‘Christ, yes. And they all have such…’
‘Perfect white teeth?’
‘Uh-huh, and don’t get me started on how…’
‘Ripped they all are?’ I nod back.
‘Insanely ripped.’
Cam asks Tyrone, ‘Are they always like this?’
Ty gives Cam a sympathetic look. ‘Always, mate. Always finishing each other’s sentences.’
‘Speaking of which.’ Lois turns suddenly towards me. ‘Now that you’ve got all those interviews to do and you’ve been offered a sponsorship deal for those children’s charities, you’re not going to be able to fly back with us, are you? How long will you have to stay here for?’
‘Well,’ I say, feeling about to burst with joy. ‘I’ve decided – after the TV and magazine interviews and photo shoots that I am obliged to do, thanks to you not reading the small print when you signed the LoveIt contract – to go travelling for a few weeks. Mexico, island-hopping round the Caribbean and then over to Miami. Then there’s a few wrap parties to attend and someLove on the Islandfunctions for sponsors. And after that, I’m meeting Cam in San Francisco.’
Cam takes my hand across the table. He faces Lois and Tyrone. ‘I’ve asked Libby to stay with me in the States for a while.’
‘Then we’ll see what happens after that,’ I say, my cheeks colouring.
Lois takes my other hand, tears springing to her eyes. ‘I’m so happy for you, sis. It sounds exactly what you need right now.’ A smile spreads across her face. ‘I’ll let you have her for a few months, okay?’ She looks at Cam. ‘Then I want her back. Deal?’
Cam smiles softly at me.
I am taken. My heart belongs to him and his to me.
Our future is an exciting adventure about to happen.
‘Oh, I almost forgot,’ I say. ‘Cam, what happened with the results on the show today?’
Cam takes a swig of spicy beer and wipes his lips with his napkin. ‘The public voted unanimously for a recoupling and chose those two couples to stay in the final.’
He’s smiling broadly.
‘It’s Mimi and Carlton and Amber and Giovanni, isn’t it?’ I say hopefully.
Cam nods. ‘One of the couples will definitely go on to win it next week.’
I’m so pleased for them. And while I didn’t win the prize money myself, I feel that I came out of the villa an absolute winner, with a prize beyond my wildest dreams.
* * *
After dinner, Cam and I go for a barefoot moonlit walk along the beach. The sand is like soft powder beneath our toes. The sea laps gently beside us. I’m in a short floaty dress and Cam has rolled up his trouser legs. His hand feels firm in mine, like he never wants to let go.
He gives me an adoring look. ‘I’m going to miss you while you’re away on the press junket. I’m falling in love with you, Libby. I’m crazy about you.’
‘I fell in love with you the moment I heard your dreamy Canadian accent,’ I say, swooning at how lucky I am.
He frowns playfully. ‘You thought it was American.’
‘I beg to differ.’
Although he is completely in the right.
He leans towards me. ‘I fell in love with you the moment you said that wheat bloats you.’
‘Well, I fell more in love with you when you confessed to being a failed vegan.’