Chapter Seven

Nina stood with Isla at the marina, craning her neck to try to spot Cam.

Isla fanned herself with a magazine. “Did he say exactly where to meet?”

Nina frowned. “No. But he said it’d be obvious.”

Isla scanned the area. “It isn’t, though.”

“Nina! Isla!”

Nina couldn’t see where the disembodied voice was coming from, but it sounded like Cameron. Then she looked up. He was waving from the deck of a huge yacht.

Nina’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God. Is that his?”

“I have no idea,” Isla said, her eyes wide.

They made their way over and along the gangway to join him on the rear deck where there was a large seating area, with some stairs leading down onto a flat platform just above the water. Nina glanced inside at a luxurious seating area.

Isla greeted Cam first with a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t tell me you’ve bought a bloody boat.”

He shook his head. “It belongs to a friend. He said I could borrow it anytime this week.”

Nina raised her eyebrows as she approached to hug him hello. It was a mistake because she didn’t want to let him go, but she forced herself. “Borrow it?”

He nodded. “He charters it when he’s not on Ibiza, but they haven’t got a booking this week. It fell through. So, it’s ours for the day, along with the captain and crew, of course.”

“That’s amazing.” She gave him a meaningful look. “Thank you.” He’d clearly arranged it to help Isla.

“No need to thank me,” he said. “I get to spend the day on a yacht with two beautiful women, so…” He triumphantly raised his fist in the air.

Nina laughed. Then something occurred to her. “Hold on. You said two women. Where’s Ash?”

“She doesn’t really like the sea, and she’s also feeling a bit off colour today,” he said, putting on his sunglasses. “So she’s gone shopping instead.”

Nina nodded, hoping Ash was okay. She stamped on the tiny voice in her heart, which told her that Cam’s girlfriend not being around meant she’d get him to herself. Well, apart from Isla. She glanced over to where Isla was gazing out over the rail at the other boats in the marina.

“I’ll just go tell the captain we’re all set,” said Cam.

Nina nodded and watched him head toward the front of the yacht, then went to stand with Isla. “Should be fun.”

Isla smiled. “Totally. I’ve always wanted to go out on a yacht. Plus, it’s a bonus that annoying Ashley Ash Ash Ashton McAshey face isn’t here.”

Nina rolled her eyes. “That’s a bit mean.”

Isla shrugged and smiled. “It’s a bit funny.”

Nina gave her a smile back. “A bit funny but also a bit mean.”

“Granted,” Isla said. “But anyway, it’ll work out better for you if she isn’t here.”

Nina frowned. “Pardon?”

Isla nodded toward where Cam was coming along the deck toward them. “You can get lover boy to yourself.”

Nina raised her eyebrows. “Don’t be daft. He’s not interested in me.”

Isla laughed. “Of course he is. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.” She leaned toward Nina’s ear. “And don’t think I didn’t notice that you said he’s not interested in you rather than the other way around. Grassed yourself up there, mate.”

Nina frowned at her but couldn’t say anything else because Cam was now in earshot.

He smiled as he reached them. “Okay. We’re about to set sail.”

Isla rubbed her hands together, appearing more like her old self. “Excellent. Now where’s the shade at? Us gingers can’t hack the sun.”

Cam laughed and went to pull the canopy over the seating area.

“So,” said Nina, sitting down. “Where are we actually going?”

“To a cove farther round the island,” Cam said, fiddling with the canopy. “I told the captain how much you love the water, so he has recommended a spot that great to swim in.”

Isla sat next to Nina and dug her in the ribs.

Nina shot her a look.

Isla grinned and started singing under her breath. “He knows you like to swim, so he told the cap-tain. He’s so in love with you…”

Nina gave her a death stare and Isla laughed, but thankfully stopped singing before Cam came to sit next to Nina. He smiled. “What’s up?”

She plastered a smile onto her face. “Nothing.” At least Isla was laughing again, even if she was narrowly walking the line of getting Nina into trouble with Cameron.

After around half an hour of sailing, the cove came into sight and it was spectacular.

“Wow,” said Nina, standing to watch it drift farther into view.

“Right?” said Cam, joining her. “You can only get to that stretch of beach by boat, not by land.”

She glanced at him. “Can we go there?”

“Sure,” he said. “We can swim over. The water’s really calm.”

“Awesome,” Nina said quietly. She felt his eyes on her but kept hers off him because she was close to throwing her arms around him.

“Listen,” he said. “I’m just going to call Noah real quick and see how he is.” He leaned close to her ear. “I might be a wee while, if you want to have a chat with Isla.”

Nina inhaled the scent of him, trying to keep her longing in check. “Thank you,” she said in a low voice.

