Page 29

MILLIE

Communicate like an adult

The campsite at Pebble Cove is more secluded than I thought it’d be. During the warmer months, families are usually out in droves to spend quality time together and ‘secret spots’ never stay secret for long thanks to social media. But Noah was right. This place seems like their very own paradise.

A couple of tents are situated in a stunning valley, sprawling with wild green grass and large trees around the edges.

Those who’ve arrived have also set up a makeshift bathroom area, concealed by a shower curtain, and camping chairs are sitting in a large circle, with a couple of people already seated.

“How has no one else found this spot?” I ask, staring in awe at the beautiful landscape.

Noah rounds to the back of the truck and lowers the tray. “I told you, it’s a secret.”

“It’s on someone’s land who lets us use it,” Callum chimes in as he jumps out of the cab.

Noah cuts Callum an incredulous look before pointing in the distance. “The creek is over that hill and it’s a five-minute walk to the beach in the opposite direction. It’s paradise. You’re going to love it.”

He looks effortlessly handsome today, wearing a white t-shirt and plain black surf shorts.

His brown locks fall into his eyes and freckles have appeared on his nose from excessive sun exposure.

I tear my gaze from his smile and take a few steps away, keeping up my concerted effort to avoid any physical touch or continuous eye contact with him.

We haven’t stuck to the stipulations of the contract in terms of hanging out or posting anything online for almost a week.

When Noah picked me up an hour ago, it was the first time we’d seen each other since we kissed at the surf club, and it was awkward.

I’m grateful Callum was in the car, so we didn’t have to ride in silence, or worse, discuss how I mauled his face.

Having space was a good thing. It helped clear my head and remind me of what we’re meant to be doing.

I don’t have feelings for Noah. I got caught up playing my role.

My cheeks still scorch when I remember how Cammie set off something animal within me.

Noah must’ve wanted space too, as he hasn’t pushed me at all this week.

We make our way across to the group, greeted by everyone with cheers.

Dan and Mack are already holding cans of beers in their hands, and it looks like Steph and her friend Erin, have picked the prime camping chairs in the sun.

They welcome us with hugs and backslaps and Mack takes my backpack, leading Noah and me towards a large tent at the southern end of the camping area.

“This is your tent,” Mack announces, pointing at it with his beer.

I duck my head to peek inside. There’s one double-sized blow-up mattress yet to be made up with sheets and blankets.

One. Fucking. Bed.

The last time Noah and I were lying on the same bit of furniture, I brought myself to orgasm against his leg. My hands curl into fists and I dig my nails into my skin to distract myself from that memory.

Noah shifts beside me. Whether he can sense my panic and mortification, I can’t tell. I’m too freaked out to even look at him.

“Looks great.” Noah slings his bag inside the entrance and takes my bag from Mack. “We can MacGyver something out of the sheets we brought.”

“Sounds good.” My cheeks warm at every inappropriate thought trying to invade my mind.

Mack backs away, oblivious to my turmoil. “Sweet. I’ll start unloading.”

Noah waits for Mack to be out of earshot before turning to me. “Sorry about this. We always pack singles. It didn’t even cross my mind someone would bring a double and give it to us .”

“It’s all good.” I turn to the sweeping view in front of us so he can’t see the lie on my face. “We can handle a double for a couple of nights.”

“Are you sure?” he asks. “I’m happy to take the floor.”

I spin to face him. “The floor is a rocky ground with a tarp over it. Unless . . . you’d feel better not sharing?”

His expression falters. “No way. I’m more than happy to share. I-I mean, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

Seeing Noah mildly frazzled makes my heart clench and I smile, determined to spend the next few days repairing the damage I’ve caused. “It’s two nights. We can handle it.”

Liar fucking liar.

NOAH

We’re sharing a bed. A tiny one at that. I can barely fit on those things on my own. I encourage Millie to chat with our friends while I grab the stuff out of the truck and march after Mack, ready to kick him in the shins.

He’s dancing to some party music coming from the speaker, reaching for bags out the back of my tray when I get to him.

I check to make sure we’re out of view from everyone before I grab him by the shoulder and spin him.

Before he can give me one of his cocky grins, I press my forearm across his chest to hold him against the truck. “A double mattress, really?”

Mack grins anyway. “You’re welcome.”

“You’re a dick.” I dig my arm into his pecs. “Did you ever stop to think maybe a woman, who is pretending to be my girlfriend, might not want to share a bed with me?”

Mack winces. “I thought you had a whole flirtation thing going? Like, you’re into each other?”

I told Mack everything. Well, not about the grinding so much, but about the attraction on my side, and that I could’ve sworn was on Millie’s side until last week. Ever since we kissed at the surf club, our dynamic has shifted, and I’m certain she regrets it. It bothers me more than it should.

“Mate, I don’t know where Millie’s head is at,” I spit. “Forcing her to lie close to me when she might not want to isn’t exactly a cool way to approach things.”

Realisation flickers across Mack’s face and I roll my eyes, releasing him. “Dude, I didn’t think.”

“Yeah, no shit.”

Mack blinks a few times, and I step back from him. “Is she upset?”

“She said it’s not a problem, but I can tell she’s weirded out.”

Mack frowns. “How can you tell?”

I sigh. “Because when she’s worried or stressed she does this thing where she presses her fingers into her palm over and over.

Sometimes it’s like she’s going to draw blood.

I don’t know if she knows she’s doing it, but it’s one of her tells and she .

. .” I drift off at the sight of Mack’s eyes narrowing, his grin returning.

“What?” I snap.

“Nothing.”

“Do me a favour and try not to be yourself this weekend,” I plead.

Mack shakes his head before turning back to unload the car. “Don’t deflect this onto me. You’ve got it bad, bro.”

The pulse in my neck starts to thrum. “I do not.”

Mack chortles. “You need to talk to her.”

I hesitate. “I can’t.”

Mack looks at me incredulously. “Why not?”

“Because.” I run a hand through my hair. “This is meant to be platonic. A business contract. I’ve got paperwork, for fuck’s sake. Am I supposed to ask her if she’s keen to get physical? Do I update the contract? What if I’ve misread this whole thing?”

Mack looks at me like I’ve spoken Russian. “You know, I pride myself on being the biggest peanut of our group, but you’re giving me a run for my money right now.” He grabs the bound blanket and shoves it into my chest. “ Talk to her, you coward.”

That’s exactly it. I’m a coward. A coward who’s not looking for a relationship.

A coward who is renowned for ruining the good things in his life.

Yes, I’m attracted to Millie, and I love hanging out with her, but the biggest thing is that Millie has become my friend.

I like talking to her and spending time with her, and I don’t want to mess that up.

I have the potential to scare her off or open up a door I don’t know I’m willing to talk through yet.

My career is still my priority, even if that makes me selfish.

“Shit. I am a coward.”

Mack drops pillows on top of the blanket in my arms. “Affirmative. How about you try to enjoy the weekend and if the opportunity arises to, you know, communicate like an adult , you take it?”

I tip my head back to look at the blue sky above me. “I promised myself I’d never take your advice again, but somehow this makes sense.”

Mack winks.