“Other than this”—she gestures to her knee—“it was quite delightful.” She takes another sip, and I feel my glower deepen.
“What are you two planning on doing tonight?” She smiles between us, but I can sense the change in tone. My mom is insinuating we are in the midst of a romantic connection, and she has interfered.
“We were going to my place,” I say as I pull a hand over my head to scratch the back of my neck. “We were going to paint my kitchen.”
“Oh, yes,” she says, nodding and pulling her lips tight into a straight line. “Very important.”
I look at her, jaw locked. She doesn’t believe me. I’ve seen that look a thousand times, she thinks I’m trying to pull one over on her. My eyes squint tighter together as I size up my petite mother. Cammie goes to clear the cups, and I whisper, “What is your game, mother?”
She just smiles innocently, waving her hands in surrender. “Nothing,” she says.
Lies.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to keep you,” my mom says, pushing us out the door.
“What are you eating for dinner tonight, Gracie?” Cammie asks curiously from the kitchen sink where she is rinsing and stacking the mugs.
“I was just going to grill up some salmon burgers. I’ve been pickling my vegetables all day,” she says, taking pride in her cooking.
“I’m not sure you can grill with your knee like this.” I lean toward my mom, trying to tell her quietly.
“Of course I can,” she raises her voice, lightly smacking my shoulder. “Don’t be silly.”
She goes to stand and tumbles back into her chair. I grab her arm to try and stabilize her and slow her fall.
“That’s enough, Grace,” Cammie commands without looking up from where she is washing the mugs. “We’ll cook up the burgers. Do you have enough for the three of us, or do I need to grab some more?”
My mom breathes out a slow, deliberate breath. “I have enough for the three of us.”
Interesting.
I squint over at my mom who looks quite chipper with her meddling self. She never cooks for more than herself. She doesn’t like to have leftovers, so she only makes one serving. That is, unless she was planning on company.
“Did you plan this?” I whisper sternly.
“Did I plan on falling off my stool? No,” she says without making eye contact.
Of course not; she wouldn’t make a plan that involved hurting herself.
“I did, however, plan on inviting you two over this evening, but it looks as though you two were already together,” she says with a smitten grin on her face.
“I like her,” she whispers not so quietly. I look up to see Cammie smile down at the mug she’s washing between her hands.
“Me too,” I respond quietly but loud enough for Cammie to hear me over the commotion of stacking dishes and running water.
We didn’t end up making it out to my house this evening to paint. We’d save it for another night. Instead, we ate dinner with my mom, sharing stories around the kitchen table and my mom breaking out the photo albums, sharing my naked bum to the world. I wish I could say these were childhood photos, but she managed to bring out the photo albums where I was caught streaking through the hallway my senior year of high school.
I palm my face with embarrassment as I see Cammie roar with laughter over the photos my mom plastered through the album. I was humiliated. What made it worse was my mom made me pose for photos with the principal and police officer after they caught me. She always knew how to punish me.
At the end of a long, laughter-filled evening, I offer to drive Cammie home. She stands and gives my mom a long hug goodbye. They exchange plans to garden next week if the weather is favorable.
Once in the privacy of my truck, I unwind and let my tense posture relax.
“I like your mom,” she says with a smile, looking straight ahead as I drive down toward the road.
I nod in agreement. “I like her, too.”
“She really took me in,” She nods, her tone more serious than before. “Treated me more like a daughter than my mom was ever able to do.”
“She does that with people she takes a liking to,” I say, and it’s true. She’s done it my whole life. Taken people in when they had nowhere else to go. Mentored and mothered everyone who needed it.
“I didn’t know you were her son,” she says, looking over at me, concern filling her eyes.
“I know,” I reassure her.
“I don’t want this to ruin what I have with your mom if this doesn’t work out,” she says, letting me know where her loyalties lie.
I chuckle to myself. My mom would be awfully pleased to know Cammie’s allegiane is with her and not me. Her plan of setting the two of us up may have backfired spectacularly.
