a few seconds to realise that Isla wasn’t there. Nina wrenched her eyes away from the appealing sight of Cameron to scan the beach. Was there a nearby public toilet that she’d gone to?

Nina turned to Ash. “Can you see Isla?”

Ash stopped talking for a second and looked around. “Nope. That’s weird.”

Nina’s heart rate picked up. ”I’m going to ask Cam if he knows where she went.”

“Sure,” said Ash. “I’m just going to get a couple more shots in the surf.”

“Okay,” Nina said as she hurried away. She quickly closed the gap to the loungers. Cameron rose from his seat and took off his sunglasses. There was concern in his hazel gaze. Nina berated herself for still being distracted by his eyes, even with her mounting worry regarding Isla.

That morning Isla had arrived at the hotel just before they had been due to leave for the beach. She’d clearly stayed over with Zac somewhere the night before but wouldn’t tell Nina anything about it. Nina had attempted to talk Isla out of getting involved with him further, including a narrative about how he’d made a move on her just before he’d tried, and succeeded, to do the same with Isla, but Isla was having none of it. She’d told Nina that she was just jealous. How on earth could I be jealous when I’d knocked him back, on account of him being a total tool?

She reached Cameron, slightly out of breath. “Do you know where Isla’s gone?”

He gestured for her to sit and took a seat next to her. His voice was strained. “She’s meeting someone.”

Nina’s heart sank. “Who?” she asked, though she could guess.

He glanced away. “Zac.”

Nina stayed silent. Why was Isla running around after that guy? Especially when they were here to make the track. What if her unprofessional behaviour caused Cameron to change his mind about working with her? He must have hundreds of other singers he could choose from. She studied his profile as he toyed with his sunglasses. He certainly didn’t seem impressed. Nina’s heart rate picked up. Please don’t let him drop her. She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry.”

He stared at her, frowning. “What for?”

“For Isla running out when you’re supposed to be working on your song,” she said, speaking quickly and trying to think what to say in order to smooth it over. “She’s not normally like this. I don’t know what’s going on with her, but I promise I’ll sort it out.”

He studied her, his eyebrows raised. Her anxiety mounted. He didn’t seem to be buying it. She touched his arm and then regretted it because the feel of his skin sent her heart further into overdrive. “I’m used to getting her organised. It’s what I did when she first started out.” She paused to take a deep breath and smiled. “And I am her PA for this trip, after all.”

He returned her smile and shook his head. “There’s no need to apologise. It’s not your fault.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it kind of is.” She paused. “I was a bit hard on her this morning.”

He nodded slowly. There was a weird look on his face, and it seemed as if he was deliberately holding back from asking any more. “Don’t worry. You’ll rise above it and work it out.”

She held his gaze for a moment, trying to fathom what he meant by ‘rise above it’. Staring into his eyes was doing weird things to her insides, so she looked away. “Maybe I should go, to give you and Ash some time to yourselves.”

“Absolutely not,” he said quickly.

She glanced at him, taken aback by his firm tone.

He paused. “I mean…we’d be delighted if you came back to the villa for a bit. It doesn’t matter if Isla’s with us or not.” He rubbed his neck. “We’d love to have you.”

Nina took a glance over at the surf where Ash seemed to be rolling around taking photos of herself as the water washed over her. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely,” he said, smiling. “Ash was thrilled that you were coming today. She says you’re cute and smart.”

Nina laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called ‘cute’ before.” She wrinkled her nose. “Difficult, maybe.”

He frowned. “Difficult? Why?”

She shrugged. “It’s the sort of thing that women in science and technology have to contend with. In male-dominated careers, if females show any assertiveness, that’s how they get labelled.”

He nodded. “I get that. The women in my field struggle to get the recognition that the men come by easily.”

Nina raised her eyebrows. She’d expected him to brush it off. She found it unusual that guys would notice it under their own steam. The majority of the time they were oblivious, because the prejudice didn’t affect them.

The more she spoke to him, the more he surprised her. He seemed so different from the first impression she’d had of him.

She smiled at him and he reciprocated the expression. The weird churning in her stomach intensified.

