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