Hometown Star

chapter Nine

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.

Big mistake. His hard, muscled thigh pressed along the length of hers. Heat infused her leg.

He leaned in and whispered, “You can sit as close to me as you want. I won’t bite.”

His breath tickled her neck, sent a tingle to her toes. Was he trying to seduce her? Did she want him to?

Somehow, Star made it through dinner with Cade’s leg pressed to hers. Never in her life had she experienced this level of sexual awareness of another person. Desire tied her stomach in knots. No matter their past, she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. She wanted him but at what cost to her pride? She wasn’t tramp material and she never would be. How did one have a fling without feeling cheap?

Cade unfolded himself from the bench, holding his hand out to her. “Come on. I could use some help getting the coffee.”

“All right.”

Star glanced around. No one at the table was paying any attention to them. She took Cade’s hand, and let him lead her from the table.

* * *

Cade loved the feel of Star’s hand in his. Her smooth skin only added to his need for her, made him wonder what she’d feel like all over.

She looked up at him, her green eyes bright with arousal, an arousal he’d put there. She could deny her attraction to him all she wanted, but he knew better. He could read her easily. She wore her emotions on her face. Despite their past, she wanted him.

And he wanted her. On any terms. Truth be told, a fling suited him just fine. Star didn’t want kids, and she sure didn’t belong in Seward. She was a city girl, like Marissa had been. He’d already tried to keep a city girl here, with disastrous results. He had no intention of going down that road again.

He walked Star to the house, up the steps, inside.

Reluctantly, he let go of her to add water to the carafe and switch the pot on. Star stood near the sink, watching him.

“What’re we doing, O’Brien?” Her tongue came out to wet her lips.

He advanced on her. “What do you want to do, Star? Whatever you want, I’m all for it.”

Her eyes darkened and did a slow rove down his body. “I don’t want anything,” she said, the words hollow and false.

“Liar.” Cade’s body snapped to attention. “Something’s happening between us and you can’t deny it. I can’t deny it. I don’t want to deny it. You’re the most beautiful, exciting woman I’ve ever known. Even when you hate me, I want you.”

“I still hate you,” she said, but the words didn’t match the fire in her eyes.

“Baby, if that’s hate I’m feeling, bring it on.” He closed the gap between them.

She backed up, her butt hitting the edge of the counter.

Cade leaned in. This close, he caught her scent. Desire crashed through him.

“Back up.” Her palms landed square on his chest. “You’ve got a yard full of people out there.”

“I don’t care.” He needed to touch her, needed for her to feel the same way about him. Cade moved his hands to her waist, a tiny waist. She gasped softly. Slowly, he drew her to him. Her hands were still on his chest between them, yet they fit together like they were made for each other. Her eyes widened when he rocked against her and he knew she felt his arousal.

The coffee pot beeped three times.

“Coffee’s ready,” she said, but she didn’t move away. Her lips parted, and he couldn’t resist that lush mouth of hers.

Cade kissed her, mouth open, tongues mating. He gathered her to him. She tasted like summer, like sex, hot, naughty sex. His hands slipped under her shirt, and he stroked the satin skin of her back. Star’s fingers curled into his shirt as if she were hanging on for dear life.

The coffee pot beeped again.

Cade broke the kiss, but he didn’t back away.

She brought a hand to her lips. “Wow.”

He grinned. “I hope that’s good.”

“You know it is, but I’m not so sure I should be kissing you.”

He didn’t want to lose the sexual buzz between them. “You think too much, Star. Let go. Have a good time. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Is that coffee ready?” Ron called as he clumped up the porch steps.

Star twisted out of his embrace.

“Yeah,” Cade said, moving away to hide the bulge in his jeans from his brother.

“I’ll get it,” Star said, her voice unsteady. She was as ruffled as he was; he’d bet money on it.

Thankfully, Ron didn’t come in, but did an about face and went back down the stairs.

Star pulled the pot of coffee out.

“We’re not done yet.” He faced her now. She held the coffee pot between them as if it were a weapon of protection. “Meet me tonight.”