“Hey, did you find Isla?”

Nina tore her eyes from Cam’s to where Ash was coming to sit next to her. “No,” she said. “She left.”

Ash frowned, taking off her wide-brimmed sun hat and fanning herself with it. “Oh? Where’d she go?”

Nina glanced at Cam. It wasn’t appropriate to say that Isla had buggered off with Ash’s ex. “She’s gone to meet someone. We’re not sure who…probably a guy.”

Ash opened her mouth to say something but Cameron interjected. “I’ve asked Nina to come back to the villa. She can stay for dinner,” he said.

Nina smiled at him, grateful that he’d prevented Ash from asking which guy Isla might be with—and also that his previous invitation had been extended to dinner. She didn’t mind eating on her own, but it was one of the few things that she preferred to do in company. He gave her a wink and her pulse picked up pace.

Ash rubbed her hands together. “Awesome idea. Shall we go back now? I feel like I’ve got sand in every crevice.”

Nina smiled. “Fine by me.”

Cameron stood and started packing the stuff back into their bag. He glanced at Nina. “You can take a dip in the pool again if you’d like.”

She pulled her sundress on and paused. Had he noticed how much she loved the pool? She’d always enjoyed the water. She shook her head and carried on dressing. It was probably just a general comment rather than him being interested in her as a person.

They gathered their belongings and walked over to the Jeep, Ash arm in arm with her. Nina found that she was enjoying Ash’s company more and more. She could see why everybody found her so captivating. Even though they didn’t have a great deal in common, Nina found her kind and entertaining, and in any case, she had always prided herself on having an eclectic collection of friends rather than just a clone army.

They climbed into the car, Nina in the back and the others in front. She buckled in and Cameron started along the hill road. Ash started chatting with them in her usual not-expecting-much-of-a-response sort of way, which Nina now found rather refreshing. She liked that she could sit back and listen without having to process too much or make conversation. She got the feeling Cam was doing the same. Her eyes strayed to the flex of his arms as he steered the car. She inadvertently made eye contact with him in the rear-view mirror and he smiled. She smiled back and glanced away, heat rising in her cheeks. What’s wrong with me? He’s taken and he’s also a massively famous star who wouldn’t look twice at me, even if he were single.

She turned her attention to the scenery out of the window, missing Isla. What was going on with her? She was behaving so erratically. She’d always had a tendency to be flighty but not like this—and not when the collaboration meant so much to her. It was as if she was on a self-destructive streak. Also, it was strange how she’d taken a dislike to Ash, because Nina would’ve said under normal circumstances that Ash was more Isla’s cup of tea than her own.

She’d call Isla later to try to build bridges. She didn’t want to do it too soon in case she interrupted Isla and Zac and angered Isla further.

They arrived at the villa. The opulence of the interior stuck Nina once again, despite only having been there the day before.

Cameron took the cool bag into the kitchen, turning back to ask if they wanted a drink.

“Beer, please,” called Ash. She nudged Nina. “You?”

“The same please, Cameron,” Nina said.

He smiled. “No problem. Head out to the pool and I’ll bring them to you.”

Ash pulled Nina onto the patio and they went down the steps. Ash collapsed onto a bed and covered herself with a linen. Nina stripped her sundress back off and jumped into the water, doing a few lengths. She submerged for a few metres and surfaced by the edge of the infinity pool to gaze at the horizon. She admired the twist and turn of the coastline. Living by the sea was her ultimate fantasy. She loved the water and the idea of stepping out of her house right onto the beach filled her with joy. It was such a pity that she lived in a rainy, land-locked city.

There was a gentle splash behind her and she looked over her shoulder. Cameron was making his way through the water, holding two bottles of beer. Ash was sipping hers, tucked under her blanket.

Cam handed her a bottle, and she admired the way the water droplets ran over his skin. She dragged her eyes away from his appealing body to meet his eyes, which were just as compelling. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, leaning on the shelf next to her. They both surveyed the view.

“I love this place,” he said. “It’s so beautiful.”

She glanced at him. “Do you spend a lot of time here?”