He smiled and went inside.

Nina moved over to sit with Isla on the loungers under the canopy. The yacht gradually slowed until it came to a stop. The two of them took pictures of each other, then a few snaps together.

“I’m going to send these to mum,” said Isla.

“Good idea,” said Nina. “I’ll send some to my family too. Nothing like making everyone jealous.”

Isla laughed then leaned back, tipping her face up. “Ah, this is the life.”

Nina laughed. “Absolutely.”

“I suppose this is what happens if you have friends in high places, like Cam,” Isla said.

Nina rested her head. “Or just what happens when you’re a famous multi-millionaire.” She smiled at Isla. “That’ll be you one day.”

Isla stayed quiet.

Nina watched her for a moment. “What’s wrong?”

Isla bit her thumbnail, hesitating. “Maybe I don’t want to be a famous multi-millionaire.”

Nina nodded, giving her time to elaborate. She sensed they were on the verge of a breakthrough.

Isla sighed. “Or maybe I don’t have what it takes to make it that far.”

Nina frowned. “What makes you say that?”

Isla swallowed. “It’s just…I’ve been thinking lately…” She stopped speaking as she welled up and put her head in her hands.

Nina shifted over and gave her a hug. “Please tell me. I’ve been really worried about you.”

“I’m sorry,” Isla said through her tears.

“You don’t need to be sorry. Just let me in,” Nina said, pulling her in tight. “I’m here for you. Literally. That’s why I’m on this island, not for a free holiday.” She smiled. “Though maybe that’s the secondary reason.”

Isla gave a small laugh against Nina’s shoulder. “I want to tell you. I just don’t know where to start. I haven’t felt like myself for a while and I know I’ve been acting weird and unreasonable.”

Nina gave her a squeeze. “Take your time.”

“Okay,” Isla said slowly. She took a deep breath and then nibbled her thumbnail again. “I think…what it boils down to is that I thought this was all I ever wanted. But I’m getting more than I bargained for.”

“In what way?” Nina asked.

Isla lifted her head to meet her eye. “I feel baseless, like I haven’t got a home. There’s so much travel. I’m losing touch with my friends and family.”

Nina studied her. “Is that why you asked me out here?”

Isla nodded. “I wanted to help you too, after the redundancy. But that was more a catalyst than the reason I thought of it.”

Nina tucked a stray strand of hair behind Isla’s ear. “I’m sorry we haven’t talked—before I came out or since I’ve been here.”

Isla shook her head. “It’s my fault. I was feeling all fragile—so I overreacted about Ash. I wanted to talk to you, but it was like stuff kept getting in the way. Then at Cam’s residency when I waved you over from the podium, I was planning on asking you if we could leave early to chat. But you just went off with her instead.” She took a breath. “I know that I acted like a child. We’re old enough not to get possessive over friends. I just feel so weird and paranoid about everything.”

“I’m so sorry. It’s my fault,” Nina said. “I should’ve realised you needed me. I knew something wasn’t right, but it was like events kept stopping us from talking properly.” She grimaced. “Like me getting leathered the minute I got here.”

Isla laughed. “I reckon that was my doing. I plied you with alcohol and didn’t give you a chance to eat.”

Nina smiled. She touched Isla’s arm. “I didn’t realise you were gesturing me over from that podium. I thought you were just having fun and waving.” She sighed. “I wanted some time together, but I’ve been aware of not wanting to cramp your style since I arrived because I’m a total stick in the mud compared to this scene.”

Isla shook her head. “No, you’re not. I love that you’re here.” She fiddled with the hem of her skirt.

Nina studied her. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

Isla looked at her. Her voiced cracked. “I can’t handle the stuff people say about me.”

An icy hand gripped Nina’s heart as she remembered the things she’d read online. “On social media?”

“Yeah,” Isla said, taking a breath. “And the general media. They’re so harsh. Trolls everywhere. Plus, it’s so much worse for the female musicians. We get the most stick and have to contend with all the industry sleazebags.”

Anger balled in Nina’s chest. “Maybe I should dump the drug industry and become your personal bodyguard. I’d punch them all into next week.”

Isla let out a small laugh. “I know you would.”

Nina searched her face. “Can you get some help? All of this is so bad for your mental health. Have you spoken to your manager?”

Isla nodded. “He’s supportive but he’s quite inexperienced, and also, I don’t think he gets it from a woman’s point of view.”

Nina shook her head. “Not good enough.” She took Isla’s hand. “We’ll go back to him plus do our own research about the support out there. We’ll work out a plan.”

Isla squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”

Nina hugged her again. “No need to thank me. That’s what I’m here for.”

“I’m here for you too,” Isla said. “I know it’s difficult for you right now.”

