Vince smiled in surprise. “Part Akita, yes, and part Bullmastiff. Sweet as sugar and not done growing yet.” He gave both dogs a good rub, and with a few hand signs, had them sitting on their haunches, quivering with excitement. Then he introduced Sage and Cami to Gage.
“I’m not sure why you were willing to spend time with this joker,” Gage said when he held Cami’s hand. “But I guess I can’t complain, considering.”
“Back off, Matthews, this one’s all mine.” Vince’s warm hand enveloped Cami’s free one.
The declaration caught Cami by surprise, left her torn between irritation and amusement. For the day, she opted for amusement.
Gage released her. “So noted. It’s a pleasure to meet you, anyway.” He turned to Sage. “And if the rest of the sisters are as pretty as you two are, our community owes your father a great debt of gratitude.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips.
“You’re a smooth one, aren’t you?” Sage asked, appearing amused.
His lips quirked. “I try. Do I succeed?”
“I’ll let you know.” Sage glanced down the street to the oncoming horde of young ones. “Do you have family in the parade?”
Vince answered, “My niece. She’s been talking, planning and decorating for weeks. Expect something as spectacular as Barnum and Bailey when she pedals by.”
“You don’t have any kids or nieces in it?” Cami asked Gage.
“I’m an only child and unencumbered.” His smile flashed. “I prefer it that way, but the Talmadges always drag me to join them for stuff like this. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.”
Conversation shifted to the kids and Cami studied the crowd. She’d expected two or three dozen kids on bikes or tricycles with a few streamers in red, white and blue. The number of entries was far more than she’d anticipated, though the decorations weren’t impressive. A few young girls in matching leotards tried twirling their batons in sync, and failed; boys in top hats and colonial costumes walked by; and the crowds of watchers grew.
Vince’s niece, Hannah, rode by on her bike, a red wagon towed behind. Flags erupted from her handlebars, patriotic streamers and metallic ribbons fluttered in the breeze. The wagon held a large, seated teddy bear wearing a dust cap with a flag draped over the wagon and several inches below the sides. A sign touted Betsy Ross’s patriotism as she sewed the first flag.
Putting two fingers in her mouth, Cami whistled long and loud for the little girl with brown pigtails. “Go, Hannah!”
Hannah grinned like she couldn’t stop.
Cami had always been proud to be from Chicago, of the city’s wonders, sounds and excitement. She’d been pleased to know everyone of note, to have contacts everywhere, to get hotel guests exactly what they needed, especially if said needs took some serious wheedling. She’d never realized how much she missed out on, though, living in a city with so many people who were focused on number one. Hotel guests were, by definition, self-absorbed. They weren’t part of the community, the history, the area. This was different. This was community.
When the youngsters finished, Hannah rode over on her bike and put up the kickstand, beaming as she accepted hugs and compliments.
“I love the decorations, kiddo,” Vince said as Hannah wrapped her arms around his waist. He hauled her up for a bear hug.
“Thanks. You liked it, even though I didn’t use your idea of purple mountains majesty?”
“Of course. How could I not?” He tipped his forehead against hers. “Your idea was better.”
She giggled again and he set her down, then introduced her to Cami and Sage.
“Is that your real name?” Hannah asked. “I thought you were all supposed to be flowers.”
“My name is actually Camellia, but it’s a mouthful, don’t you think? Not like Hannah which is so pretty.” The girl was adorable.
“I like Camellia. Did you like my bike?”
“It was awesome. Definitely the best one out there.” Cami could say that in good conscience, since it was true. “I bet you had to do a lot of research.”
“Yeah. Usually they show the flag with a circle of stars, but you know they used to put them in squares and other shapes too.” The girl was off and chattering and only stopped when her mom pulled her away ten minutes later to grab some dinner in the park.
“Thanks for being so patient with her,” Vince said after they’d cleaned up their things and headed into the fray. He held tightly to his dogs’ leashes.
“It’s no problem. She’s a sweetheart.” A huge tent covered a stage and chairs and a mediocre country band was already in full swing when Vince’s group arrived. “Interesting blend of music styles,” Cami commented when the band switched to a rendition of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” with a heavy western twang.