“It won’t,” I reassure her.
“Okay, I just wanted to be on the same page.” She nods, assuring I’ve heard her loud and clear.
I like that she likes my mom. Most women have found her intimidating, overbearing. She is, but it doesn’t mean I don’t love her. The fact Cammie and my mom have been hanging out makes me want to figure Cammie out even more. My mom doesn’t warm to people easily, and she sure as hell doesn’t trust them with her gardening secrets. Cammie must be pretty special if my mom was willing to hand over her treasured secrets.
I reach my hand over and interlock my fingers with Cammie’s. She smiles softly over at me, and I see her sigh a breath of relief. I’ve heard her. I respect her for it, but it doesn’t scare me off. I pull her hand toward my lips and place a soft kiss against the back of her hand. Cammie turns toward the front window with a smile across her face.
“I hear you, and I want you to know I’m not going to scare so easily,” I say.
“What do you mean?” she asks cautiously.
“I mean I won’t let whatever this is impact what you and my mom have,” I try my best to reassure her.
“Alright.” She sounds hesitant.
“What I mean is…” I look over at her as her dark hair blows across her face. “I’m with you, every step of the way. No matter what.”
She nods in understanding. “So, you’ll take my lead?”
“Yep,” I say, returning my gaze to the road.
I hear Cammie unbuckle herself and slide over toward me, placing the softest kiss against my cheek. She smiles before pulling away. I feel all the heat in my body rush to the point of contact. My grin lifts on one side of my face as I shake my head.
“You’re going to be trouble,” I say as Cammie laughs beside me, buckling herself back into her seat. Let me be the first to say, I sure do love the sound that.
Fourteen
Jake
Ryan and I are wrapping up for the day at work when he asks, “What are your plans for derby weekend?”
It’s Friday night, almost a week since Cammie and I had our last adventure together. I’ve snuck down to her work the past few days, bringing her coffee or a milkshake. She asks me to come to The Fish House when she works evenings and gives me a free beer. We’ve found ways to spend time together despite our busy summer schedules.
“Right, that’s tomorrow,” I say, almost having forgotten.
“Yep, you thinking you’ll take Cammie?” he asks nosily.
“Maybe,” I shrug, preferring to keep my relationship private. “Why do you ask?”
“Hilary was just wondering,” he says nonchalant.
“Oh, was she?” I ask, flashing Ryan a knowing look. “You two have been spending an awful lot of time together.”
He ignores my assuming tone. “Yeah, we’re going to do the derby this weekend. She wants to try. Hasn’t been since her dad passed.”
I nod, feeling like an ass having made a joke about them going together. “I’m glad you can do it with her.”
“Me too; the weather’s supposed to be crap, so I’m not sure she’ll want to go once Saturday rolls around.”
“Maybe the four of us could go on your skiff. Cammie can
be there for moral support if needed,” I say, offering up a solution.
“Actually, that’s a great idea.” His face lights up.
“Yeah, Cammie hasn’t done the derby either. Rain or shine, it will just be fun to get out on the water.”
We wrap up the day’s work and head toward the Fish House to celebrate Hilary’s birthday. As we walk along the boardwalk, I hear Jace playing music and people cheering when he comes to a close.
As we round the corner toward the Fish House, we find it nearly combusting with people. Ryan hits his hand against my chest before pointing up the boardwalk. My eyes find Cammie and Hilary, dancing outside, holding onto one another’s hands as they twirl to the music, Cammie’s hair catching the sunlight when she spins. Ryan and I jog to meet them before they go back inside and we’ve lost them for the evening.
“Hey there,” I say wrapping my arms around Cammie’s waist, laying a soft kiss on her neck.
“Hi,” she says kissing me back.
“Can I have this dance?” I ask as I spin her toward me.
“Well, I was dancing with the birthday girl…”
“Oh, that’s okay, Ryan’s going to cut in.” I give him a wink, and he does just that.
