Prove I haven’t imagined that this pull between us is real, mutual, and one spark away from igniting.
Instead, I brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear, fingertips grazing her cheek with a slowness I dare not rush.
“I should let you get some sleep,” I say, my body cemented in place by gravity though the urge to kiss her nearly tips me off balance.
Cami’s eyes flutter shut as she leans into my touch.
For a heartbeat, we’re quiet—caught in the same suspended moment—and then, as if remembering she’s still healing from past wreckage, she eases back, leaving the air colder between us.
“Goodnight, Knox.” Her words slip out low and airy, like she’s not sure she should be saying them.
“Night, Cami,” I say, rocking back on my heels, thrown by what almost happened.
Slow and measured, I back away, doing the gentlemanly thing, standing guard until she’s safely inside.
The door clicks shut, and the glow from her porch light softens against the dark.
I turn toward my house, head down, sand crunching underfoot.
Neighborly acquaintances. That’s what I told myself. But now? I’m not sure that’s all I want.
CHAPTER 7
Cami
Sunlight peeks through sheer, teal-blue curtains, smug and way too cheerful, practically gloating that I nearly detonated my relationship detox over cats, pancakes, and a stupidly perfect crooked smile.
Curled up with a blanket, I sink into the cozy living room sectional, a second cup of tea in hand, my mind replaying last night like a highlight reel.
Did Mama Cat—Wanda—have more babies? Is she okay? And the kittens…were they able to eat?
I try to stay focused onthembecause otherwise, my thoughts keep drifting back to Knox. Unflinching and precise, his fingertips caressed my skin and sparked heat in places I hadn’t let myself feel in far too long. His scent’s still tangled in my memory: cedar and a warmth that made me want to forget why I’d ever erected walls. For one breathless, fully unguarded second, I almost leaned in. Almost let his lips brush mine. Almost let our undeniable chemistry blur the edges of what I’ve spent the past year trying to hold together.
Until I pulled back. Because I still don’t trust where this heart of mine goes when I’m not looking. And God, I wish I did trust where it leads me.
The familiar chime of an incoming FaceTime call slices through my thoughts.
Paxton.
I swipe to answer, and his grinning face fills the screen. Fresh-pressed dress shirt. NYC skyline behind him. Disgustingly put-together for someone who eats pizza rolls for breakfast.
“There she is,” he chirps. “Alive and freaking well. I was beginning to think thatneighbor guyhad you tied up in some cold, dark basement.”
I tuck my feet beneath me, suddenly aware of the hoodie I slept in and the cup of tea that’s gone cold in my hands.
“Sorry.” I set my cup onto the side table. “Didn’t mean to ghost you. I was going to call last night after my bubble bath. But then…things happened.”
“Things?” He lifts a brow. “You’re going to have to be way more specific than that, girlie.”
“Noises in the attic.” I pause, realizing there might be too muchduhthreaded in my tone. Poor Paxton has no clue about those noises. “Then I ran into Knox again, found myself in a stray cat situation, ended up at a vet clinic, ate pancakes at a diner, almost kissed, and now I’m possibly having a mild breakdown.”
Paxton squints, head slightly tilted. “Okay. Lots to unpack. But first, let’s back up. Who the hell is Knox?”
Shifting on the couch, I wrap the blanket tighter around my legs.
“Turns outNeighbor Guyhas a name,” I say with a shrug. “Knox.”
“Oh, so the sexy plot thickens. Tell me more.”
