let go of one of her hands, and still holding the other one, they started toward the house. “I owe you, and I think I know just how to repay you.”
His words held a sexy, seductive edge.
Star’s stomach rippled with desire. “Is that so?”
“Count on it.”
The promise and heat in his stare almost made Star forget they had to get through the evening meal before they could be alone. Her nerve endings crackled, as if they’d been electrically charged—just looking at Cade sent pleasure through her clear to her toes.
More than ever she wanted one more night with Cade, one more chance to see if she really was capable of letting go and enjoying sex. One more chance with Cade before she left him and Alaska behind.
Chapter Fifteen
“This house is begging for Update This!” Vivienne said as she scanned the O’Brien kitchen.
“I know,” Star agreed as she put away the last of the silverware. Dinner had taken forever. She’d been unable to eat after her encounter with Cade, her stomach too tight in anticipation of the evening yet to come.
Star and Vivienne stood together in Cade’s kitchen, and Star looked at the room with a designer’s eyes. The linoleum was worn, the counter tops dated, the sink stained and well used. “Too bad we don’t have time for one more room.” She smiled. “Not that Cade would let us do it. He likes the place the way it is. He’s not big into change.”
“Maybe he could be persuaded, yes?” Vivienne asked with a cat–like smile. “I saw the way he was looking at you at dinner. Ooh la la.”
Star shook her head. “Why are you here so early anyway?” She folded the dishtowel and hung it on the bar near the sink.
“I promised Evan I would fly in for a final sit down before we begin taping. He had some concerns I want to address in person.”
“He didn’t mention any concerns to me,” Star said. “He seemed to love everything you’ve suggested, even that wicked saw blade above the bed.”
“Oh, that. Nothing like a little danger in the bedroom.” She laughed. “Seriously, we’ve been talking via email and telephone. Anyway, I’m here now. He’s expecting me in the morning.”
“I’ll take you over.”
Vivienne waved her hand. “No, no. He’s picking me up at nine a.m. sharp.”
Star’s eyes narrowed on the designer. “What’s really going on?”
“Nothing,” Vivienne said too quickly. “I told you. He has concerns. Frank wants me to hold his hand.”
“That’s my job,” Star said. “And I’ve done it. Give it up.”
“Oh, all right.” Vivienne sighed. “Evan invited me up early. We’ve developed a long distance relationship. You’ve seen him, Star. He is magnificent. He invited me to see the sights.”
“And Frank’s okay with this?” Star asked, still skeptical.
“I didn’t exactly tell him,” Vivienne said. “We wrapped up the shoot in Fairbanks and I took a detour here.”
“I see.”
“Don’t be mad.” Vivienne pursed her full lips. “I know what I’m doing, Star.”
Star shrugged. “Okay.”
Cade and the Texans came into the kitchen, halting their conversation.
“We’re going to call it a night,” Hank said. “Five a.m. comes early.”
Jack tipped his head. “Thanks for everything, Cade. Good night, ladies.”
“Good night,” Star said.
“Bonne nuit! Hank, Jack.” Vivienne blew them a kiss.
“Bonne nuit!” the men echoed, their Texas twangs totally obliterating the beautiful French words for good night. The men headed upstairs.
“I’m going to bed, too.” Vivienne yawned. “Thank you for a wonderful meal.” She kissed Star’s cheek. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“I hope so,” Star said.
“Good night, Vivienne,” Cade said.
Vivienne waved. “See you in the morning, you two. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Alone at last,” Cade said when the designer was gone. He reached for Star.
Star stepped into his arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world, her hands sliding up his toned back. “You feel good, O’Brien.”
He grinned. “Baby, you haven’t felt anything yet.”
Star laughed. Cade’s lips brushed against hers. Her heart sped up. She wanted this, wanted him.
The phone rang, the bell cutting the sexual tension between them.
“It might be Ron.” Cade reached around Star, and picked up the call. “Hello?” He smiled. “Congratulations, Ron. A boy. That’s great news. Is Trudy okay?” Cade listened, a smile on his face. “Well, get some rest. Yes, Finn’s fine, everyone’s fine. The guests just went up for the night.” A pause. “No, don’t worry about tomorrow, I’ve got it covered. Star’s offered to stay here with the kids.” Cade’s eyes caressed her. “Yeah, she’s great and the