Hometown Star (11 page)

Big mistake. His hard, muscled thigh pressed along the length of hers. Heat infused her leg.

He leaned in and whispered, “You can sit as close to me as you want. I won’t bite.”

His breath tickled her neck, sent a tingle to her toes. Was he trying to seduce her? Did she want him to?

Somehow, Star made it through dinner with Cade’s leg pressed to hers. Never in her life had she experienced this level of sexual awareness of another person. Desire tied her stomach in knots. No matter their past, she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. She wanted him but at what cost to her pride? She wasn’t tramp material and she never would be. How did one have a fling without feeling cheap?

Cade unfolded himself from the bench, holding his hand out to her. “Come on. I could use some help getting the coffee.”

“All right.”

Star glanced around. No one at the table was paying any attention to them. She took Cade’s hand, and let him lead her from the table.

* * *

Cade loved the feel of Star’s hand in his. Her smooth skin only added to his need for her, made him wonder what she’d feel like all over.

She looked up at him, her green eyes bright with arousal, an arousal he’d put there. She could deny her attraction to him all she wanted, but he knew better. He could read her easily. She wore her emotions on her face. Despite their past, she wanted him.

And he wanted her. On any terms. Truth be told, a fling suited him just fine. Star didn’t want kids, and she sure didn’t belong in Seward. She was a city girl, like Marissa had been. He’d already tried to keep a city girl here, with disastrous results. He had no intention of going down that road again.

He walked Star to the house, up the steps, inside.

Reluctantly, he let go of her to add water to the carafe and switch the pot on. Star stood near the sink, watching him.

“What’re we doing, O’Brien?” Her tongue came out to wet her lips.

He advanced on her. “What do you want to do, Star? Whatever you want, I’m all for it.”

Her eyes darkened and did a slow rove down his body. “I don’t want anything,” she said, the words hollow and false.

“Liar.” Cade’s body snapped to attention. “Something’s happening between us and you can’t deny it. I can’t deny it. I don’t want to deny it. You’re the most beautiful, exciting woman I’ve ever known. Even when you hate me, I want you.”

“I still hate you,” she said, but the words didn’t match the fire in her eyes.

“Baby, if that’s hate I’m feeling, bring it on.” He closed the gap between them.

She backed up, her butt hitting the edge of the counter.

Cade leaned in. This close, he caught her scent. Desire crashed through him.

“Back up.” Her palms landed square on his chest. “You’ve got a yard full of people out there.”

“I don’t care.” He needed to touch her, needed for her to feel the same way about him. Cade moved his hands to her waist, a tiny waist. She gasped softly. Slowly, he drew her to him. Her hands were still on his chest between them, yet they fit together like they were made for each other. Her eyes widened when he rocked against her and he knew she felt his arousal.

The coffee pot beeped three times.

“Coffee’s ready,” she said, but she didn’t move away. Her lips parted, and he couldn’t resist that lush mouth of hers.

Cade kissed her, mouth open, tongues mating. He gathered her to him. She tasted like summer, like sex, hot, naughty sex. His hands slipped under her shirt, and he stroked the satin skin of her back. Star’s fingers curled into his shirt as if she were hanging on for dear life.

The coffee pot beeped again.

Cade broke the kiss, but he didn’t back away.

She brought a hand to her lips. “Wow.”

He grinned. “I hope that’s good.”

“You know it is, but I’m not so sure I should be kissing you.”

He didn’t want to lose the sexual buzz between them. “You think too much, Star. Let go. Have a good time. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Is that coffee ready?” Ron called as he clumped up the porch steps.

Star twisted out of his embrace.

“Yeah,” Cade said, moving away to hide the bulge in his jeans from his brother.

“I’ll get it,” Star said, her voice unsteady. She was as ruffled as he was; he’d bet money on it.

Thankfully, Ron didn’t come in, but did an about face and went back down the stairs.

Star pulled the pot of coffee out.

“We’re not done yet.” He faced her now. She held the coffee pot between them as if it were a weapon of protection. “Meet me tonight.”

She started for the door. “I can’t. My mother—”

“Isn’t keeping tabs on you,” Cade said. “Have a summer romance with me, Star. No strings. I know; you’re a modern girl. You don’t want kids or attachments. That’s okay with me. Whatever you want. Sleep with me. You won’t be sorry.”

