Page 46 of Can I Tell You Something?
“Ryan might have mentioned that.”
Ryan’s gift to me is a copy ofAnon Pls, by real life Gossip Girl, DeuxMoi. “Everyone in LA loved it, apparently.”
“And this one’s for you,” Cameron says. He looks at me for a second too long, then averts his eyes as he attempts to hand it over casually. “I hope you haven’t read it already.”
I open it carefully, unravelling the paper to find a copy ofThe Twelve Loves of Christmas, complete with the US cover. It’s the perfect romance to get lost in over the next couple of days.
“You haven’t read it?”
“No, but I’ve wanted to for ages. How did you know?”
“I took a guess. I think you’ll like it, I was a fan.”
“You’ve read it?”
“Oh yeah,” he says, then forces his smile into a serious scowl. “For research.”
“For research, sure. Thank you, Cameron.” It feels like the most natural thing in the world to lean forward and hug him. His arms wrap tight around my torso and I breathe in the scent of him, warm and woodsy. My body softens against him, into a place where I belong. I’d go further, climb into his lap if my whole family weren’t sitting staring at us.
Later, in bed, I’m engrossed in the book, exhausted and warm, half wondering if I’ll get another late-night visit from Cameron. It’s unlikely. I left him downstairs playing cards with Ryan and my parents, who all seem to have far more energy than I do.
It’s all caught up with me. Work, skiing, the stress of sneaking around and keeping secrets with Cameron. We both know this thing we’re doing can’t last. Pretty soon we’ll have to have a hideous conversation and bring this all to an end, but for now we’re happy to play along.
Bone tired, I feel myself drifting off, but just after I turn my bedside lamp off, my phone screen lights up my room.
Cam:I’m sorry I didn’t get to kiss you properly today
Cam:Can we ski tomorrow, just the two of us?
Hannah:I’d like that a lot. We’ll make up for it x
I fall asleep with my phone in my hand and a smile on my face.
Mac'n'Please
At the Bar
You feel incredible.
Oh my god. What the fuck did I do to deserve this.
(Whimpering)
Can I come? Please?
Yeah? Keep doing that thing with your hips.
Oh, fuck. Yes.
Yes.
Please? Please?
Chapter 28
Cameron
Hannahisinherusual spot, stretched out on the chaise, book in one hand while the other rests a cup of coffee by her hip.
