Hometown Star (10 page)

“Trudy’s working too hard,” Star said. “She needs to rest.”

“Don’t you think I know that?”

“Maybe you need to hire someone,” she suggested.

“I’ve thought of that, too.”

Star softened. “Look, I’m still mad at you, but I want to help Trudy. Can I fill in? I’m here. So’s my mom. We could help get you through the evening.”

A shadow crossed his features: hope, relief, or was he simply grateful for the offer?

“Why would you do that for me, Star?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do. The neighborly thing.”

He gave her a slow nod. “Okay. I could use the help, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“It’s no trouble.”

“Star, I’m sorry about the other day. You’re right. I need to let go of the past.”

“You do,” she said. “Maybe we both do.”

He touched her arm. “Star.”

“Do you want my help or not?”

For a moment neither of them moved. He looked at her hard, as if he were trying to see inside her; then things changed. His stare grew hungry and a palpable need rose between them. Her neck felt too warm. Her stomach did a rollercoaster drop. What was happening to her? One more minute of this and she’d turn into a puddle on the floor.

Raucous laughter from the kitchen broke the spell.

Cade let go of her arm. “I better get back in there.”

Star wanted to say she was right behind him, but her throat had closed up tight. Cade confused her. Just when she was prepared to dislike him, he said or did something to make her want him.

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. To Star’s surprise, Destiny was the perfect hostesses, setting the table, keeping the food moving, helping Cade keep the conversation flowing.

Destiny ate up the male attention, and the male guests, two middle aged men from Canada, couldn’t get enough of Destiny. Destiny knew how to make a man feel special to the point it was painful for Star to watch her mother in action. So Star excused herself to do the dishes.

Cade also made his escape, taking the twins up to bed.

Star finished drying the last plate and put it in the cupboard with the others. Outside, she could hear her mother’s tinkling laugher, the feminine sound blending with the male voices.

Cade walked into the kitchen. He surveyed the room. “You’re fast. I was going to offer to help, but I see I’m too late.”

Star smiled. “Yep, I’m done.” She folded the dishtowel and set it on the counter.

“You’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty,” Cade said. “I really appreciate everything you and your mom did for me tonight.”

“No problem,” Star said.

“You’re a good person, Star.”

“Don’t read too much into my offer of help,” Star said.

He gave her a tight smile. “I can always count on you to tell it like it is. I better get back out there before your mother eats our guests for dessert.” He headed toward the door. “I do appreciate the help, Star. Besides, you’re nice to have around. Real nice.” And then he was gone.

Star didn’t move. Her heart thudded in her chest. The blood in her veins had gone hot, making her warm all over. Why on earth would she be attracted to Cade? The man made her crazy. Yet, she couldn’t deny the physical side of their relationship and that left her feeling out of control. Hopelessly out of control.

The following afternoon, Star found herself at the marina, watching for Cade’s boat. She had agreed to pick the guests up and drive them back to the house. Although Trudy was back home, she was on bed rest, and Star had felt compelled to offer her help.

Star glanced at her watch. Almost three. She’d done her best to focus on her work all morning. She’d even managed to finish up the last minute tasks Frank had asked for and have another meeting with Evan.

Frank had also sent her the rough cut of the updated promo piece, and she’d viewed it, calling him with her approval. After that, she’d spent an hour on the phone with Vivienne listening to the designer’s ideas, asking her about the requested saw. Vivienne intended to paint a picture on the saw of Evan’s plane bobbing next to the dock, then hang the saw above the headboard on Evan’s bed. Star thought the idea was clever, but she didn’t think she could sleep with a saw hanging above her head. What if it fell? Yikes.

Star took a seat on the bench. From here, she had full view of the marina. The bay glistened in the sun. A gentle breeze blew just enough to keep the day from getting too hot.

Boats, some commercial fishing boats, others pleasure crafts, both sail boats and speed boats, bobbed gently in their slips. The air held the tang of salt and fish. The scent brought back memories of playing on the docks and eating fresh caught halibut and chips.

Two boats were headed in, one navy, the other white. She had no idea what Cade’s boat looked like. The navy boat docked, but the driver was an older guy. The second boat came in behind it, and as the boat approached, she recognized Cade through the cabin window.

He docked the boat like an expert, then exited the cabin. His voice reached her ears as he gave Brad orders. Star enjoyed the view. Few men could fill their clothes the way Cade did. Even windblown he was rugged and sexy.