“I’ll be fine,” Nina said, stroking her hair.

Isla gave her a squeeze. “I’m sorry for being a flake.”

Nina laughed. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault. This industry sounds so tough, and I don’t know how you do it.”

Isla released her and wiped her face. “I feel lighter now that I’ve spoken to you. I think I’ve got a second wind for getting Cam’s song done.”

Nina smiled. “That’s awesome.” She stoked Isla’s hair. “But don’t rush anything. You need to look after yourself. And remember that whatever you decide is right for you career-wise, I’ll be here to support you.”

“Thank you,” Isla said quietly. She smiled. “I really want to get this track done, though. I’m honoured that Cam asked me—and he’s been so supportive. I want to complete it for him.”

Nina nodded. She could understand that. She wanted what was best for Cam as well as Isla.

Isla studied her nails. “I know you think I’ve been mean about Ash.” She glanced up. “And I admit I was jealous of her getting close to you when I needed you—and also of her social media prowess, because I’m struggling with the attention. But she’s no angel.”

Nina met Isla’s eyes. “Let me guess. That’s what Zac told you?”

Isla sighed. “You should give him a chance. He’s sensitive. He told me Ash cheated on him with Cam, and it broke his heart.”

Nina stayed silent. She couldn’t argue with that because Ash had told her as much at their first meeting. But it didn’t mean that Zac was virtuous. She smiled at Isla. “Let’s just agree to disagree. I won’t let him come between us.”

“Okay,” Isla said.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” said Nina.

Isla winked. “You know me.”

Nina shook her head. “Yep. That’s why I’m worried.”

Isla laughed. She turned her head. “Where did Cam go?”

“He went to call Noah,” Nina said.

“You guys should swim out to the beach,” Isla said.

Nina looked at her. “Aren’t you coming?”

“Nah,” Isla said. “I’ll burn to a crisp.” She grinned. “Anyway, it’ll give you chance to get him on his own.”

“Isla,” Nina groaned.

Isla widened her eyes and spread her hands. “What?”

“You know what. He’s got a girlfriend,” said Nina. “Plus, he’s not interested in a science geek from Glasgow.”

Isla shrugged. “A sexy science geek from Glasgow. Of course he is.”

Nina laughed. “I’ll go see what he’s doing.” She stood and went inside.

Cam was on the sofa, checking his phone. He glanced up and smiled. “How did it go?”

She sat next to him. “Good, thanks. She told me that she’s struggling with the disconnection that fame brings.” Nina curled her lip. “And the social media badmouthing.”

He nodded. “That’s tough. Maybe she can get someone to take that over.”

“Good idea,” Nina said. “I might ask Noah about it. How is he?”

Cam frowned. “Not good. He’s been admitted to hospital.”

Nina’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Cam said. “They think he’s got a kidney stone.”

Nina grimaced. “Ouch.”

Cam ran a hand through his hair. “I think we’ll be on our own getting this track done.”

Nina nodded. “Isla’s raring to go now, so we can head back to make a start if you’d like?”

He smiled. “Not until you’ve enjoyed the cove.”

She caught his gaze and tried to suppress the surge in her heart rate. She took his hand and stood, pulling him to his feet. “Then let’s go.”

Down on the sun deck, Isla had positioned herself under a parasol. Nina lifted off her T-shirt. “Sure you don’t want to come with us?”

Isla shook her head. “I like my skin non-lobster, thank you.”

Nina laughed as she finished stripping to her bikini. She lifted her gaze and caught Cam watching her. He quickly looked away. Nina tried not to stare at his muscular back. She walked over to draw level with him. “Ready?”

He turned to smile at her. “After you.”

Nina grinned. Time for revenge. She grabbed hold of him and launched them both into the water. The salt stung her nose as they hit the cool sea and she bobbed to the surface laughing. Cam pushed the wet hair out of his eyes, treading water. He grinned at her. “Touché.”

Nina waved at a laughing Isla and they started out for the beach. The sun glinted off the blue waters. It was so calm, like a pool. The white sandy beach stretched out before them and she sighed.

“What is it?” Cam asked, swimming beside her.

“The view is so beautiful.”

He studied her for a second. “Sure is.” She met his eyes briefly before he struck out faster in a front crawl. “Race you,” he called over his shoulder.

Nina followed suit. Her curiosity regarding what was behind that last comment had been washed to the side by her eagerness to beat him.

Her feet hit the sandy shallows and she started to half-run, half-wade through the water. Cam was level with her, so she grabbed his arm in an attempt to get ahead.

He laughed. “Oh no you don’t.” He held her arm to prevent her getting in front and they both ran onto the beach, neck and neck.

