by SJ McCoy
Cameron laughed and followed her back out of the lodge. It was easier to walk down Main Street to Austin’s office than it would have been to drive and try to find a parking spot. Cameron took hold of her hand, and she smiled up at him. “I love the way you do that.”
He looked surprised, but not as surprised as she was. She shrugged; she did love it. Why not tell him? “Have you heard from Gene?”
“No, I’m not really expecting to. He was going to head home this morning.”
“I know. I just wondered if he did. If he was feeling better.”
Cameron nodded thoughtfully. A few minutes later, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and tapped out a text. When it beeped with an answer, he looked up at her and smiled. “He’s home safely, and he says he’ll be fine to come back for me tomorrow night.”
“That’s good. Well, it’s good that he’s home safe. I wish he wasn’t coming back for you, though.” Oops. She’d done it again, but judging by the smile on his face, it was a good thing. Why not let him know how much she enjoyed him being here and that she wished he could stay for longer?
“I have to be back to work on Monday morning. I’ve got a busy week, but what do you think? Do you want to come see me next weekend?”
She frowned. She wasn’t so sure about that. Yes, she’d love to see him, and she was thrilled that he was inviting her into his world. She hadn’t expected that, but it was scary. His world was very different from hers. How would she fit in at his big charity dinner—would he even have time for her? Wouldn’t he be busy organizing and hosting? She sighed. “I’d like to, but …”
His smile faded. “But what?”
“Well, for starters, I’d spend more of the weekend on the road than I would with you.” It was an excuse. She wouldn’t mind driving down to Napa, but it was the easiest way to explain her reluctance.
“I’ll send Gene for you.”
Piper laughed. She couldn’t help it. That seemed so crazy to her.
“What’s funny about that? He can bring me to you, why couldn’t he bring you to me?”
“I don’t know, Cam. That’s not how things work for me. I’m used to flying, not being flown around.”
He slid his arm around her shoulders. They were almost at Austin’s office now. “Couldn’t you get used to it?”
She drew in a deep breath. She had a weird feeling that she could get used to it. She could get used to having Cameron in her life and would happily adapt to the way he lived, but it wasn’t realistic, was it? He’d said it enough times himself—if something seemed too good to be true, it probably was.
She stopped and shrugged. “Can we talk about it later? We’re here now.”
He gave her a rueful smile and shook his head at her. “We can, but I’m going to keep asking until you give in and agree or you give me a good reason why not.”
Austin had all the paperwork ready and waiting, and it took less than fifteen minutes to get all the paperwork signed, her deposit paid, and everything taken care of. Piper’s heart raced as he handed her the keys. “Here, you go. The place is all yours.”
She laughed. “At least for the next six months.”
“What do you want to do now?” asked Cameron once they were back out on the street.
“A happy dance!”
That made him laugh. “Okay, and after that?”
“I want to move in! And I want to go to the grocery store and stock up and … do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”
“I’d love to.”
“And do you want to stay?”
“If you want me to.”
She grinned, and for the first time, she took hold of his hand. “I’d love you to. This weekend couldn’t be any better. I get to move into that amazing house, and I get to share it with you!”
Cameron laughed. “I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Chapter Fourteen
Piper checked on the oven and then went back out to join Cameron on the deck.
He raised his glass to her. “Here’s wishing you every happiness in your new home.”
“Thank you.” She touched her glass against his and sat back down. “It couldn’t get off to a happier start than this.”
Cameron closed his eyes for a second. He had to get a grip. She didn’t mean because he was here. Why would he even think that? “Yeah, it’s a beautiful evening, and the view is amazing.” He smiled. “And the wine’s not bad either, if I do say so myself.” They’d gone to the grocery store earlier, and he’d managed to find a bottle of the 2002 Reserve.
She laughed. “It’s wonderful, thank you. And you’re right, it is the perfect evening, but I was talking about the company.
“You were?”
She nodded. She looked scared to admit it. “Yes. Thank you for being here.”
“Thank you for wanting me here.”
She got up. “I’d better check on dinner.”
He sighed. She’d only checked on it two minutes ago. She just wanted to get away from him. It was progress, though. She might be running away, but she’d admitted that him being here made her happy. It made him happy, too—happier than he’d have thought possible. He got up and followed her inside. “Can I do anything to help?” He’d already asked once, and she’d told him that she was used to cooking by herself. She didn’t know how to delegate in the kitchen.
She gave him a shy smile. “Can you find the plates?”
He nodded and started looking through the cupboards. It was a little thing, but it seemed like a big concession—like she was prepared to let him in, to work with him—to become a couple? He sucked in a deep breath as he found the plates. Was he going nuts? How were they supposed to become a couple? She’d just rented this house and started a new job, both of which were here in Summer Lake. He lived in Napa. His work, his company, his family, and his whole life were there. Yes, he and Piper could see each other on the weekends, but that wasn’t becoming a couple; that was just seeing each other—dating, at most.
They ate outside on the deck. It was an idyllic setting with the colors of the setting sun reflected in the lake.