The clients left the boat. Star rose to meet them.

“Hello, Star,” the man named Ernie called when the group spotted her. If she remembered correctly, Ernie was in real estate, and his friend, John, was a medical doctor. Both men were in their early fifties, graying, but still fit and nice looking.

She waved. “How was fishing?”

“Excellent.” John gave her a salute. “We all limited.”

“That’s wonderful.” Star smiled. “The van is parked right there. I’m going to drive you gentleman back to the B & B.”

“Good enough,” Ernie said.

Star waited as the men filed by.

Cade jogged up the gangplank to her. “Hey. Is everything okay? Why are you here?”

His obvious concern softened her. “Relax. I went by to see Trudy and offered to help. She sent me here.”

“Ah. I see.” He seemed to drink her in. “Looks like I owe you another one.”

“Looks like it,” she shot back, unable to squash the excitement Cade made her feel. “You better hope I don’t collect.”

Cade grinned. “I’ll take my chances.”

Her stomach lurched. Were they flirting? Why couldn’t she remain neutral around him? Why did her pulse have to roar? “I need to go. The guys are waiting.”

Still smiling, he said, “I’ll see you tonight.”

Star looked at him blankly.

“The fish fry,” he reminded her. “You said you’d come, remember?”

“Destiny said we’d come, not me.”

“Come on, Star,” Cade coaxed. “Don’t make me beg.” His eyes crinkled at the corners with mischief.

Star broke a smile. “Would you beg? Because that’s a sight I’d pay to see.”

“You know I would.” Warmth infused the words. Suddenly it was too intimate between them.

“I need to go,” Star said, backing away from him.

His smile doubled. He knew he flustered her!

“See you tonight, Star.”

With a shake of her head, Star walked away, all too aware of Cade’s stare on her back.

* * *

“Star, you’re a lifesaver,” Trudy said.

Star glanced up from the salad she’d just set on the table in time to see Ron walk by with Trudy in his arms. He placed his wife in a padded lounge chair, carefully, as if she were made of fine crystal.

Star watched the exchange between Trudy and Ron with envy. They loved each other so much.

“I mean it, Star,” Trudy said as she made herself comfortable. “We couldn’t have managed without you yesterday or today.”

“Trudy’s right,” Ron said. “We owe you big.” He kissed his wife’s forehead before heading over to the concrete patio where Cade messed with the large, outdoor deep fryer.

“No thanks necessary.” Star smiled.

Trudy grinned back, her fingers laced protectively over her large belly.

“Are you feeling okay?” Star sat in the chair beside Trudy’s. “Can I get you anything?”

“Nope, I’m fine. Just glad to be home.”

Destiny exited the house, a steaming pot of corn on the cob in her hands. John and Ernie trailed after her like lovesick school boys. Yuck. Star frowned.

“Your mother sure is good for business,” Trudy said with wonder. “The men love her.”

Star frowned. “They do.”

“Has she been spending much time with your sister?”

“Some, but babies really aren’t Mom’s thing.”

Trudy chuckled. “No, I guess not.”

“Who wants wine?” Destiny held up a bottle.

“Me,” Ernie said, followed by an “I do” from John.

“Star?” her mother said, wiggling the bottle in time with her hips.

“No, thanks. I’ll take an ice tea though.” No wine enhanced feelings for her tonight. She wanted to deal with Cade with a clear head.

Destiny began filling the glasses. Ron returned with a glass of water for Trudy.

Brad came around the corner of the house, Finn and Emma following behind. As usual, Emma had Snowbell in her arms.

When Emma saw Star, she broke away from the boys.

“Star. Look what I got.” She ran to Star. Snowbell landed in Star’s lap with a meow. “Daddy bought me a pretty collar for her.”

A pink collar with a tiny silver bell circled Snowbell’s neck.

“It’s beautiful.” Star fingered the bell. “I love it.”

Emma nodded enthusiastically. “I love it, too.”

“It’s girly,” Finn grumbled. He reached for the salad and plucked a cherry tomato from the bowl.

“Finn,” Trudy exclaimed with horror. “We don’t know where those hands have been. Go inside and wash up. You, too, Emma.”

“Okay.” Emma ran for the house, followed by Finn who moved at a much slower pace.

Star was left holding Snowbell. The kitten curled up into a ball. Star ran her hand over the fur. “She’s so soft.”

“She’s a sweet cat,” Trudy agreed.