“Hey, that’s cheating,” Nina said as they collapsed onto the sand.

He grinned. “You started it.”

She laughed.

Cam rested his palms on the sand behind him, gazing out to sea. “This is the most relaxed I’ve felt in ages.”

“Yeah?” Nina said. “You’ve been stressed?”

He nodded. “I don’t think I realised how much until I let go a little.”

“I think that’s the nature of Ibiza, isn’t it?” she said, tipping her face up to the sun. “The atmosphere helps people chill out.”

He glanced at her. “I don’t think it’s the island. It’s the company.”

Nina studied his profile. Does he mean me? Or Isla? Or maybe he’s referring to Ash. She wanted to ask but wasn’t sure how to word it without sounding inappropriate. The moment passed and she glanced away. “Isla’s still infatuated with Zac I’m-too-cool-for-a-surname, unfortunately.”

Cam turned to her. “Sorry if that’s difficult for you.”

She raised her eyebrow. “Difficult? Yeah, I suppose it is, in that I’m not keen on my friend answering the booty calls of a douchebag.”

He frowned. “I didn’t realise you’d seen through him.”

“I had him clocked from the start,” said Nina. “That’s why I told him to piss off on my first day here.”

Cam raised his eyebrows. “You did?”

“Course,” said Nina. “I’m not into entitled assholes.”

He laughed then glanced at the sand as he dug his fingers into it. “I thought you and he had a bit of a thing, and that was why you and Isla fell out.”

“What?” she said. How on earth can he think that? “Don’t make me vomit. No. Isla and I have never had the same taste in men.”

He smiled. “It seems pretty obvious now that I know you better. I should’ve guessed he wasn’t your cup of tea.”

She pretended to gag and he laughed. His smile made him impossibly more attractive. She sifted the sand through her fingers. “I hope Isla figures him out soon. At the moment she’s lapping up all his crap about being sensitive.”

Cam shook his head. “He’s got no empathy.” He met her gaze. “You know he cheated on Ash multiple times and gaslighted her into thinking it was her fault?”

Nina raised her eyebrows. She was certain Zac had neglected to tell Isla that part. “That’s horrible.”

“Yeah,” he said. “If she found out and complained, he’d dump her then ask her back as if he was doing her a favour. Then we got together, and she managed to shake him.” He looked at Nina. “Normally I wouldn’t get involved with someone else’s girlfriend, but I can’t say I felt too guilty once I found out about his behaviour.”

Nina shook her head. “I don’t blame you.”

He sat forward. “My mum had a boyfriend like him once. But luckily she saw the measure of him and chucked him out.”

Nina studied him, privileged to hear something so personal. She realised that his feelings toward Zac weren’t driven by jealousy, as described by Ash when she’d spoken to Nina at her first trip to the villa. They were borne out of a protective streak. “Good for her. Are you and your mum close now?”

He nodded. “Absolutely…and my sister. The three musketeers, we called ourselves.” He smiled. “They’re both brilliant. Always there for me, no matter what. Sometimes I feel like they’re the only ones who know the real me.”

She nodded slowly. “They know Cameron, rather than being distracted by Logan.”

He snapped his eyes up to meet hers. “Exactly.”

She continued to hold his gaze. “You invented Logan because you’re an introvert? In order to help you perform.”

He smiled, his eyes reflecting his pleasure that she’d made the connection under her own steam. “Most people don’t guess that. They think my stage name is to try to fit in better with the US market, but I picked it because it embodies confidence in my eyes. It’s like…a name I can trust, to carry me through.”

She smiled, studying him. “I get it. It makes it easier being on stage as him, rather than Cameron Wild, the boy who prefers being on his own with his decks and can’t speak to girls without getting palpitations.”

He laughed. “Yes. You know me too well already.”

“Yeah,” she said, the smile falling from her face, “I feel like I do.” Her pulse gathered pace as his hazel gaze held hers. The overwhelming desire to kiss him surged inside her, and it wasn’t helped by the fact that their fingertips were nearly touching in the sand. With a mammoth effort she swallowed and looked away. Time to change the subject. “My friend Matt called last night from Glasgow. There’s a job coming up at his lab that he says I should go for.”

“Oh yeah?” Cameron said slowly. “Do you want it?”

Nina blew her breath out through pursed lips. “I don’t know. It’s kind of a step backward. But it would mean some security, at least for a while.”

He touched his fingertips to hers. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

She met his gaze. “I think I’m just too naturally cautious. I always take the safe option.”

Cam nodded. “I get that. But there’s no harm in keeping your options open. What about the US one? Is that a step back?”

“No,” she said, letting her fingers rest against his and appreciating the warm feeling that travelled along her arm. “It would be a career progression.”

