Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,61

them.

“Asking for me was a dirty trick,” she said not sure if she wanted him to touch her. If he did, he’d win. She couldn’t resist him and they both knew it.

“It got you back here. Welcome home.”

She opened her mouth to tell him her home was in Seattle, but before she could speak, he took her face in his hands and kissed her.

A dam of emotion burst inside her. Unable to help herself, Star moved into him, opening her mouth, taking his essence, his taste, inside her. Her palms flattened against his chest, then moved around his torso, reveling in the feel of his muscular body under the soft cotton of his T–shirt.

“Make out on your own time,” Frank growled. “We’ve got a show to do.”

They broke apart. Star’s wits totally scattered.

“My fault,” Cade said with a grin.

Frank leveled a let’s get down to business look at her. “Let’s get this show on the road. Carrie!”

Carrie hustled into the kitchen, her arms full of samples.

“Show Mr. O’Brien what we have in store for him,” Frank ordered.

“Happy to,” Carrie said brightly. She went to the breakfast bar and set down the samples, then turned to Cade. “Hi, I’m Carrie Shaw, your designer.” She extended her hand to Cade and he took it. “I have a lot to show you.”

“I’m Cade O’Brien.” He joined her at the counter.

“Star had a lot of input,” Carrie said. “I hope we’re on target with your vision for the room.” Carrie opened a book containing floor samples. “Here’s what we came up with. We want to modernize your kitchen, of course, but we want to do it in a way that stays true to the Victorian home. So yes, we are going to update, but we are also going to replicate, and by that, I mean we are going to stay true to the original kitchen. For instance, your sink. You have a farm sink, probably last updated in the 1950s. Here’s a photo of the sink I’d like to use. It’s modern, beautiful, but modeled after an old farm sink. See the design?” She pointed to the scroll pattern on the front of the sink. “It’s gorgeous.”

Cade watched as Carrie laid out the design, showing him colors, appliances, floor samples. While the designer talked, Star watched Cade. When he’d seen everything, he looked at Star.

“What do you think?” he asked, motioning her over.

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” Star said. “What do you think? It’s your house.”

“I’m fine with the house the way it is,” he said. “I want to know if you like it.”

“Why?” she asked, wondering what he was up to. Did he think he could lure her here permanently with a pretty new kitchen and hot kisses? Not happening.

She was about to tell him so when Frank said, “Just answer the question, Star,” in a tone that said, love it or lose your job.

“I love it, Cade,” she said. “I think the design is perfect for the house.”

“Perfect,” Cade said to Frank. “Let’s get started.”

Chapter Eighteen

“I can’t believe how much he’s grown in a little over a week.” Star rocked baby Daniel in her arms. “He’s got the dark O’Brien hair. He looks just like his daddy.”

Trudy smiled. “I know.”

Trudy’s face shone with love for her son, making Star wonder how she’d feel about her own child if she were pregnant. Was she capable of that kind of love? Baby love was powerful, all consuming. How did one survive such an emotion? Star had no idea, but she did know that loving the baby wouldn’t be her problem. No, the problem came with having to raise a child.

“You look great, Trudy,” Star said, meaning it.

“Thanks.” Form–fitting black jeans cupped Trudy’s backside. A pink T–shirt hugged breasts heavy with mother’s milk. “I’m glad you’re here, Star. We’ve all missed you.”

“It’s only been a week,” Star reminded her. But it seemed like forever.

“I know. Still, it’s not the same without you. I’m selfish enough to want you here all the time. I loved having another woman close by.” She sighed. “But I understand why you won’t stay. Your life is exciting and glamorous. All these television people. It’s so fun to watch them work. And the kitchen, well, you know how excited I am about that. More so now that Cade has decided against expanding. I’ll be cooking in that brand new kitchen every day.”

“What do you mean?” Star asked. “Has Cade given up the idea of building over at Patsy’s place?”

“Didn’t he