“As much as I can in the summer,” he said.

“And the winter? LA?” she asked.

He nodded. “Also by the beach. I love the sea.”

Nina studied him, her newly budding affinity toward him growing. “Me too.”

He met her gaze. “You do?”

She nodded.

“You love the water,” he said.

So he had noticed that about her? “Yeah,” she said. “Shame I live in a freezing cold, rainy city.”

He laughed. ”Yeah, I don’t miss that part.”

She smiled. “What do you miss?”

Cam sipped his beer. “Family. Friends. Sense of humour.”

She grinned. “Like how they call the Clyde Arc bridge the ‘Squinty Bridge’ because it’s at an angle?”

He laughed. “Yeah. And that the Southern General Hospital is nicknamed the ‘Death Star’ because it’s star-shaped.”

Nina laughed and coughed hard on her beer. Cam patted her back until she recovered. “Sorry,” she said. “That one always gets me.” She cleared her throat, finding herself reluctant for him to take his hand away from her skin. He paused to rub her back, sending a wave of heat through her core.

Ash sat up. “What’re you two braying about?”

“Nothing,” Cam called back, withdrawing his hand.

Ash shrugged, drained her beer and settled under the covers.

Cam smiled at Nina. “The culture just isn’t the same in the States, not that I’m knocking it. Breaking in America was a huge deal for me, and I do love being by the beach in the warm.”

She nodded. “My friend Matt says I should apply for a job in LA.”

“Oh yeah?” he said. “Isla told me about your redundancy. I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay,” she said. “I put myself forward for it. I had some sort of epiphany that I’d worked there too long and needed a change.”

Cam nodded. “That sounds good.”

She smiled. “Except, as soon as it happened, I crapped myself, and I’ve been living in a bubble of abject terror ever since.”

He laughed. ”What’re you frightened of?”

“Everything,” she said. “I like to have everything mapped out, but this time there was nothing else lined up. It was pretty much the first move I’ve ever made on impulse, and it has backfired.” She sighed. “I think Isla took pity on me, knowing I’d be lost with nothing else lined up, and that’s why she asked me out here…as a distraction.”

Cameron was studying her as she spoke, and it sent her pulse through the roof. He rubbed the top of his bottle along his bottom lip and Nina found herself wishing she were that bottle.

He took a sip. “I think you’re being too hard on yourself. You’ve made a brave decision and bought yourself some time to decide what’s next. You don’t have to find the answer straight away.”

There was something reassuring about his words and his tone. Nobody had put it in those terms before. No one said she should take her time and really think about what she wanted.

“What’s the job in LA?” he asked.

“For a big drug company,” she said. “There’s a lot of action in my scene stateside.”

“I can imagine,” he said. “But you don’t like the idea of moving there?”

“Not really. How can you tell?”

He smiled. “Just a hunch. What’s putting you off?”

She hesitated. “All the friends and family stuff. I don’t know anybody out there.”

“Yeah, you do,” he said. He pointed the top of his bottle over to the side of the pool then back to himself. “You know Ash and me.”

He kept her gaze as he smiled, his hazel eyes penetrating her inner being. Move out to LA and hang with my new best friends—hot- producer-guy and gorgeous social-media-girl.

Heat rose in her cheeks. Why did he make her feel like a teenager? Perhaps because that was the last time she’d had a major crush on a celebrity.

Cam touched her arm. “You’ve got goosebumps. I’ll go get you a fresh towel.”

He headed through the water then lifted himself out onto the side. His muscles rippled as the water washed over his skin and Nina gulped hard. Hopefully he’d assumed that her goosebumps were from the cold of the pool and not from his proximity. She went to the edge and followed him out. She wrapped the towel he offered around herself and took a seat next to him on one of the pool beds, bringing her beer with her.

“Why don’t you find out about this job?” he said. “If it doesn’t sound your thing, leave it. But if it’s a good opportunity, go for it. It’s not like it’s set in stone if you change your mind.”

She nodded. “I know you’re right. I’m just a coward.”

He shook his head. “You aren’t. We all get a little scared sometimes.”