Ryan and I toss and twirl Hilary and Cammie in time with the music. Their laughter roaring over the music. Their summer dresses billow in the warm breeze. My eyes are locked on Cammie; her hair sways down around her shoulders shifting along to the rhythm of her hips.
“Where did you guys learn to dance like this?” She laughs.
“High school, junior year,” I say as I spin her around my back.
“Easiest elective there was to keep our grade point average up for sports,” Ryan explains. “Comes in handy with the ladies.”
“Is that so?” Hilary squints, her eyes drawn with disbelief.
“We’re thinking the four of us could hit the water tomorrow first thing in the morning,” Ryan says, looking at Hilary, gauging her response for approval.
“Okay,” she says with a wary smile.
“Sounds fun,” Cammie says. “I’ve never fished in a derby.”
“It will be fun,” I reassure her and Hilary. “We’ll be safe.”
Hilary gives me a nod which seems to communicate she trusts me. I’m not sure she’ll be up for it when morning comes around and the storm rolls in.
“Tonight, we celebrate,” I say as I spin and dip Cammie.
Her laughter consumes her as she comes to a stand. “I need a drink,” she says, and I follow. I would follow her anywhere she’s willing to take me.
Once inside, the building rumbles with Jace’s music and the laughter and commotion of the entire town. It seems as though everyone has come out to celebrate Hilary’s birthday. That and to christen the celebration festivities for tomorrow’s derby.
Hilary, Cammie, and Ryan find us a table, and I grab drinks from Tommy at the bar. I offer to pay, but Tommy waves me off. “It’s on the house,” he says.
“Thanks.” I place my cash into the tip jar as I go to pick up the pints. I turn and nearly topple over Samantha who’s standing directly behind me, her hair short and pin straight. She smiles up at me, nearly undressing me with her eyes as they roam across my body. My God, it’s like she has x-ray vision.
“Hey, Samantha,” I say as I attempt to squeeze by her. She hooks her hand into the belt loop of my pants and holds me still.
“You planning to fish in the derby tomorrow morning?” She flashes a bright, toothy smile.
“I am. I’m going out with Ryan, Hilary, and Cammie.” I want her to know our boat is full, it’s not like I’d take her anyway.
“Oh, I’m going out on Charlie’s boat,” she says in an attempt to make me jealous.
“Sounds fun.” I try my best to sound polite.
“Why are you going with them?” She tosses a glance over her shoulder.
“Cammie’s never fished in a derby before. I wanted to check it off her bucket list,” I say, realizing I’ve given too much information.
“Oh, before she returns home?” Samantha says, a wicked grin lifting the corners of her mouth.
“What?” I ask, just as Samantha steps toward me, placing her hand on my arm.
“What are you doing tonight?” She licks her lips as if she’s about to devour me.
“I’m here with Cammie,” I say pointedly.
“Why?” She pulls back, her face twists with disgust.
“Because we’re together.” I’m nearly shouting to be heard over the crowd.
“Seriously?” She asks. I nod as I clasp her wrist in my hand, removing it from my pants.
“Have a good night,” I say as I move past her. She is ruthless. Doesn’t know when to quit.
I meander the rest of the way back to our table. The entire time, I wonder if there is any truth to the words Samantha has spoken. Does Cammie have plans to return home to Colorado? She hasn’t mentioned anything about it to me. I figured since she’s made it this far there was no way she would pick up and leave.
I return to our table and try to shake off the negative energy I feel by toasting Hilary.
“Hilary, happy birthday. Who would have thought all those kids growing up years ago with big plans to leave the island would eventually return home? I’m glad you are my friend and more importantly that you’ve kept Ryan in line all these years,” The group chuckles and murmurs their agreement. “Cheers to you.”
We all clink glasses, and I see Hilary start to choke up.
“Thank you, guys,” She swallows hard, and I see Ryan reach his arm around her back, stroking her hair with reassurance. “I’m really grateful to have each and every one of you as my friend.”