He shifted his hand closer so that their fingers interlocked. “Maybe you could go for the US one too. Then the Glasgow job is a plan B if you decide it’s not the right move for you?”

Nina struggled to concentrate on what to say next. His touch was distracting her ability to think clearly. “I might.” She glanced away. “Thanks for listening to my boring work chat.”

He smiled. “It’s not boring. You can talk to me any time.”

The look in his eyes and the touch of his hand was causing her heart rate to careen out of control, so she cleared her throat and got to her feet. “Shall we swim back? I think your shoulders are getting red.”

He stood next to her. “Stop eyeing up my shoulders, you perv.”

She laughed and gave him a gentle shove before running into the surf.

“Oh no you don’t,” he called after her, splashing through the water to catch her. They both dived into the sea and struck out for the yacht.

Once they reached the vessel, Nina hung back for a second, allowing Cam to pull himself out first so she could admire the ripple of his muscles and the droplets running over his skin. She also suspected that hanging back would mean he’d offer her a hand to get out herself, which she didn’t need but wanted, nonetheless. He did. After she got to her feet on the wooden deck, she held onto his hand for a second, meeting his eyes with a flare inside her belly. She let him go and caught Isla watching them with a grin on her face. Nina cleared her throat. “Shall we go get some shade?”

Isla got to her feet and nodded. “I need you to put some more lotion on my back.”

“No problem,” Nina said, following her up the stairs to the next level. She took out the factor fifty and gestured for Isla to lie on her front while she made sure she was adequately covered.

Isla glanced over her shoulder. “Cam needs some too. Us Scots can’t be too careful in the sun.”

“Absolutely.” Nina nodded, and made to toss Cam the bottle.

“No,” Isla said. “You’ll need to put it on for him. He can’t get to his back any more than I could get to mine.”

Nina raised her eyebrows. “Why don’t you do it then?”

Isla pouted. “But you’re so good at it. I’ll miss a bit then he’ll get burned and I’ll feel guilty.” She turned back and lowered her head onto her sun lounger.

Nina turned to Cam, expecting him to say he could manage. But he just smiled. “Come on. I thought you said my shoulders were getting red.”

The heat in Nina’s cheeks indicated her face was far redder than his shoulders were. She went to sit behind him and started rubbing the lotion onto his back, trying to suppress the electricity flowing into her core at the touch of his skin. It cranked her temperature to the point that it seemed to eclipse the heat from the sun itself. She ran her fingertips over the swell of his muscles, trying to ensure he was protected but not linger too long and have him realise how much he affected her. By the time she’d finished, her pulse was pounding in her ears.

“There you go,” she said, dropping her hands with a mix of relief and disappointment.

“Thanks,” Cam said, taking the bottle and starting to cover his front.

Nina sat back, trying to calm her hammering heart.

“Okay,” Cam said, shifting to face her, “your turn.”

Nina glanced at Isla, wondering if she should make a token effort at asking her to do it instead. She turned her back to Cam, secretly hoping that Isla wouldn’t volunteer to perform the task. Luckily it appeared as though she’d fallen asleep.

Nina did a poor job of suppressing her involuntary shudder of desire when he touched her skin. She bent her head as he rubbed in circular motions over her back. Her nerve endings tingled with pleasure, his fingers brushing over the goosebumps elicited by his contact. There was a strange mix of excitement and relaxation rising and falling inside her. There was no doubt that she found him intensely attractive and that feeling only grew with each passing hour, never mind day. But his touch also soothed and calmed her, working out the tension in her muscles. He finished and broke contact, leaving her sore with disappointment.

Cam handed her the bottle. He met her eyes for a second in silence. “I’ve just remembered something. Hold on a sec.” He stood and went inside.

Nina finished applying the lotion everywhere else.

Isla’s voice carried over the deck. “Did you enjoy that?”

Nina lifted her head and Isla was in the exact same position, but now with a smile on her face. “Isla, were you pretending to be asleep that whole time?”

“Maybe.”

Cameron appeared carrying three glasses and an ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne. He popped the cork and poured them a glass each. Isla took hers and turned onto her back to sip it. Cameron settled next to Nina, raising his glass toward her. She met his gaze and smiled, her pulse quickening as she clinked her glass to his in the gesture that now seemed to be their thing.

 

* * * *

 

Nina rubbed her eyes. Cam and Isla were making headway in the studio. Not that she understood much about the process, but it was clear that things were going well. She hadn’t seen Isla this happy the whole trip, and Cameron had a kind of glow about him, almost as if his inner Logan was coming out.