She started for the door. “I can’t. My mother—”

“Isn’t keeping tabs on you,” Cade said. “Have a summer romance with me, Star. No strings. I know; you’re a modern girl. You don’t want kids or attachments. That’s okay with me. Whatever you want. Sleep with me. You won’t be sorry.”

Her brow wrinkled. “I told you, I’m not good at casual sex.”

“Not true.” He smiled. “You’re very good.”

Star pivoted away, taking the coffee outside.

Cade went to the kitchen sink and turned on the cold water, splashing some on his face. He needed a cold shower. Star set him on fire. Was he out of line asking her to have a summer fling with him? He hoped not, because deep down, he wanted more from her. How much more, he wasn’t sure, but he knew that one week with her wouldn’t be enough.

* * *

Star jerked awake, her eyes opening wide in the darkness. With a moan, she rolled over, but Patsy’s couch was as hard as an old board. Star yanked the blanket up to her chin and tried to get comfortable.

It had taken her forever to fall asleep when they’d returned home after the fish fry; now she was wide awake. Why? The kiss? No, it was more of a full out seduction. Star touched her lips. Cade had opened a door for her tonight. She’d never thought of herself as a sexual being, but, boy–oh–boy, he’d shown her otherwise in his kitchen.

She’d wanted him, all of him. She still did. If he kept pouring on the charm, she’d give in. What did that say about her as a person? Where was her strict moral code? Obviously being wanton ran in her blood. Some people had doctors or lawyers in their families, she had sexy women, or more correctly, women who liked to have sex. She groaned.

Star flipped over, then she heard it, a male voice followed by her mother’s soft laughter.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Star said.

Was her mother doing it with one of Cade’s guests? Her mother really was a dedicated employee. She hadn’t even had her first official day working for the O’Briens and she already had one of the men in bed. Star remembered her own kiss with Cade. Sexy women. Case closed.

This was worse than embarrassing. It was humiliating.

Star put her pillow over her ears. This wasn’t the first time she’d had to listen while her mother entertained men, or serviced her current husband. Star’s stomach turned at the memory of the scared little girl she’d been.

Star raised the pillow. She didn’t hear anything now. After putting the pillow back under her head, she rolled onto her back, staring up at the smoke–stained ceiling.

Her mother really was a piece of work. No wonder Star was so screwed up and repressed when it came to sex. The bedroom door opened. Star closed her eyes.

Destiny giggled softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“You couldn’t keep me away.”

John. The doctor. Star recognized his voice. Her mother was aiming high this time.

More rustling as Destiny walked him to the door. She opened the door quietly. Lips smacked as they kissed. The door clicked shut. Star sat up and turned on the light.

“Really, Mom.”

Her mother whirled around, one hand on her chest. “Starlene. I thought you were asleep.” Destiny’s blonde hair was good and messed up. Clad in a short, black satin robe she looked every inch the aging sex kitten she was. “Sorry, sugar.” Destiny tightened the belt around her waist. “I really like him.” She plopped down on the couch at Star’s feet. “He’s nice. He has money.”

“Slow down, Mom,” Star said. “Did you even ask if he was married?”

“Of course I did.” She smiled the same stupid dreamy smile Star had seen on Destiny’s face a million times. “He’s divorced. His kids are grown.”

“He lives in Canada, Mom.”

“So what? I didn’t tell you before, but now that Cade’s offered me a job, I guess I’ll come clean. I got fired. I’m tired of Vegas anyway. I’m ready for a change. Change is good, Star.”

She couldn’t believe she was going to have to talk her mother down. “Get real, Mom. What are you going to do? Stay here and work for Cade? Where are you going to live? He’s tearing this place down. And I’m sure you don’t want to stay with Brandi and Bud. Do you even have any money saved?”

Destiny pinned her with her “mother” stare. “You know, Star, it wouldn’t hurt you to dream big. I mean, what do you really have in your life? A job and a slick condo won’t keep you warm at night.”

“So I’ll buy an electric blanket. At least I can afford one.”

Destiny jumped to her feet. “That was low, Star. You’ve never understood me. I’m going to bed.” She whirled away.

“Keep it down this time,” Star called after her. “Some of us are trying to sleep.”

The bedroom door slammed.

A knot formed in Star’s stomach. Her heart aching, she switched off the light.