Cameron’s hand clamps on my knee. “Why are you moving?”
“Sorry.” I force myself to stay still. My body is suddenly buzzing with energy, and my entire awareness is focused on the tightness around my neck.
Cameron puts down his fork. “You’re uncomfortable,” he mutters. “I knew it. We were too hard on you last night?—”
“It’s not you,” I say quickly. “It’s this shirt. It’s adorable, but, like, a sensory nightmare.”
“A wha’?” Fraser asks around a mouthful of eggs.
“Some clothes really bother me, I guess? It’s quite common for people with ADHD. Our brains aren’t always as good at tuning sensory stuff out. Like, I can be talking to you, but ninety percent of my brainpower is being used up by the feeling of this collar on my neck.”
Fraser makes a curious noise.
I nod, babbling. “I don’t like loud noises either. Or sometimes, it really bothers me if a room is too bright. It all just gets overwhelming. It’s part of why I got into sewing, actually. If I ever started my own line, everything would be lined with soft fabric, and the label info would be printed directly on the inside.”
Maybe I can ask Icons Only about it, if I land the deal. But they probably won’t give me that much control.
Cameron is frowning. “Why wear the shirt if it hurts you?” he asks slowly.
“Oh, it doesn’t hurt. It’s just irritating. Stresses me out a bit.”
“Why wear it?” he repeats.
“Because…it’s my job. People pay me to wear their clothes.”
“No one’s watching you right now,” he points out.
“Yeah, but I didn’t pack many comfies. I thought I’d be taking pictures all week, so I brought mostly photoshoot outfits. It’s fine, really.” I smile at him, fighting not to fidget.
He looks at me. “You get irritated by uncomfortable clothes,” he says. “And you didn’t pack anything comfortable.”
“I didn’t want to bring a second suitcase! And I had to bring a ton of clothes for pictures.”
His lips press together. “Take it off,” he orders.
“What?”
“Take your top off.”
I look around. Alec’s nowhere to be seen. Slowly, I unbutton the blouse and slip it off. Cameron unceremoniously tosses it to the floor.
“Great,” I say. “I’ll just be naked all day then.”
Cameron stands and heads down the corridor to his room. A minute later, he returns, holding a soft-looking grey sweater. “Put it on.”
I obediently slip into the jumper and almost shiver with pleasure. It feels like a cloud against my skin. “Oh my God, thisis the best jumperever,” I gush. “I never knew wool could be so soft. It’s usually too itchy for me.”
“Scottish Merino blended with cashmere. Soft as we can get it.” He sits and picks up his plate again. “I’ll find you some of our clothes to wear. Our trousers will drown you, but shirts and jumpers should be fine. You’ll tell me if they’re irritating.” His frown deepens. “I’ll try to find the soft stuff. And you need some proper shoes.”
“You don’t have to!” I say. “I really am fine.”
Cameron opts to completely ignore me, taking a bite of eggs. I look at Fraser, wide-eyed.
Adorable, he mouths at me, and I nod emphatically, cuddling into the jumper and picking up my fork.
We finish the rest of the meal in silence. I’m almost done eating when I hear “Milkshake” playing faintly. It’s Lulu’s ringtone. I pat around myself and realise I left my phone in the guest room.
“What is that music?” Cameron grumbles.