Once they’d stepped off the yacht, Isla had declared that they should go back to the studio and make a start on the recording. Cam had reassured her they didn’t have to rush but there’d been no stopping her. Nina was glad Isla had insisted, given the joy it seemed to be bringing the two of them. Nina had been providing them with regular food and drink over the seven or eight hours they’d been down there and listening to her audiobook on the studio sofa in the in-between times. She checked her watch. It was after ten p.m. She gestured to Cam that she was going to the kitchen to get them more sustenance. Her gave her a thumbs-up as he nodded his head to the music.

Nina climbed the stairs to the kitchen and started pulling together some snacks and drinks. Her phone buzzed in her pocket so she paused to lift it. It was Ash’s number. Nina was ashamed to realise she’d forgotten all about Ash and hadn’t thought to enquire why she hadn’t returned. She also had the feeling the others hadn’t remembered either. Guilt washed over her as she connected the call. “Hey, Ash.”

“Hi. How’re you guys?”

“Good thanks. The others are working in the studio.”

“That’s awesome,” Ash said.

“Where’re you?” Nina asked. She thought she could hear someone else in the background.

“Just out with some friends,” Ash said quickly. “I’m heading back soon, though. I still feel a little nauseated.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Nina said. “Are you coming into the studio?”

“Nah, I think I’ll just head to bed.” Ash paused. “Hey, listen. My friend Aubrey was telling me that her friend Verity is pregnant, but she doesn’t know who the father is. She’s wondering whether she can find that out during the pregnancy, and I said I’d ask you because you know about science.”

Nina smiled. Ash was always telling her intimate details about the lives of people she would never know. “I’m not that well versed in human reproductive biology, but I do know that nowadays you can get non-invasive paternity testing. There are US-based companies online who’ll do a blood test on the mother and mouth swab on the father then determine if he’s the dad or not.”

“Cool,” Ash said slowly. “That’s great, thanks. I’ll tell Aubrey then Verity can google it or something. Anyway, have a good night and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“No worries. Hope you feel better.” Nina ended the call, finished making the food and drinks, then carried it to the studio. She pushed the door open. Isla was out of the booth, jumping up and down in delight.

Nina grinned. “Good news?”

“Yep,” Isla said, “the vocal is done.” She gestured at Cam, who was frowning in concentration as he fiddled with the decks. “Cam just needs to work his magic, and that is it.”

Nina sighed. “What a relief. I didn’t even realise how stressed I was about it until things started coming good.”

Isla’s smile faded a little and she put her arms around Nina. “I’m sorry I stressed you. You don’t need it right now.”

Nina gave her a squeeze. “It’s fine. That’s what I’m here for.” She pulled back and only then registered that Isla had her denim jacket on. “Are you calling it a night?”

Isla glanced at the floor. “Cam said he could take it from here, so I thought I’d head out…”

Nina nodded slowly. “To see Zac?”

Isla cleared her throat. “Yeah.”

Nina’s heart sank to her sandals, but she tried to hide it. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

Isla gave her a cautious smile. “Definitely. We could meet for brunch?”

“Cool,” Nina said, keeping her voice even.

Isla gave her a kiss on the cheek then waved at Cam as she let herself out of the studio.

Nina sighed and sat heavily on the sofa, tearing open a bag of pretzels and stuffing a handful into her mouth. Cameron glanced over his shoulder, then came over to sit next to her. She passed him the bag and a beer then lifted another bag of snacks and opened them.

He raised his eyebrow. “Something tells me you’re trying to eat your feelings.”

She laughed. “Yeah. Murderous feelings.”

Cam nodded. “Zac?” He put a handful of pretzels into his mouth.

“Exactly,” Nina said, pulling the ring on her can of beer and taking a slug.

“Try not to worry,” Cam said, sipping his beer. “Isla’s switched on. She’ll figure him out soon enough.”

“I hope so,” Nina said. She took another drink. “Hey, listen… I don’t want to cramp your style if you need to get on with finishing the track. I should get out of your hair.”

“No,” he said quickly, then paused. “I mean… I do want to finish it because I’m on a roll, but I’d like it if you stayed.” He met her eye. “If that’s okay. I know it’s boring sitting watching the process.”

She shook her head. “It’s not boring at all. I find it intriguing.”

A smile spread over his face. “You do?”

“Of course. All those cool buttons and dials?” She peered at the decks. “By the way, which one’s the self-destruct button?”

Cam laughed. “That’s classified.” He leaned back, his shoulder brushing hers and sending a spike of adrenaline through her. He took a long drink then glanced at her. “Usually I prefer working alone at this stage, but…” He paused.

Nina frowned, worried that he really did want to be alone and was just being polite. “But what?”