Her brow wrinkled. “I told you, I’m not good at casual sex.”

“Not true.” He smiled. “You’re very good.”

Star pivoted away, taking the coffee outside.

Cade went to the kitchen sink and turned on the cold water, splashing some on his face. He needed a cold shower. Star set him on fire. Was he out of line asking her to have a summer fling with him? He hoped not, because deep down, he wanted more from her. How much more, he wasn’t sure, but he knew that one week with her wouldn’t be enough.

* * *

Star jerked awake, her eyes opening wide in the darkness. With a moan, she rolled over, but Patsy’s couch was as hard as an old board. Star yanked the blanket up to her chin and tried to get comfortable.

It had taken her forever to fall asleep when they’d returned home after the fish fry; now she was wide awake. Why? The kiss? No, it was more of a full out seduction. Star touched her lips. Cade had opened a door for her tonight. She’d never thought of herself as a sexual being, but, boy–oh–boy, he’d shown her otherwise in his kitchen.

She’d wanted him, all of him. She still did. If he kept pouring on the charm, she’d give in. What did that say about her as a person? Where was her strict moral code? Obviously being wanton ran in her blood. Some people had doctors or lawyers in their families, she had sexy women, or more correctly, women who liked to have sex. She groaned.

Star flipped over, then she heard it, a male voice followed by her mother’s soft laughter.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Star said.

Was her mother doing it with one of Cade’s guests? Her mother really was a dedicated employee. She hadn’t even had her first official day working for the O’Briens and she already had one of the men in bed. Star remembered her own kiss with Cade. Sexy women. Case closed.

This was worse than embarrassing. It was humiliating.

Star put her pillow over her ears. This wasn’t the first time she’d had to listen while her mother entertained men, or serviced her current husband. Star’s stomach turned at the memory of the scared little girl she’d been.

Star raised the pillow. She didn’t hear anything now. After putting the pillow back under her head, she rolled onto her back, staring up at the smoke–stained ceiling.

Her mother really was a piece of work. No wonder Star was so screwed up and repressed when it came to sex. The bedroom door opened. Star closed her eyes.

Destiny giggled softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“You couldn’t keep me away.”

John. The doctor. Star recognized his voice. Her mother was aiming high this time.

More rustling as Destiny walked him to the door. She opened the door quietly. Lips smacked as they kissed. The door clicked shut. Star sat up and turned on the light.

“Really, Mom.”

Her mother whirled around, one hand on her chest. “Starlene. I thought you were asleep.” Destiny’s blonde hair was good and messed up. Clad in a short, black satin robe she looked every inch the aging sex kitten she was. “Sorry, sugar.” Destiny tightened the belt around her waist. “I really like him.” She plopped down on the couch at Star’s feet. “He’s nice. He has money.”

“Slow down, Mom,” Star said. “Did you even ask if he was married?”

“Of course I did.” She smiled the same stupid dreamy smile Star had seen on Destiny’s face a million times. “He’s divorced. His kids are grown.”

“He lives in Canada, Mom.”

“So what? I didn’t tell you before, but now that Cade’s offered me a job, I guess I’ll come clean. I got fired. I’m tired of Vegas anyway. I’m ready for a change. Change is good, Star.”

She couldn’t believe she was going to have to talk her mother down. “Get real, Mom. What are you going to do? Stay here and work for Cade? Where are you going to live? He’s tearing this place down. And I’m sure you don’t want to stay with Brandi and Bud. Do you even have any money saved?”

Destiny pinned her with her “mother” stare. “You know, Star, it wouldn’t hurt you to dream big. I mean, what do you really have in your life? A job and a slick condo won’t keep you warm at night.”

“So I’ll buy an electric blanket. At least I can afford one.”

Destiny jumped to her feet. “That was low, Star. You’ve never understood me. I’m going to bed.” She whirled away.

“Keep it down this time,” Star called after her. “Some of us are trying to sleep.”

The bedroom door slammed.

A knot formed in Star’s stomach. Her heart aching, she switched off the light.