She smiled. “Even you? Up on that stage catering to the masses?”

Cameron smiled back. “Even me. And I’m not kidding about knowing Ash and me. We’d look out for you.”

A warm feeling filled Nina’s chest.

He drained his bottle and made to stand. “Can I get you another?”

She nodded. “Yes, please.”

He craned his neck over to where Ash was lying. “She’s asleep, so I guess it’s just you and me day-drinking.”

Nina laughed as he left for the steps. She lifted out her phone to see if Isla had messaged, but she hadn’t. Nina sighed.

Cameron reappeared with their beers and handed hers over as he climbed beside her. She suppressed the thought that it was tantamount to lying in an actual bed together. I wish.

“Are you okay in the shade?” he asked. “I can take the canopy down.”

“No thanks. I prefer it this way,” she said.

He held his bottle out toward her and she smiled and clinked hers against it before they both took the first sip.

He smiled. “Is that because you’re terrified of aging, like Ash?”

She laughed. “No. It’s because I’m terrified of developing melanoma and dying. I’ve done a lot of work on anti-cancer drugs.”

“That’s amazing,” he said, “to do something so worthwhile.”

“Yeah, not altruistic, though. Remember that the drug company CEOs make a load of cash off the back of it.”

He nodded. “But they’re making money and saving lives. I’m making money and getting people to dance.”

“There’s more to it than that,” Nina said. “Music and the arts are vital. Without them, the human race would shrivel and die spiritually.”

Cam raised his eyebrows. “I’ve never heard an academic speak about the arts that way before.”

Nina smiled. “It’s true. They’re so important for mental wellbeing. Somebody once told me that Isla’s songs had helped her through a time when she’d considered taking her own life.”

He sat a little straighter. “Wow.”

“It’ll be the same for your fans,” she said. “They’re not just dancing. They’re expressing joy. It’s a balm for the soul. I’ve never experienced anything like the atmosphere at your gig yesterday.”

He leaned toward her. “Really?”

“Of course,” she said. “It was spectacular. I loved it, and I’m no music buff.”

“You’re a great dancer, though,” he said.

She met his eyes. He’d been watching her? Then she remembered that she’d been dancing with Ash. That was why. He’d been looking his girlfriend and she’d just happened to be in the frame. “Thanks,” she said.

He stared at the pool, seeming to be pondering something but staying silent.

She frowned. “What is it?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t dance.”

“Pardon?” she said.

He glanced back at her. “I can’t dance.”

“Yeah, I heard you,” she said. “I just don’t believe it. It’s like a famous writer saying that they can’t read.”

He laughed. “That is not the same.”

She grinned. “Near enough.”

He raised his eyebrow, and it was the sexiest thing that Nina had ever seen. She got off the bed and came round to his side, pulling him to his feet.

He looked at her with a bemused expression. “What?”

She dragged him closer to the pool’s edge where there was more space, away from the sun loungers. “Show me your dancing.”

He folded his arms. “Nope. No way.”

“Come on,” she said, starting to sway her hips. “It’s easy.”

“How about I just watch you dance instead?” he said.

“Nuh-uh,” she said, prying his hands out of his defensive stance and trying to get him to move with her. She lifted his arms around in time to her imaginary beat, her fingers intertwined with his. He stood stock-still, but he was smiling. Nina raised their arms in the air then turned and backed into him. The beer must have gone to her head but she didn’t care. She brought their arms back down and wrapped them around herself, moving her body in an attempt to get him to shift with her. Much to her delight, he tightened his arms around her, but he still kept his feet and body rigid.

“Aw, come on Mr. Hot-DJ-party-pooper,” she said.

He leaned toward her ear. “Did you just call me ‘hot’?”

“No,” she said quickly. “I said hot-shot.”

“Didn’t sound like it,” he said.

“You need your ears washed out,” she said.

Cam tightened his arms farther. “Okay.” He took a big step forward, taking them both into the pool. Nina screamed as they hit the cold water with an almighty splash. She came to the surface, laughing and realising that they’d managed to get water on Ash, who was sitting bolt upright, appearing confused. “What was that noise?” she said.