He swallowed. “I like having you around.” He fiddled with the ring pull on his can. “I feel like you inspire me.”

A warm feeling pooled in her veins, and she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He met her gaze and her mouth went dry. She took a sip of beer. “That’s the loveliest compliment I’ve ever gotten.”

He smiled and colour rose in his cheeks. He glanced away and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s true.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

Cam opened his mouth as if he was going to say more, but then his phone buzzed and he lifted it. His voice sounded strained. “Ash is on her way home. She says she’s going straight to bed.”

Nina nodded, feeling guilty about quickly she’d forgotten poor Ash again. “She’s still off colour.”

“Yeah,” Cam said. “Hopefully, she’ll feel better tomorrow.”

Nina frowned, remembering their other incapacitated friend. “I hope Noah is better too.”

Cam’s nodded. “I think he might get discharged soon.”

“Fingers crossed,” Nina said.

Cameron finished his drink. “Okay, I’ll get back to it.” He glanced at her. “Just give me a nudge if you need anything or you get bored.”

She smiled. “Will do. But don’t worry… I’ve got my audiobook to keep me company.”

Nina watched him get back to work, fascinated by the process, even though she had no clue what he was doing. She placed her ear buds in and started her audiobook, sipping at her beer and trying to kid herself that what she felt for Cameron was merely lust. She could count on one hand the number of days she’d known him, and yet she had a connection to him as though they’d been friends for years. It was especially strange when they’d gotten off on the wrong foot.

She settled back into the sofa, a wave of sleepiness engulfing her. The day in the sun and the recent stress over the song was catching up with her. With a spike of anxiety, she realised that the track getting completed meant that her time on the island was due to end and that, in turn, meant she’d no longer be in Cameron’s presence. A wave of nausea washed over her. What’s wrong with me? So what if I don’t see him again? I didn’t even know him until this week.

Nina pushed those thoughts away and watched Cam work. He had that glow about him again and it made her happy to see it. She settled into the soft sofa cushions, letting the silky-voiced book narrator soothe her eyes shut.

 

* * * *

 

Nina stirred as someone moved next to her. I must’ve fallen asleep. She lifted her head and Cam was beside her, smiling. She could read his mind. “You finished it?”

His smile widened. “Yep.”

Pure joy filled Nina’s chest. She threw her arms around him. “That’s brilliant.”

Cam gave her a squeeze. Nina pulled away lest she lose control of herself. She picked up a bottle of water, raising it. Cam grabbed a bottle and clunked it against hers. They both laughed.

Nina stretched. “What time is it?”

“Three a.m.,” he said, laying his head back onto the cushions.

Nina’s eyes widened. “I didn’t realise. Sorry I conked out.”

He turned his head toward her. “That’s okay. It was still nice having you here. You’re beautiful when you’re asleep”—he grinned—“apart from the snoring.”

“What?” Nina said, her mouth falling open. “I was snoring?”

He laughed. “No, not really.”

Nina smiled. “Watch it, Wild.” She sank into the sofa next to him. He reached his arm across the couch cushions so it rested against the back of her head. Nina turned to him. “You love it down here, don’t you?”

He met her gaze. “Yeah. It’s like my safe haven.” He glanced around the room. “I designed it all. When it was finished, I was like an excited puppy.”

Nina remembered seeing him smile that first time he’d shown her the studio and how she’d assumed he was being conceited about his material wealth. She cursed herself for being so short-sighted. He was proud of what he’d designed, not of its monetary value. She smiled as she took in the pride on his face. “It’s a great achievement, Cam.”

He turned to her. “I wish my dad could’ve seen it. He was into all this stuff too.”

Nina studied him. He’d mentioned his mum and sister before, but not his father. She could guess why now, by his use of the past tense upon referring to him. Her empathy and connection to him strengthened further. “Did your dad pass away?”

He nodded. “When I was twelve. He got me interested in making music.”

“I’m sorry,” Nina said. “He would’ve been so proud of you.”

He nodded, his eyes bright. “Thank you.” He rested his head against his arm to meet her gaze. “I’ll bet your dad is proud of you—and your mum. You’ve achieved great things in your career.”

For a moment Nina was thrown by the hazel luminescence of his eyes. She swallowed. “Actually, I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve still got my mum but my dad died when I was at university.”

Cameron lifted his hand to stroke her hair. ”He never saw you graduate?”

She shook her head gently, careful to not break his contact and cut short the sensations he was firing along her skin.

“I’m sorry,” he said, quietly.

She smiled and he took hold of her hand then hugged her into his chest. She nestled her face into his hoodie. “I’ve got no right to accept comfort from you because you’ve been through exactly the same thing.”