“This is wonderful,” said Cameron.
“I’m glad you like it.” She’d made a wonderful pasta and a huge salad. “I’m sure your dinner next weekend will be much fancier than this, but I’d like to come.”
He grinned. “Great. It will be fancy, but only because it’s all catered. When it comes to me making dinner for you, you might have to put up with a grilled cheese sandwich—or take out.”
She laughed. “That’s good. I love both, and that’ll make me feel at home.”
“And you’ll be okay with Gene coming to get you?”
“Yes,” she sighed. “I won’t lie, I’m not entirely comfortable with that, but you’re worth it.”
He chuckled. “You know …”
“What?”
He shook his head. He’d been about to tell her how much that meant to him. With other women, he’d sometimes wondered if they were attracted to him or to his lifestyle. With Piper, he knew that she wasn’t so sure about his lifestyle, but she was prepared to endure it to be with him. “You’re amazing, that’s all.”
She laughed. “Amazingly stupid? I’m not dumb, you know. I’m sure your other girlfriends are all about flying around in your jet, but I’m not like that.”
“I know. I meant you’re amazingly amazing. I’m the stupid one for having dated women like that in the past.”
She nodded. “Hopefully you’ve learned something for the future, and you won’t fall for that kind again.”
“I won’t.” As he said it, he understood why. He didn’t want to fall for that kind of woman again—or any other kind—because he was falling for Piper. He met her gaze. No. it wasn’t the right time to tell her that. It could wait.
~ ~ ~
“Have you got everything?” Piper asked as she started the car. She couldn’t believe it was time for him to leave already. The weekend had flown by.
; He smiled as he fastened his seat belt. “Yep, unless I can take you with me?”
She laughed. “Sorry, but I’m at work in the morning.”
“I know. I just wish you were coming with me, or I was staying here.”
“It’s going to be a long week.” They seemed to have relaxed with each other over the course of the weekend. She wasn’t embarrassed to tell him that she was going to miss him.
“I know; Friday can’t come soon enough. What time do you want Gene to come for you?”
She shrugged. “Is it okay if I let you know a bit closer to the time? I don’t know my schedule for the week yet.”
“Of course.” He smiled. “Part of me is hoping he can come get you early, and another part is thinking that if you don’t finish work till later, I can come with him.”
“I’ll let you know as soon as I know myself.”
Less than ten minutes later, she turned into the parking lot at the airport.
Cameron grabbed his bag from the back seat and put his arm around her shoulders as they walked into the building. “I’m glad you’re living closer to work now, but I wish we had more time.”
“Me too.”
“Hey! Why am I not surprised to see the two of you together?”
Piper instinctively made to move away from Cameron, but he tightened his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer as Smoke and Laura came toward them.
“Because you’re a smart guy?” asked Cameron.
Smoke grinned.
“When did you get in, anyway?”
“We just landed,” said Laura.
“Did you have a great time?” asked Piper, keen to deflect the conversation away from her and Cameron and back to Smoke and Laura.
“It was amazing,” said Laura. “I didn’t want to come back.”
Smoke pursed his lips. “You’re the one who said we had to. I’ve got Piper to cover for me now.”
Piper laughed as he winked at her and Laura slapped his arm. “You only have Piper because of me.”
Cameron turned and grinned at her. “What’s it like to be so popular?”
She laughed. “I don’t know.”
“Well, you’d better get used to it,” said Smoke. “I have a feeling it won’t just be Laura and me fighting over you for long.” He gave Cameron a meaningful look.
Cameron raised an eyebrow at her, and she nodded. “I just hope she’s not going to be working weekends.”
Smoke shook his head. “Not unless something urgent comes up and I can’t cover it.”
Laura smiled at Piper. “Tell us then, what are you planning?”
Piper shrugged.
Cameron looked at her. “Are you ashamed of me?”
She laughed. “No. Of course not.” She turned to Laura. “I’m going to see him next weekend.”
Laura grinned, but Piper didn’t miss the look Smoke exchanged with Cameron. She didn’t know if it was a warning or what, but it didn’t look good—whatever it was.
They all turned at the sound of a jet approaching. “Is that for you?” Laura asked Cameron.
He nodded.
“How’s Gene doing?” asked Smoke.
“I’m a bit worried about him,” said Cameron. “He was so tired on Friday night when he brought me up here that he stayed the night before he flew home.”
Smoke frowned. “Have you got him flying a heavy schedule?”
“No! Even he said it’d been a light week for him. I’m going to make sure he gets a checkup next week. I’d hate to think he was sick.”
“Me too. Especially when he’s flying. Anyway,” he grinned, “I need to get my wife home, and I’m sure you two need to say your goodbyes. Give Gene my best.”
“Will do.”
“See you in the morning, Piper.”
“Yes, boss.” She smiled at Laura who told her with her eyes that the two of them needed to catch up and she wanted to hear all about her and Cameron.
“See you guys.”
Once they’d gone, Cameron hugged her to him. “You’re not embarrassed about us, are you?”