Star woke up with a headache, the result of poor sleep. Her mother, who now worked for the O’Briens, had barely spoken to her before she’d left to help with breakfast, yet Star didn’t regret the words they’d exchanged. Destiny needed to grow up. She was fifty–two. If anything, Star should be the one sneaking guys into her room. Catching your mother in the act was unnatural—something no child should have to witness, no matter how old the child was.

Star stood under the shower. Hot water soothed her pounding head. She was so done with Alaska, and she’d be glad when
Update This!
finished with this segment and she could put this God forsaken state out of her life, with hope, forever.

Star spent the morning working on production logistics for
Update This!
At noon, she grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading over to visit Brandi, who was home now. She spent the rest of the afternoon entertaining Will while Brandi took a nap. Star half expected Destiny to show up but wasn’t surprised when her mother didn’t come by. Why would she when she could use her job at Cade’s as an excuse for staying away?

Still upset with her mom, Star didn’t go home until she was sure Destiny would be at the O’Briens serving dinner. When Star arrived at Patsy’s she found the driveway empty. She let herself in to the quiet mobile home and kicked off her heels.

Hungry, she cruised through the meager contents of the fridge: milk, eggs, cheddar cheese, bottled water, a half a bottle of white wine, and a six pack of diet cola.

Star’s stomach growled as she removed the eggs and cheese. An omelet was better than nothing.

The rattle of an engine pulled her around. Thinking it was too early for Destiny to be home, Star went to the door. Cade’s truck came up the driveway. She frowned. Terrific, what did he want—a repeat of last night’s kiss? No way. She was not her mother, ready and available for any guy that just happened to come along. A giant chip on her shoulder, Star met Cade at the door.

He came up the porch steps, a casserole dish in his hands. “Your mother sent you dinner. It’s chicken enchiladas.”

Surprised, Star took the warm dish from him. “Really?” Her bravado faded. “My mom isn’t the greatest cook, but she does make decent enchiladas. Thanks, I’m starving.”

Cade followed her inside. Star snagged a plate from the rack near the sink.

“She sent enough for two,” Cade said. “Mind if I join you?”

“You haven’t eaten yet?” Star asked. She took a second plate from the rack.

“I was going to, then your mother sent me here.” He smiled. “She’s not very subtle.”

Star shook her head. “No, she’s not. Have a seat.” She set the plates on the table. The spicy scent of chicken and chili sauce filled the air. “Diet soda or wine?” she offered. “That’s all I have.”

“Soda.” Cade sat.

Star returned with two cans of soda then took a seat. “You’re a lifesaver. I was just about to make myself a cheese omelet for dinner. Boring.”

Cade forked up some enchilada. “This is great.”

“Um hum,” Star agreed, her own mouth full.

They ate in companionable silence, and it seemed easy between them for once. No agenda. Just two hungry people enjoying a good meal.

“How’s Trudy?” Star asked between bites.

“Fine. Resting.” Cade chewed, his expression thoughtful. “Your mom’s doing a good job.”

“When do John and Ernie leave?” She had no desire to bear witness to another late night sex fest.

“Not until Saturday. They booked the full week.”

Star’s hopes sank. “That long, huh?”

“Why?” Cade asked. “Is there a problem?”

“No,” she said a bit too quickly. She wasn’t going to rat her mother out, no matter how much she disapproved of her actions.

Cade finished his enchilada and took a long drink of soda. “I’m stuffed.”

“Me, too.” She stood. “Let me wash the dish so you can take it back.”

“Sit down.” Cade gestured to her chair. “I don’t think your food’s even hit your stomach yet.”

“Oh.” Star lowered herself back onto the chair. “I thought you’d want to get home.”

“Why?” He leaned back, looking entirely too male to suit her.

“The kids? The guests?” she said, reminding him of his life.

“Ron’s covering for me.”

“I see.” He stared at her, the hungry look back in his eyes. Her mind screamed danger, yet she didn’t move.

“Any interest in seeing a movie? They’re showing
Yours, Mine and Ours
, the original, at the park tonight.”

“They still do that?” Star had loved the outdoor movies when she’d been a kid. They’d always gone. A free event was not something her family passed up.

“Every Sunday night during the summer.”

She looked hard at Cade, not sure how to take his invitation. “I don’t know.”

“It’s just a movie, Star,” he said, as if reading her mind. “In a public place.”