Cameron was laughing too. Nina swam toward him and made a grab for him. He caught hold of her before she could dunk him under. “That’s what you get for taking the piss,” he said, still laughing and holding her waist.

She raised her eyebrows. His smile faded as he met her gaze.

“Babe,” said Ash from her bed, “did you throw Nina in the pool? That is so uncool.”

Cam quickly released her. He ran a hand through his wet hair. The flex of his dripping wet muscles nearly caused Nina to go under again.

“Sorry,” he said. “Ash hates it if I try anything like that with her. It ruins her makeup.”

Nina laughed. “That’s okay. It was funny, and I deserved it.”

A relieved expression came over his face and he smiled.

“Baby,” Ash said, “what’re we having for dinner?”

Cam looked at Nina. “You still up for eating with us?”

She nodded. “That’d be great…if you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.”

“Course not,” he said. “Is steak okay?”

“Sounds lovely,” she said.

He smiled at her then glanced at Ash. “Is that all right with you?”

“You cook it, and I’ll eat it,” she said.

He laughed. “I’ll just go marinate it and be right back.”

“Can I help?” asked Nina, making to follow him.

He glanced back as he climbed out of the water, appearing a little surprised. “No, that’s okay. You have a swim. I’ll not be long.”

 

* * * *

 

Nina let the hot water wash over her, enjoying the sensation of the last remnants of salt water and sand being cleansed from her skin. She was in one of the seemingly millions of en suites at Cam’s villa. The shower was huge and could probably fit at least four people in it.

She stepped out to towel off. Ash had left her a fresh maxi-style dress to put on. Nina had tried to politely decline, saying she could just put her sundress back on, but Ash had insisted.

Nina dressed quickly. She wanted to go help Cameron in the kitchen. She had a feeling that Ash would take a while getting ready, and she didn’t want him preparing everything without any assistance. She wanted to be a good houseguest. She left the room and made her way down the stairs. The reason for her wanting to make a good impression was so that she could keep everything sweet for Isla. Not because I’m sweet on Cameron. He’s not my type.

She made her way into the kitchen. Cameron was cooking the steaks on the grill and it smelled delicious. He glanced up and his eyes seemed to widen a little. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you,” she said, coming toward him. She lifted the lid on a pot on the stove where some vegetables were steaming. “What can I do to help?”

He stared at her for a second then nodded toward the oven. “Can you get the potato wedges out, please? They should be done now.”

Nina popped on the oven gloves and lifted them out. They were clearly homemade and spiced with paprika. They also smelled heavenly.

“You made these from scratch?”

“Yep.”

“They look gorgeous,” she said, spooning them out onto the three plates that were waiting on the counter. “I thought people from LA didn’t eat carbs?”

He grinned. “I’m not from LA. I’m from Glasgow.”

She laughed. “Good point.”

He finished the steaks and placed them on the plates while Nina drained the vegetables and added them.

“Whereabouts are we eating?” she asked.

“On the terrace,” he said. “Take those out and I’ll bring the sauce and drinks.”

Nina managed to balance the three plates and took them out through the patio to where the long table was laid and waiting. Three of the places were set, two on one side and one on the other. She put the plates down just as Cameron emerged with some wine and the condiments.

He gestured for her to sit at one of the side-by-side set places. “I’ll just see where Ash is.” He disappeared into the house. Nina opened the red wine and poured them each a glass.

Cameron emerged again. “She’s nearly ready. She said to start without her.” He took the seat opposite her and lifted his glass, holding it out toward her. She clinked it with hers.

Nina took a sip. It was velvety and warm. For a moment it seemed like they were on a date, gazing into each other’s eyes across a beautiful terrace on a warm summer’s evening.

“Is the wine okay for you?” he asked.

“It’s delicious,” Nina said.

“It’s from a vineyard on the island,” he said. “Just a wee one, but their wares are good.”

Nina grinned. “I like that you still use the word ‘wee’, despite not living in Scotland for years.”

He smiled. “I only use it with other Scots.”

“I’m not actually a Scot.”

