Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,62

tell you?” Trudy’s eyebrows rose in question. “He hasn’t knocked down the mobile home. My theory is that he couldn’t bear to once you left. He knows the place means something to you.”

Star digested the news, not sure what to think.

“He’s fallen for you, Star,” Trudy said. “I can tell. He’s not the same. You changed him.”

“It can’t work between us,” Star said sadly. “We live in different states. We want different things.”

“Can’t you find a middle ground?”

Star shook her head. “I don’t see how. I can’t give up my career to raise a family. I don’t want to.”

“But you love the kids now. I can tell,” Trudy said. “And I even think that Brad has grown on you.” She laughed. “Well, as much as a teenager with a gigantic attitude can.”

“They’re great kids,” Star agreed, “but they’re still kids. I do love them, but they need a mother, a full–time mother.”

“Speaking of that,” Trudy said. “Cade is going to hire a nanny. I have my hands super–full with Daniel and my work at the B & B. We need help.”

Star hated the thought of a nanny, but on the flipside, Cade did need the help. Hiring a nanny was the responsible thing to do.

“Are the kids okay with that?” Star asked.

Trudy shrugged. “Who knows? It won’t be so bad. I’ll be right here to make sure things go smoothly.”

“I guess so,” Star said, feeling oddly bereft.

“Brandi and Bud are here,” Cade said as he came into the room.

Star passed Daniel back to Trudy. She’d called Brandi earlier and invited her over. After wrapping for the day, the crew had gone to their hotel. She was the only one staying at the O’Briens. Tomorrow they were going to begin demolition. At that time, Trudy and Ron were taking the kids to stay at her parents’ place in town.

They had one week to get the kitchen done. Update This! worked at a break–neck pace.

One week in Seward.

One week with Cade.

“Go ahead,” Trudy said. “I need to change Daniel.”

“Okay.”

“How are you holding up?” Cade asked, his fingers closing around hers.

“I’m doing fine,” Star said. “It’s so good to visit with Trudy, but this isn’t real, Cade, you know that, right? I’m not staying forever.”

“I know,” Cade said. “But I don’t have to like it.”

When they hit the hall, Star could hear Brandi even before she could see her, and then they were hugging, baby Will between them.

“Give me that baby,” Star said, taking Will from Brandi. Star kissed his cheek. “You are so handsome, Will.” Will opened his little mouth and tried to gum Star’s chin.

“Looks just like his daddy,” Bud joked, leaning in to kiss Star’s cheek.

“I could eat you up,” Star said to Will. She kissed him again.

“Looks like you really missed him,” Brandi said in a knowing tone. Will made a darling, cooing sound and they all laughed. “Guess he missed you, too.”

“We all missed Star,” Cade said.

Star glanced up. She could tell Cade liked seeing her with a baby in her arms.

Unsettled, Star handed Will back to Brandi. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s find a place where we can sit and talk.”

Star headed for the back door, but she didn’t miss the look of compassion—or was it pity?—that passed between her sister and Cade.

A look that bruised Star’s heart.

* * *

“Come with me.”

Cade held his hand out to Star. He was finally free to enjoy her, make love to her like he wanted to.

They were alone. Brandi and Bud had taken a sleeping baby Will home. Trudy and Ron were upstairs with Daniel. Emma and Finn were in bed. Brad was out on a date.

Cade’s fingers closed around Star’s, her skin soft and warm against his. He pulled her up from the lawn chair.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“There’s a hammock out here with our name on it.”

Star smiled. “Is it big enough for two?”

“Who cares?” He grinned.

Cade swung himself into the hammock, holding it steady while Star climbed in. The hammock tipped, but Cade caught Star, pulling her close, gathering her softness to him. She snuggled against him, fit to him like she was made for him. Man, he never wanted to let her go. He’d missed her like crazy last week. How could he convince her to stay? How did he erase years of damage and heartache? His arms tightened around her.

Her hand moved across his ribcage, her touch light, exploratory.

“I’m beat,” she said.

“Me, too. Your boss is exhausting.” But he didn’t care. He’d put up

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