“What can we say? We’re a colorful people. Are you hungry?” Vince asked.
“Oh, yeah. Cami wouldn’t let me near the kitchen—she was anxious about whatever food would be available here,” Sage said.
“It’s our responsibility to support the locals, which means filling up from the food booths,” Cami justified.
“I like your line of thinking, and while you’re at it, I think there are a few changes you ought to make to the landscaping at your place,” Vince said with a twinkle in his eye.
Cami elbowed him playfully and he shifted away before she made contact, laughing. “Let’s focus on dinner for now, okay?” she said. “I’m starving.”
They wandered through the thoroughfare, then headed back, stopping at a Navajo taco booth for dinner. While they waited in the long line, Joel, the security guy from the hotel whom they’d met during their tour, approached them. “How are you all doing tonight?”
Though she wasn’t interested herself, Cami couldn’t help but notice the warm look Sage gave him. Joel was at least six-foot-four, shaved bald, and was easily 250 pounds of solid muscle—not surprising once she learned he was a former Navy SEAL. Even smiling, he could be one intimidating guy.
“We’re great. Are you here by yourself today?” Sage asked him.
Joel’s lips curved. “Not anymore. At least not if you don’t mind me crashing your party.” Though the words were uncertain, his attitude wasn’t. He fully intended to join them, and if Sage’s answering smile was anything to go by, she didn’t mind in the least.
“The more the merrier,” Vince said. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Vince Talmadge.” He and his friends went through the round of introductions and Joel settled into line with them.
They rejoined the family, and Cami was happy to meet Jeremy, Vince’s other best friend. He’d been busy snapping photos of happy children during the parade. He had a brunette on his arm, Krissa, who claimed to be just a friend, but the way she clung to him sent a different message.
When Krissa jumped up to greet a couple of friends, Sage looked at Jeremy, whose gaze had been following his date. “She’s not the one, you know.”
Surprise filled his face. “Who says I’m looking for the right woman? I enjoy my single life.”
Sage’s brows lifted. “Yeah. You keep saying that, but the woman you’ll marry is just around the corner.” She tipped her head a little, studying him, making him squirm a little.
Joel shifted a little closer to Sage, his gaze darting around the park. He didn’t seem to think the comment weird at all.
Cami was surprised by Sage’s comment. She chuckled, trying to wave away the odd behavior—what was with this woman, anyway? “She’s making all kinds of interesting predictions today. I wouldn’t take all that woo-woo stuff too seriously.”
A flash of hurt crossed Sage’s face before it disappeared. “Obviously I’m just joking with you. No one can know stuff like that.” She turned back to talk with Joel as if to shut the rest of them out, leaving Cami to feel guilty about the comment.
There was a moment of silence before Hannah ran over to cajole Vince into dancing with her. Almost as one, the group stood and headed for the music tent.
<
br /> Chapter 11
When they had danced a few songs to the Mexican Banda group that had taken over while they ate, Vince led her to the edge of the dance floor where the others were sitting. “So, there’s a balloon launch in the morning. Either of you ever been up before?” he asked both Cami and Sage.
“I have. It was cool stuff. I did it once in high school.” Sage looked at Cami. “Dad happened to visit the right weekend, and paid for the two of us to go up. Of course he spent the time pointing out different kinds of plants and trees and lecturing me on erosion.”
Cami chuckled, despite the twinge of pain and sadness the comment brought up. “Sounds like him. I wish I could say I had a turn, but alas, my timing must have stunk.”
“You want to? I’m launching a balloon in the morning, I can take on an extra couple of people,” Vince suggested.
Cami grinned at the thought. “What do you think?” she asked Sage, hoping she’d say no thanks.
“I think you totally ought to go. One trip was fun, but I’m better off with my feet on the ground, thanks.” She rubbed her stomach and grimaced. “I didn’t mention that I felt more than a little queasy by the time the balloon landed again. I guess I wasn’t meant to fly.”
“So you want to come alone?” Vince asked Cami.