“You’re an adopted Scot. Anyway, there’re hints in your speech that you’ve lived there a long time.”

“Are there?” Nina said. She’d never noticed that.

He nodded.

“When I first moved to Glasgow, I had no idea what anyone was saying,” she said.

He laughed. “No?”

“Nope,” she said. “I’d say ‘pardon’ twice, then after they’d spoken the third time, I’d just be like ‘ha ha…yeah’.”

Cameron laughed. “Who knows what you were agreeing to?” He took a sip of his water.

Nina rubbed her chin and pursed her lips. “I suppose that might explain how I ended up in that sex dungeon one time.”

Cam laughed, nearly spraying his water across the table. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Remind me to ask you a bunch of stuff in my old accent later. See what I can get you to agree to.”

She raised her eyebrows and he held her gaze for a second. Is he flirting with me? It seemed like it. Even by the pool earlier she’d gotten that feeling. But she must be imagining it. She couldn’t be his type—just look at Ash and her lifestyle. Nina was very ordinary in comparison. She cleared her throat. “I’m afraid you won’t get away with that. I can understand everything now that I’ve lived there a few years.”

He grinned. “Darn it.”

Nina smiled and tried her steak. “This is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it,” he said.

Nina tried a bit of everything on her plate and it was sublime. Cam was talented in the kitchen as well as behind the decks. She wondered where else he might possess abilities then suppressed that thought before she started fantasising about his bedroom prowess.

“You know that when Isla signed with this label, she had to have a few elocution lessons?” she said.

“Yeah, sometimes you have to do that for your media training,” he said. “Otherwise, no one knows what you’re saying at interviews.” He smiled. “You can’t get away with inviting anyone to a sex dungeon these days.”

Nina laughed.

There were footsteps behind her and Ash came out onto the deck. She was wearing a satin gown and appeared impossibly beautiful. Nina stood to kiss her cheek. “You look gorgeous.”

“So do you,” said Ash, twirling Nina around. “That dress is much better on you than me. You should keep it.”

Nina shook her head. “I couldn’t.”

“I insist,” said Ash and gestured for her to sit again. “No arguments.”

Nina took her seat, unable to believe how generous both of them were. “Thank you. That’s very kind.”

Ash smiled and took a sip of her wine, then tasted her food. “This is great. Thanks, babe.”

Cam shook his head, his glass at his lips. “No problem.” He sipped his wine and caught Nina’s eye.

Ash swallowed another mouthful. “Has Isla called?”

Nina shook her head, her heart sinking. “I messaged her but no reply. I’ll try again later.” She looked at Cam. “What about Noah? Any news?”

Cam nodded. “I called him while I was cooking. He’s still got abdominal pain and vomiting, so he’s taking it easy.”

Nina frowned. “Sounds pretty bad.”

“I told him to call the hotel doctor,” Cam said. “He said he would.”

“I hope so,” Nina said.

Ash touched Nina’s hand. “Tell me more about yourself. Have you got a boyfriend? Or a girlfriend?”

Nina shook her head. “I was with a guy until about three months ago. The split was one of the reasons I made the impulsive decision to jack in my job.”

She glanced at Cam, who was watching her as he ate. Ash nodded. “I get that. New beginnings and all?”

“Yep,” said Nina. “I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, though.”

“You’ll find your way,” said Ash. “You’re too clever not to.”

Nina smiled. “Thanks.”

Ash took out her phone. “I wonder if there’re any science guys on Insta. We could try to get you a gig somewhere.”

“I’m not even on Instagram,” said Nina. “Or Twitter—or anywhere else.”

Ash appeared horrified. “No? We need to get you on there. Don’t underestimate the power of social media in getting you places.”

“Really?” said Nina. “Even if you work for a drug company?”

“Yeah, you should at least be on Twitter,” Ash said.

Nina raised her eyebrows. She’d thought Matt was talking nonsense when he’d said the same.

“Don’t worry,” Ash said, gathering more food onto her fork. “I’ve got you. We’ll get you a profile ASAP.”

