Page 175 of Knot Their Starlet

I’m expecting Cameron to say no, considering how long he seems to take to think it over. But his next question surprises me.

“Can I come?”

“You want to come?”

“I mean, he’s kind of my idol,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “At least, as an artist and videographer, you know?”

“Is that why you were a dick to me when we first met?” I ask, letting out a soft huff and crossing my arms over my chest. “Because of how nasty that divorce and unbonding was between them?”

“I mean, I guess that might have played a part. The media’s done a good job painting you and your mom to be... well, you know.”

“Yeah, I know…”

“You’re not like that,” Cameron says, jerking his gaze back to mine. “I know that now.”

It’s my turn to fall silent for a while. I can practically feel him buzzing next to me. I think I get what the other guys mean when they say I have a sparkle in my eye when I talk about the stuff I love, because Cameron has that same look.

“Who am I to stop a guy from meeting his idol? Only condition is if he’s a dick, we’re leaving. And if you’re not coming with us, you’re finding your own ride back.”

“If he’s an asshole, I’m obviously going to leave. I wouldn’t... I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“Okay, then we have a deal,” I nod. “How’s this going to work?”

“Let me talk to Aspen. They’re going to want to be dropped off first so they can get back home to their family. I can also drive us, since our driver’s going to want to head home too. That okay?”

“Of course,” I nod, standing so he can get past me.

“Thank you,” he breathes out, looking down at me, his expression lighting up with a smile that completely transforms his face.

The van sways as we make a turn, and I sway right along with it. Cameron’s hand gently grips my waist to keep me from toppling over.

“What?” I say, blinking up at him, my heart hammering away in my chest at the sight of his expression.

“Thank you,” he repeats. “For including me.”

“Oh, yeah, sure,” I say awkwardly, when he releases his hold on my waist.

He ambles up to the front of the van to talk to Aspen and the driver.

“What’s going on?” Beck yawns, stretching his arms over his head.

I sink down into the seat in the row across from Beck and Eli, right next to Leo.

“You guys down for a detour?”

“Where?” Beck asks, rubbing the sleep away from his eyes.

“My dad’s.”

“Oh my God, Starlight, that’s—” Beck pauses, letting out a soft cough before toning down his enthusiasm. “Sure, if that’s what you want.”

“It is what I want,” I say, offering him a small smile of reassurance.

“Count me in, I owe you anyway,” Eli grunts, his gaze intense over Beck’s head.

“You don’t owe me for that⁠—”

“I do.”