‘I’m sorry,’ he says, causing me to look back at him. ‘For last night.’ It’s almost as though he is dragging the words from the depths of his soul and that’s all he can manage.
I try my best to smile bravely back. ‘It’s okay. I completely understand.’
I can’t tear my eyes from his. If he has an ounce of understanding of how a woman works, then he will read between the lines and know that I am completely and utterly crushed. It most definitely is not okay, and I do not in any way, shape or form understand why in the heat of the moment he had to reject me so thoroughly.
His jaw falls open as though he is about to say something, but he closes it before the words reach his lips.
‘I’ll go back home,’ I blurt out. ‘It’s for the best.’
Cam says nothing as we let the words hang between us.
‘Besides, we both know I shouldn’t have come.’
Again, he says nothing. He simply takes in what I’m saying.
‘And anyway, I’m not really cut out for this sort of show. Or any show really.’
Still nothing.
‘So, if… if you don’t mind, I’ll just… I’ll just pack up my things and… you can keep the emergency first aid kit and insect repellent if you want. You might need it. And the Imodium might come in handy too if you’re going to be drinking spicy beer. And the wipes might help you avoid catching any bugs. In fact, I’ll leave you the surgical gown too, just in case.’
I can’t read his face. I can’t tell what he is thinking at all. He is simply standing staring at me until he finally nods.
‘Sure. If that’s what you want.’
I sniff back the threat of tears and chew my lip to stop it wobbling. ‘It is.’
It sooooo isn’t, I am practically silent-screaming at him.
Why isn’t he asking me to stay?
A heavy silence hangs in the air.
‘I’ll check out flight options back to the UK,’ he says stiffly. He swiftly glides to the pool edge, clamps his hands on the side and, as though the universe is kicking me while I’m down, hauls himself up and out in one languid movement.
My God, the man is magnificent. Taut muscles ripple across his back as he picks up his towel to dab his athletic torso in slow motion, before he strolls into the villa without so much as a backward glance.
What just happened? One minute I’m here, there’s sunshine, this amazing pool, the world’s best human wearing only swimming trunks and a hunky smile, and the next, I’m sulking for England in my room as I pack my one wet belonging into my case. I towel-dry my hair, pin it into a topknot and slip into my short shorts and yesterday’s poncho top.
I wheel the empty case to the door and try to be grateful for the time I’ve spent here. I slap on a smile for Cam as he picks up his car keys. He’s blissfully unaware that he’s adding insult to injury by looking and smelling fabulous.
I open the door and feel the warm breeze blow through. My heart sinks a mile at the thought of leaving.
‘Libby, wait. You came a long way to be on the show. I’m sorry if, in some way, I have ruined that for you.’
He looks so genuine. I ache to throw my arms around him. ‘No. No, you haven’t. It’s not your fault I’m leaving. I’m the one who shouldn’t have come in the first place. I’ve absolutely loved the few days I’ve had here.’ Now is a good time to inspect my footwear. I keep my eyes trained on my sneakers. ‘With you.’
Silence and plenty of it while we think of what to say next. Me, trying not to let him see the effect he has on me, sparkles shooting from my eyes, that type of thing; and him, wondering how to politely remind me that he isn’t interested in me like that.
‘Leave the case. You won’t need it.’
I frown. ‘Why? What’s going on?’
Cam throws me a bittersweet smile. ‘There isn’t a flight available today. And…’ He gives me a meaningful look. ‘I’m not sure I made myself clear last night.’
‘You seemed pretty clear to me.’
He tilts his head. ‘I didn’t want to confuse you.’