Nina shrugged. It was worth a go, a new start and all that. “Okay.” She glanced at Cam, who was smiling as he chewed.

Ash washed down her mouthful with some wine. “We should see if we can get you a guy too. You’ll have your pick of them, someone as gorgeous as you. Hey, have you met anyone you like on Ibiza?”

Cameron coughed a little and Nina glanced over. She could hardly say yes, and he’s your boyfriend. She cleared her throat. “No, not so far.”

Cam sipped his water, a funny look in his eye.

“That’s a shame,” Ash said. “Maybe you should come to LA. I know loads of great men to introduce you to.”

“Nina might be coming out for a job,” Cam said.

Ash’s face lit up. “Awesome. When?”

Nina shook her head. “It’s not a given yet, but there’s a job I might go for.”

“Do it,” said Ash. “New beginnings, remember?”

Nina got the feeling that Ash seized every opportunity by the horns and asked questions later, unlike her own tendency to study everything from various angles and deliberate the pros and cons. It must be refreshing to let go and live in the moment. “I’m thinking about it.”

Ash waved her fork. “Don’t think too long. That’s how you miss out.”

They all finished their food, and Cam poured more wine.

“What shall we do now?” Ash said.

Cameron sipped his drink. “Usually you want to go out.”

Ash shook her head. “Not tonight. Six nights out in a row is my limit. I need my night of rest. Movie?”

Nina remembered the massive screen in the living room. “That sounds good.”

“Cool,” said Ash. “I’ll go get it set up. What kind of movies do you like?”

“Action or sci-fi mostly,” said Nina.

Ash wrinkled her nose. “Not romance?”

Nina nodded “I’ve been known to go for the odd romance. I prefer rom-coms though.”

“Excellent,” said Ash. “I know just the one. Want popcorn? There’s a machine in the movie room.”

“Absolutely,” smiled Nina.

Ash rubbed her palms together. “Leave it to me. By the way, you should totally stay over. Shouldn’t she, babe?”

“Of course,” Cam said. “There’s plenty of room.”

“Are you sure I’m not putting you out?” said Nina, not wanting to outstay her welcome.

Cam shook his head, gathering the plates. “You’re due to come back tomorrow anyway, so there’s no point going across town for the night.”

“Yay,” said Ash, clapping her hands. She stood and left the terrace.

Nina started helping Cam clear the table.

“I can do this,” he said. “You go relax.”

She shook her head. “You cooked, so I’m going to tidy.”

He smiled. “You’re a guest. I can’t have you doing chores.”

Nina took her pile of plates into the kitchen. “Tough, because I’m doing it.”

He followed her with the empty wine bottle and glasses. “Then I’m helping.”

They got to work loading the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen surfaces and it was done quickly.

Ash came back into the kitchen. “Everything’s ready. I got us some cosy blankets and stuff.”

“Do you guys want a drink?” Cam asked.

“I don’t suppose you’ve got any tea?” Nina said.

Cam’s eyes widened. “That’s a good shout. I’ll join you in a cup.”

Ash stuck her tongue out. “Bleurgh. You Brits and your hot tea. It tastes like warm dishwater.”

Nina laughed.

Cameron got out some mugs and teabags. He gestured toward the living room. “Go through and I’ll bring the tea.”

Nina accompanied Ash to the movie room. The lights were low, and Ash had placed a coffee table in front of the sofa with a big bucket of popcorn in the middle. There was a large blanket on the couch.

Ash took the farthest seat at the end of the sofa and snuggled under the blanket. She patted the middle seat next to her and Nina took it. She got under the soft throw. It was so cosy that she might not last through the film without falling asleep.

“Gimme your phone,” said Ash.

Nina frowned. “Why?”

“I need to set up your Twitter,” said Ash.

Nina shrugged and handed it over.

Ash fiddled about, asking the occasional question like, “What do you want for your handle?” She handed it back. “I pulled a selfie out of your photos for your profile pic, but you can change it if you want.”

Nina studied it. “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Nina checked out the app, getting to know the feed. She typed in Isla Starr and took a quick glance at Isla’s profile, but then Cameron came into the room, so she put the phone away and took her tea from him. “Thank you.”