“I sure love you, Hilary.” Cammie swipes a tear from her eye. “Thanks for taking me in and saving me. I guess it’s only fair after all those times in undergrad where I had to walk your drunk ass home.”
Hilary nearly spits out her drink with laughter. “That was you!” She accosts Cammie.
“Oh, yeah.” Cammie smiles. “Whoops.”
Fifteen
Cammie
I look around the table at the faces of people who have become more like family to me than friends. These past few months have been incredible but these past few weeks I’ve felt more like myself than I have in my entire life. I smile at the faces around the table, trying not to get too emotional during a time of celebration. I’m just so lucky to have friends like these, that in such a short amount of time they have become my home.
I look over at Jake who smiles fondly back at me, although worry seems to touch the corners of his eyes. He leans in and kisses my neck. “You look beautiful.”
I flush, feeling the heat of his breath against my neck. “Is anyone hungry? I’m going to go get us some food.”
“I’ll take a sampler,” Ryan says without hesitation.
“Me too.” Hilary smiles. “Can I also get a cup of the chowder?”
“Of course, birthday girl.” I smile back. “Jake, you want anything?”
“I’ll take a sampler, too. Want me to come with you?”
“Nope, I’ve got it.” My body needs a breather or I might crawl into Jake’s lap and do incredibly inappropriate things. “You guys just enjoy yourselves.”
I smile and leave the table, weaving my way through the mass amounts of people stuffed into the Fish House. I walk past the makeshift stage where Jace is playing and clap as he finishes another song. I wave at Tommy as I squeeze past the line at the bar.
“Want any help?” I ask him.
He looks up desperately. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”
I shake my head. “I’ll help until the line dies down.” I step past the barraging customers and walk behind the bar, placing our food order into the computer. “I’ll work for a meal.” I smile over at Tommy.
I start taking drink orders and wait until our food’s up but it’s been almost twenty minutes, so I decide to see what the wait is about.
“Tommy, I�
�m going to go check on our food,” I say as I move out from behind the bar.
“You’re good. The line’s died down. Thanks for the help,” he says as he shakes his long hair out of his face and scoops more ice out of the machine.
I’m almost to the kitchen when a manicured hand grabs my forearm. I turn and see Samantha smiling over at me. She’s sitting at a long rectangular table with all of her friends.
“Can I help you?” I ask with a curt smile.
“We’d like another round of drinks, please,” she says, gesturing her hand over the table.
“I’m not working tonight. You’ll need to go ask Tommy for some refills.” I point over to the bar.
“I just saw you getting drinks for other people,” she says, her face drawn with skepticism.
“I was briefly helping out.” I turn to step away but hear Samantha push her chair out. I keep walking until we are out of earshot of her table before I whip around.
“What?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“What are you doing here with Jake Davis?” she asks, folding her arms across her chest.
“Why is that any of your business?” I mimic her body language.
“You know he’s too good for you, right?” She squints her eyes, and I scoff as I shake my head in irritation. “He is. He feels bad for you, which is why he’s been showing you around, taking you under his wing. He does it with all the newcomers. That’s all this is.”
I step back and shake my head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure I don’t,” she rolls her eyes. “He told me all about his plans to take you out for the derby to check it off your list before you return home.”
My breath hitches in my chest. No, he wouldn’t have told Samantha that, not after all the things she’s said to me. I shake my head, continuing to disbelieve everything she says but instead, she steps closer to me.
“You aren’t one of us. He knows it. I know it. The entire town knows it,” she swipes her hair from her face. “Eventually, you’ll pick up and leave because that’s what you all do. Jake’s just too nice of a guy to tell you,” her face fills with pity. “He wants you to return home and tell all your friends and family about the wonderful time you had in Smuggler’s Cove. That way, business continues to boom.”
Every Step of the Way: (Smugglers Cove #1) Page 14