Page 128 of Close Knit

Got a text,

Lust Island PR Team

I pickthe earliest slot available, two weeks from now, and read the message one more time, searing the feeling into my mind.

TheGeorgia Woods, theLust Islandstar with the brightest pink hair and the sweetest heart, wants to collaborate with me.

Breathe, Daphne. Just breathe. You’re freaking out.

When I finally glance up, the entire team files into Bea’s house one by one, and Cameron appears behind them. He’s got this beautiful, wide, and absolutely unusual smile stretching across his face. It’s like he’s a supernova.

Around his neck is the purple scarf I knitted for Femi’s auction. I can’t believe he brought it with him without telling me. My heart tightens with emotion. He played it cool, even after I questioned him about it at the arcade.

I can’t wait to tell him my news. But as I jump up, my stomach twists. I don’t want to make today about me. I quickly shoot a text to my sister and moms about the news, so at least I have someone to celebrate with for now.

I sidle up to him. “Hey, big man, that save—” Cameron sweeps me right into his chest and plants a knee-wobbling kiss on me.

Whoops and whistles erupt from the room. When we finally break apart, my lungs are desperately fighting to catch a breath. Oh wow. He really does take my breath away—literally and figuratively.

I glance around, cheeks blazing, and realize everyone is staring at us with goofy grins plastered on their faces.

“Hi,” he whispers against my lips, completely ignoring our very entertained audience.

“Hi. You were amazing out there.”

“I loved knowing that you were watching. Gave me an extra kick in my ass to push harder,” he says, giving me an illegal, panty-dropping wink that makes me melt like butter on a warm skillet. “How was your day, sweet girl?”

“Had a blast celebrating the Lions’ win and, uh—” Who am I kidding, I can never keep a secret. “And I was going to wait to tell you because I don’t want to overshadow your win today, but I just got an offer for an amazing collab deal, to design clothes for a show and team up with them on anti-bullying initiatives,” I say, trying to sound casual. “No big deal.”

“What?” His eyes light up, and he rubs his thumb across my cheek.

“It’s nothing. I really don’t want to distract from your win today.”

“Please,” Cameron says in that delicious stern voice of his. “I love celebrating you as much as I love winning.”

I gulp. “I’m lucky to have you, Goose.”

“It’s me who’s lucky. Now, tell me more.”

I hesitate. “It’s forLust Island.” I scan his face. His jaw tenses, but he waits for me to continue. “Apparently, Georgia Woods, who knits and crochets too, read my article in theStone Timesand wants to collaborate for next season.”

“That’s fucking great, Daphne,” he says, looking genuinely thrilled.

“Really? I was nervous to tell you because I know you don’t like the show.”

“It’s not like you’re ditching me to go onLust Island.” He shrugs, but there’s a strange, fleeting emotion on his face—a ghostly shadow I haven’t seen in months. It comes and goes so quickly, I’m sure I imagined it. He must be exhausted after giving it his all out there.

“I could never be a bombshell.”

“Because you’d be too good for every guy there.” He kisses the top of my head. “We have to celebrate.”

His hand tightens on my waist, and I know if we weren’t in a room full of people, he’d be ripping this little knitted number right off me and we’d be celebrating both of our big wins today.

I trace a line over his leather jacket and rise on my toes to whisper in his ear. “Maybe that can wait until tonight.” I giggle, my voice light and teasing.

“I love where your head’s at.” He gives my butt a playful pat. “But I was thinking of something bigger. A trip.”

“A trip?” I squeal, my excitement barely contained.

---