Page 83 of Close Knit

“Okay,” I say, my voice quavering. I search for reassurance, but all I see is the widening gap between us.

Cameron picks up the blanket and wraps it around me, his touch gentle but distant. He pulls me onto the couch next to him, but now there’s a space between us that feels like a chasm. Unspoken truths and hidden fears press down.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll take care of it.”

His words spin in my mind, tangling with Bea’s comments about the relentless media attention. The reality crashes down: what we have is no longer just ours. It’s out there, exposed to the world.

I try to grasp what he’s saying, but the realization hits me: this isn’t okay.

Chapter 20

Cameron

November 17

Has Influencer Daphne Quinn Slipped Past Lyndhurst’s Defense Line?

Between the gruelingpractice and my guilt over the photo plastered everywhere, I’m a walking time bomb. No one said anything to me all day, but those familiar whispers from when I first joined the team seem to be back. Or maybe it’s all in my head.

The locker room is empty except for those of us who stayed late for extra training. Coach and the offensive line are in the media room, reviewing plays for Saturday’s game. I pull out my phone from my duffel and text Daphne.

Cameron

Hey. Thinking about you.

How are you?

Daphne

:/

Cameron

Be home soon.

I barely reach my locker before my defensive squad rushes over. Gustafsson throws an arm around my shoulder, Tae-woo right behind him.

“Congratulations, Hastings,” Tae-woo says, holding up his phone, which displays the article about Daphne and me.

“About time you made it official.” Gustafsson grins, running over to see the picture for himself.

“We haven’t.” I sigh. Last night ignited something between us. I let my feelings show, almost claimed her, but of fucking course the paparazzi had to ruin it.

Gustafsson’s brow furrows. “Didn’t know you were keeping it under wraps.”

“There’s nothing to keep,” I say, the words tasting like gravel. “We’re just friends. She gave me a hug after the game, and you know how tabloids can twist things.”

“TheStone Times? They’re full of it,” Tae-woo chimes in. “Last year, they claimed my sister was my new girlfriend.”

“Your sister?” I grimace. At least my teammates understand what it’s like to have lies printed about them. “That’s revolting.”

“Hope Daphne is taking it okay,” Gustafsson says.

“She’s fine,” I say, finding it hard to believe my own words.

After the initial shock wore off, we settled into the silent comfort of another movie. She drifted off to sleep, her head resting on the couch. I slipped out quietly, not wanting to wake her, but I couldn’t sleep. My mind raced with thoughts of where the night would’ve led if we hadn’t been interrupted and how the gossip would affect us.

This morning, when I checked in on her, she assured me she was okay.

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