“Hell no! I was thinking more that you might be.”
“Nope.” He looked out the window to where Gene was bringing the plane to a halt. “I’m glad we saw them, glad they know we’re together.”
She smiled at the way he put it.
“At least I think we are?” He raised an eyebrow at her, and she nodded.
She didn’t know what them being together really meant—other than visiting each other on the weekends, but that was enough. She was enjoying it, and she didn’t want it to stop any time soon. What else did she need to know?
He leaned down and kissed her. “I can’t wait till Friday.”
“Me neither.”
They made their way outside once they saw Gene let down the steps. She didn’t see the point in making him come in or in prolonging their goodbye.
“Thanks for coming, Gene. How are you feeling?” called Cameron.
Gene greeted them with a smile. “I’m doing just fine, thanks.”
Piper frowned. He didn’t look it. He still looked tired. “Have you got a busy week?” she asked.
“I do.” He smiled at Cameron. “I have to get him to Phoenix tomorrow and then Denver on Tuesday. Then I’ve got flights with the execs for the rest of the week.”
“And back here on Friday night to get you,” said Cameron with a smile.
Piper smiled back, but she was worried about Gene. He looked so tired; she couldn’t imagine having a week like that lined up when you felt like crap to start with. She caught Gene’s eye, but he gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m looking forward to that one.”
“So am I.” Cameron leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips.
“And me,” she said. “I’m going to leave now so you can get going.”
“Okay.”
“Call me when you land?”
Cameron smiled. “Will do. You enjoy that new place of yours.”
She laughed. “I intend to.”
~ ~ ~
Once the plane was up in the air, Cameron peered out the window. He smiled when he spotted what he’d been looking for—Piper’s house. He could picture her curled up in the armchair by the fireplace, and he could picture himself still there with her. He sighed. Maybe in a couple of weeks.
He settled back in his seat as first, the house, and then the lake disappeared from view. It was time to turn his focus back to his regular life, his work life—the life that Piper wasn’t a part of, at least not yet. Next weekend she would be. He pulled his laptop out of his bag. He was going to take another look at the seating plan and see what he could do to make sure that Piper wouldn’t have to spend too much time around Larissa—or Mel—or Natasha. He pursed his lips—or any other women who might give her a hard time.
They’d only been in the air about fifteen minutes when Gene’s voice came through on the speaker. “I don’t want to worry you, Cameron, but I’m going to need to make an unscheduled landing.”
Cameron pressed the button on the arm of his chair. “What’s up?”
“I shouldn’t be flying.”
Cameron unbuckled his belt and went up front. He opened the cockpit door and slid into the right seat. Gene looked gray. There was sweat beading on his brow, and his eyebrows were knit together—in concentration or pain, Cameron wasn’t sure.
“How are you feeling? What can I do?”
Gene gave him a grim smile. “Not good. Put your headset on and listen in. Hopefully, I won’t need you, but if I do, air traffic control will talk you down.”
Cameron put the headset on and listened as the controller gave Gene a new heading and told him he was clear to land.
“Can you have an ambulance standing by?” asked Gene.
“Already got the paramedics on the way.”
Cameron turned to look at Gene who gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I finally figured out what’s up with me.”
“What?” Cameron’s heart was
thumping in his chest.
“I think I’m having a heart attack.”
“Jesus!”
“I can get us down first.”
And he did. The next five minutes were a blur as Gene brought the plane down. Cameron sat beside him feeling helpless. He’d taken what they called a pinch-hitter flight training course which was intended to prepare him for a situation just like this. He knew enough to land the plane—in theory, with the help of an air traffic controller in his ear. Fortunately, he didn’t have to test the theory. Gene brought the plane down with his customary perfect landing. As soon as he turned off the runway and onto the taxiway, he grasped at his chest. “You’re in charge now, Cam.”
Cameron taxied the rest of the way to the FBO, mostly by pointing the plane toward the flashing lights of the ambulance parked outside and hoping for the best. It wasn’t pretty, but he got them there. As soon as he brought the plane to a halt and shut the engines down, he looked at Gene. “Are you okay?”
Gene nodded. “I will be.” He didn’t look it; he looked gray, and he was struggling for breath.
Cameron let himself out of the cockpit and opened the door. As soon as the steps were down, the paramedics came up. Gene got himself out of the cockpit, and they got him down the steps and into the ambulance. Cameron tried to follow, but they shooed him out. One of the linemen came and took his arm. “We need to get the plane tied down, and then we’ll give you a ride to the hospital.”
Cameron nodded and followed him inside, pulling out his phone as he went. He had to call Gene’s wife. He had to figure out a way to get her here.
~ ~ ~
Piper sat watching the sun go down over the lake. This place was amazing. She loved that she got to live here. It might not be quite as amazing as it was last night—when Cam was still here—but it was still pretty fabulous. She might even have to have a glass of that wonderful wine he’d bought her. She’d liked it so much that he’d told her to look out for a delivery later in the week; he was going to send her a whole case of the stuff.