He kissed the top of her head. “No, that’s precisely why I’m the right person to be offering you comfort. It’s a mutual thing.”

She gave him a squeeze and closed her eyes. Despite the desire he created within her, he was also such a soothing influence. She’d never had such a connection with a friend before, at least not so quickly. He seemed to understand her on a deeper level that normally only came from a much longer relationship. “Can I tell you something?” she asked.

The bass of his voice rumbled against her cheek. “Of course.”

She was glad that he couldn’t see her face because she hadn’t ever told anyone this before, but somehow she knew he’d understand. “My dad was like me—always super organised and had not only a five-year but also a ten-year plan. However, it didn’t do him any good in the end because he didn’t live to see them through.” She took a deep breath, inhaling Cam’s scent, which soothed her and provided her with the courage to keep speaking. “When the redundancy came up, that’s why I decided to go for it. I figured being so concerned about the future never did Dad any good, so maybe it was time for a change. But now I kind of feel like I’m struggling with the spontaneity, because it means I’m losing my connection to him—to the thing that everyone said we had in common.”

Cameron squeezed her tightly.

She sighed against his chest. “I know that sounds stupid.”

“Not at all,” he said quietly, against her hair. “I get it. When my dad died, it pushed me even harder to make a success out of music, because it was the attribute we had in common. Plus, it was the career he always dreamed of but never got to have.”

She lifted her head to meet his gaze. “He wanted to be a professional musician?”

Cam tucked her hair behind her ear. “Yeah. He played guitar, drums, piano, the works.”

A heavy sadness filled Nina’s chest at the thought of all these unfulfilled plans and dreams. “Did he keep doing it on an amateur level?”

Cam smiled and nodded. “Mum took us to his gigs.”

Nina smiled back. “Have you got a photo of him?”

Cam appeared pleasantly surprised. “I’ve got some saved in my phone.” He took it out and fiddled with it, then showed her the screen.

Nina studied the picture of the sandy-haired man. “He was handsome, like you are.”

Cam smiled, colour lightly streaking his cheeks. “Thank you. Mum always said I took after him in appearance but not character. Performing came so easily to him. He had a natural stage presence and charisma.”

Something occurred to Nina, and things fell into place. “Was your dad’s name Logan?”

Cam snapped his gaze up to meet hers. He hesitated, staring into her eyes. “Yes. But no one has ever guessed that under their own steam before.”

She searched his face. “It makes total sense. Having him as your persona bolsters your confidence to get on stage and perform.”

He nodded almost imperceptibly. “He was so outgoing. His showmanship was awesome. Our personalities were so different in that way, and I figured…” He hesitated, watching her.

It almost seemed she could read his mind. “You figured you could just channel him instead of struggling along as yourself. Plus, it keeps his memory alive, like he’s still performing through you.”

He smiled, still holding her gaze for a few more seconds. Then he took a deep breath and put the phone down. “What about you? Any pics of your family?”

Nina sat up to retrieve her phone and showed him one of her, her parents and her brother.

Cam took the phone and zoomed into the photo. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

She raised her eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

He handed it back to her. “You’ve got your dad’s eyes. There’s no way you can ever lose your connection to him. You only need look in the mirror.”

Nina swallowed hard against the lump in her throat, unable to speak for fear of tears spilling over. She put the phone down and cuddled back into his chest, aware that her tears were creating tiny damp patches on the fabric of his clothing. Her voice cracked. “Thank you.”

He hugged her. “Don’t worry about your career. Everything will be okay. Do what feels right. Your dad would be proud of you either way.”

A few tears started to flow, and they soothed her mind. “Your dad would be thrilled to know what an incredible man his son became.”

Cameron tightened his arms around her. His voice was husky. “I appreciate that.”

He stroked her hair and gradually she felt her eyes becoming heavier.

Her soul felt lighter for some reason and she sensed sleep was close by.

Cameron pulled a fleecy blanket over them both. He spoke softly. “You can go to your room if you like, rather than sleeping here.”

The fact that he called the room that she’d only stayed in once ‘hers’ filled her with a glow. But she didn’t want to go upstairs because that would mean that he’d go to his bed with Ash and Nina would have to relinquish their physical closeness. She knew she couldn’t have him in a romantic way. The lovely things he’d said to her had only been because they’d become such good friends and had a natural empathic connection. He was in a relationship with a gorgeous woman, and he wouldn’t have looked twice at Nina, even if he weren’t. But she wanted to savour their platonic bond as long as possible.

“No,” she said. “I’m too lazy to move from here.”

“Okay,” he said.

Nina prayed that he wouldn’t say he was going upstairs. He didn’t. He just held her tightly and Nina sensed their breathing fall into sync as they both dropped off to sleep.