“No worries,” he said, and made to sit across the room.

“Babe,” said Ash, “don’t sit over there. You have to get under the blankie for movie night.”

He looked at Nina. “Is that okay?”

“Course,” she said. “I can switch seats with you if you want to sit next to Ash?”

Ash tugged Nina’s arm. “No, I’m all snuggly now.” She rested her head on Nina’s shoulder.

Cam laughed and got under the cover next to Nina. “Great to know I’m so popular with my girlfriend.”

Ash blew him a kiss across Nina.

Nina tried to steady her heart rate as Cameron settled onto the sofa next to her, his arm brushing hers. She lifted her tea to sip it.

Ash started the movie and Nina tried to concentrate. It was a fun story, but it was a little weird being sat between a couple, watching a romance. Even weirder when I’ve got the hots for one of said couple.

She glanced across and it appeared that Ash had fallen asleep. Nina smiled. Ash did seem to have a knack for dropping off wherever she sat. It must be all the late-night partying. Nina rested her head on top of Ash’s and closed her eyes for a minute. The heat of the day plus the alcohol, not to mention the stress of Isla’s behaviour had taken its toll and she was exhausted.

Nina opened her eyes. The on-screen couple were just about to launch into their first kiss. Blinking, she realised that her head was no longer resting on Ash, but on Cam’s shoulder. She must have shifted in her sleep. She lifted her head and caught his gaze. “Sorry.”

His face was soft in the darkness. “That’s okay.” He raised a hand to her cheek. “You’ve got popcorn on you.”

She smiled. “Hey, I was saving that for later.”

He smiled, brushing the popcorn away and letting his fingers linger on her cheek. Nina was aware that the on-screen couple were now in a full-blown snog, and it seemed to fuel whatever tension was brewing between her and Cam. Ash shifted next to her and Nina leaned away from Cameron.

Nina swallowed hard. She should probably go to bed before she did anything rash like try to kiss a gorgeous guy out of her league who was only being polite and friendly, when his hot girlfriend was sitting next to them.

“I think I’m going to call it a night,” she said.

Cam lifted the blanket to let her out and she nearly fell onto his lap as she climbed past him.

“Sorry,” she said, feeling like an idiot.

“Need anything before you retire?” he asked.

“No thanks,” she said, meeting his gaze. “Goodnight.”

“Night,” he said. There was an intense look in his eye. Probably thinking she was a total weirdo, snuggling up to him then practically climbing into his lap.

Nina left the room and climbed the stairs. Once she got to the room, she shut the door and took a deep breath. Was she imagining that there was sexual tension between her and Cam? Perhaps he did find her attractive? She shook her head. It was bound to be one-sided on her part and she was just wishing he’d returned the attraction.

She got out her phone to call Isla, but her friend didn’t answer. Nina left a voicemail saying that she missed her and wanted to talk. Then she opened her new Twitter app and searched for Ash, followed her, then followed Cam. On impulse she googled Cam’s name and scrolled the articles. Some mentioned his Ibiza residency, a couple were about him and Ash, then loads showed him with various beautiful females. She kept scrolling and the list went on forever. Her heart sank. They all seemed to resemble Ash in some way and were made up to the nines. Nina put the phone down. Of course he wasn’t interested in her. She was nothing like those women, not in appearance or in the way that they were so well presented. She was foolish to think otherwise.

Nina started getting ready for bed. He clearly wasn’t her type either if he was into multiple brief affairs. She was more of a one-steady-relationship sort of person and she wanted someone to connect with, not just have a love affair with.

She noticed a pair of satin pyjamas lying on the bed that hadn’t been there when she’d left the room earlier. Hanging on the handle of the wardrobe was a vest top and shorts, along with a new bikini in cellophane wrap. They must have been placed there by Ash before she’d come to dinner. She was effortlessly generous. A wave of guilt washed over Nina at the thought that she’d been coveting her new friend’s boyfriend. What is wrong with me? She got changed into the pyjamas and climbed into the bed, determined to stop being such a fool and do better the next day.