“I see you have a new friend,” Cade said as he joined them. He smiled at Star, and again, his handsomeness made her insides sizzle.

She stroked the kitten to cover her wild reaction to him. “I guess I do.”

“Here, Star.” Destiny passed her a glass of ice tea. She looked pointedly at Cade. “What can I get you, handsome?”

“How about a beer?” Cade said without blinking at the endearment. “There’s a cooler full near the door.”

Destiny smiled. “Back in a jiff.” She sashayed away, her painted on jeans leaving nothing to the imagination.

Both Ernie and John paused to watch Destiny in action. Star stifled a grown. She wondered if the men were married. If not, she felt doubly sorry for them.

“I was just telling Star that her mother’s a hit,” Trudy said. “She’d be a perfect fill–in for me while I’m out of commission. Men love her. I know she’s just here on vacation, but maybe she’d like to make a little extra money. What do you think, Cade?”

Before Cade could reply, Destiny returned with his beer. She passed it to him. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Cade took a long drink.

“What can I do next?” Destiny asked, totally oblivious to the unanswered question that hung in the air.

“Relax,” Trudy said. “Go drink your wine. You were invited here for dinner, not to work.” She smiled at Cade.

Cade gave Destiny a long perusal. Was he considering asking Destiny to work for him? If so, he was nuts. Her mother would tie the male guests in knots. There wasn’t a man born yet who could resist the sex appeal that oozed from her.

Destiny patted Trudy’s shoulder. “You’re such a sweet girl. I think I’ll go and chat with Ernie and John. Want to join me, Star?”

“I’m going to stay with Trudy.” Star wasn’t going anywhere until she heard Cade’s response.

“Okay. Toodles.” Destiny gave them a wave before rejoining the men.

Cade took another sip of beer.

“Well, Cade?” Trudy asked. “She’d be perfect, don’t you agree?”

As if on cue, John and Ernie burst out laughing at something her mother had said.

“Maybe,” Cade said in a noncommittal way.

“What do you think, Star?” Trudy asked, her eyes bright with hope.

“I think you’re insane. Mom’s a man–magnet. I don’t think you want the kind of trouble she has the potential to stir up.”

Cade continued to observe her mother, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“What about you?” Trudy asked. “Would you consider filling in while you’re here?”

Star shook her head. “I have a job.”

“I’d like to ask your mother.” Cade swiveled back to face Star. “Trudy’s right. She’s a natural.”

Star’s mouth dropped open. Never in a million years did she think Cade would go for Trudy’s suggestion. He didn’t like her mother, did he? Or was he as infatuated with her fake breasts as every other guy?

Trudy clapped her hands. “Great. Let’s ask her after dinner.”

Star took a big gulp of her ice tea, suddenly wishing she’d asked for wine. Her mother? Working for the O’Briens? Had everyone gone wacko?

“Ladies,” Cade said. “I’m going to leave you to your drinks. The deep fryer is calling me.”

“What’s going on between the two of you?” Trudy asked when Cade was out of earshot. “Cade’s looking at you like you’re a chocolate chip cookie he wants to eat.”

Star’s cheeks heated. “He is not.”

“Yes, he is. I haven’t seen him look at anyone that way for a very long time.” Trudy raised her eyebrows. “Are you interested?”

“No,” Star said. “We have nothing in common. Besides, I’m leaving soon.”

“So?” Trudy laughed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but have a fling. You don’t need to marry Cade or raise his kids. Cade’s a good guy. It’s summer. There’s magic in the air.”

“Magic?” Star gave a dry laugh. “I think you’re reading too many romance novels, Trudy.”

“Whatever.” Trudy shrugged. “I know sexual tension when I see it, and you and Cade have enough between you to set this place on fire.”

Ron came toward them, a plate of fried fish in his hands. “Come eat, Star,” he called, halting their conversation. Then, “I’ll bring you a plate in a second, Trudy.”

“Thank you, sweetie,” Trudy said with a smile. “Go eat, Star. I’m good right here.”

By the time Star got to the table, the only open seat was between Cade and Brad. Star stepped over the bench to squeeze in between the two O’Briens. Trudy’s words still rang in her ears. Summer fling. Magic. Cade’s thigh brushed hers. Her body came alive in response. Wanting to put some space between them, she inched closer to Brad but then bumped against his thigh. Not good. In the end, she leaned a little more in Cade’s direction.