Elena snorts. “Give it a week. You’ll be climbing the walls.”
Knox’s gaze flicks to me, and the corner of his mouth lifts. “Hopefully not.”
Laughter breaks out again, and I join in, but my throat tightens halfway through. Because no matter how light the conversation, the clock in my head won’t stop counting down.
Later, when apple cobbler plates are empty and the candles have burned low, Millie hugs me at the door. “He’s a good one, sweetheart. And you two are so good together.”
I swallow hard, smiling even though it aches. “I know.”
Knox thanks them for dinner and guides me toward the porch, his hand warm at my back. Stripe and Shadow mewl from their carrier, tiny faces pressed together, having been perfectly behaved all evening. Typical, since most little monsters save their chaos for home.
As we walk down the steps, the sky stretches dark and endless over Crystal Cove Beach, stars winking against the night tide.
Two days left.
And even the night sky feels like a memory forming in real time.
CHAPTER 33
Knox
I want our last night together in Crystal Cove to be symbolic.
Nothing grand. Nothing fancy.
Just us. The way it began that night in June. Pier 24. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and a side of powdered sugar for Bubble Girl to dust over her stack like she’s performing a magic trick.
Cami said she wanted to stay in tonight, order takeout, keep it simple. So I did what any man trying not to fall apart would do: called Pier 24 and asked if they’d deliver. Turns out, they typically don’t, but when you tip like you’re buying the restaurant, I guess they’ll drive just about anywhere.
The aroma hits first: vanilla, butter, and that ever-present diner-coffee scent that never quite leaves the air. It’s ridiculous and perfect, and somehow, it feels like coming full circle.
“Something smells incredible.” Her voice drifts in, soft and curious. “Are you cooking without me?”
I turn, grinning as she steps into the kitchen wearing one of my many T-shirts she’d made her own and, if I had to guess, nothing underneath, her hair twisted into a loose bun.
“Nope. You know I only cook with you now.” I gesture toward the counter. “I ordered in.”
Her eyes dip to a set of takeout bags on the counter, steam curling through the air. Recognition flickers immediately. “Pier 24?”
“Pier 24,” I confirm, transferring food from the white containers onto plates. “Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and yes, a side of powdered sugar for the breakfast magician herself.”
Her lips part, a quiet laugh escaping. “You remembered.”
“I remember everything.” I nod toward the coffee cups on the table. “Even got you decaf this time.”
Her smile deepens, something tender flickering behind her eyes. “You’re kinda good at this.”
“I’m trying to make a lasting, summer-bubble memory.”
Cami steps closer, her palm flattening over my chest, right above my heart. She rises onto her toes and kisses me, slow and devastatingly hot. When she pulls back, her words come out quiet enough to almost miss. “You already have, in every single thing you do.”
A thud shatters the moment, followed by the skitter of tiny paws. Stripe darts across the floor, a blur of fur and attitude, with Shadow in hot pursuit. They ricochet off a chair leg, collide, and scamper toward the kitchen island like pint-sized maniacs.
Cami laughs, low and genuine. “They’ve officially entered their delinquent phase.”
“Guess they’re making the most of their last few days here before New York.” I watch them weave under the table before disappearing into the living room.
She leans against me, still smiling. “I’m going to miss this house.”
