Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,28
okay.
“Star.” The rich baritone of Cade’s voice pulled her around. He strode to her, his brow creased.
“Finn came to my place. He told me something was wrong with Trudy.”
“She was having contractions, but I just talked to Ron and they’ve got them stopped.”
“So she’s all right?” Star asked, her heart beating again.
“For now,” Cade said, but his mouth moved into a grim line.
“That’s a relief. Where does that leave you? Don’t you have a house full of guests?”
He nodded. “It’s barbeque for dinner tonight. Thank goodness Trudy had already made the salad and the dessert before the contractions started.”
“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.
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