She ought to say no, but it wasn’t like anything untoward was going to happen in an air balloon. Spending the evening with him surrounded by family and friends cured her lingering wariness. She was starting to think he was just what he appeared to be—even if he had surprising facets. Ballooning. Huh. “It sounds like fun. I don’t get motion sickness, so I should be fine.”
“Wish I could go up with you,” Jeremy said. “But I’ll be taking pictures on the ground for the local magazine.”
“And they’ll be spectacular, since you’ll know what to expect,” Krissa said with a giggle.
He whispered something in her ear, making her giggle more.
“And I’m running the mountain bike race in the morning,” Gage said to Sage. “If you have some time, come over to Deer Mountain and I’ll show you around.” He mentioned a major ski resort in the area.
“Deer Mountain? You work over there?” Cami asked. She still needed to make some contacts in that direction.
“Yeah. I understand you’re the one who hooks guests up with last-minute passes and stuff.” Gage brushed off a fly buzzing past his face. “If so, I’m the one you need to speak with.”
“That’s my department. What can you do for me?”
They spent twenty minutes discussing summer events, ski packages, and activities organized by the ski resort year round. She wished she’d brought a notebook.
“Swing by on Monday and we’ll go over it in more detail, see if we can work out a package deal,” he suggested.
“I’ll do that. About ten work for you?”
“Perfect.”
Cami and Sage stayed and chatted for another hour before a glance at Sage told Cami it was time to say goodnight. “Thanks for a most entertaining evening, gentlemen.” Vince’s family had long-since returned home.
“You’re welcome.” Vince stood and helped Cami to her feet.
“It’s time I left, too. I’ll walk with you,” Joel said, and came alongside Sage.
“Be back soon,” Vince told his friends and the two couples walked off together.
Vince took Cami’s hand again as they headed for her car. Joel and Sage followed behind.
“I’m glad you could both join us tonight,” Vince said.
“Thanks for inviting us. Your family’s nice and so are your friends. In fact, Jeremy’s really great, I think maybe Sage’s comment to him might be about me.” Cami stopped teasing when Vince bumped her with his shoulder.
“Don’t you start talking about my friends like that or I’ll get a complex.”
“I doubt it. You don’t seem like the insecure type to me.”
“Shows what you know. Most every guy is the insecure type when they’re around beautiful, sophisticated, funny women.” He sent her a flirtatious glance, then looked over his shoulder. “Now, for tomorrow. You sure you don’t want to join us, Sage?”
“Quite sure.” The response was emphatic.
“Do you need some extra help with your ground crew?” Joel asked, ever formal and distant. “Since Jeremy and Gage are busy. I’d like to see how it works.”
“I can always use an extra set of hands,” Vince agreed.
Joel turned to Sage. “You want to ride along with me? We can join them here for the main parade. I wouldn’t want you to be all alone.”
She hesitated for only a moment. “Sure. I’ll come to the launch site with Cami and you can meet us there.”
“Great! My family would love to have you all join us for whatever part of the day you’d like.” Vince slid his fingers through Cami’s and gave them a quick squeeze. “We’ll have to leave at the crack of dawn to get set up and in the air on time. I’m more than happy to pick you up.”
“How early?” She only winced a little when she realized she’d have to wake up before five. “I’m up for it. Stop by for us on your way out there.”
“Will do.” He stopped when they reached the car and let Joel and Sage walk past them. “I’ll see you bright and early.”
Cami unlocked the car remotely for Sage, then shifted to face Vince. “I’ll be ready.”
“Good.” He lifted a hand, ran his finger along the right side of her jaw. His eyes said he wanted to kiss her, and he held her gaze for a long moment before putting a few more inches between them. “See you soon.”
“Yeah, bright and early.” Shivers rose on Cami’s neck and shoulder where he’d touched her. With some effort, she pulled away and took the two steps to her door. She was both glad he hadn’t followed through with the kiss, and a little disappointed. “Good night.”
As they pulled out of the parking lot, Cami enjoyed the hum of excitement zipping through her veins when she thought of the next day’s balloon ride, and considered her relationship with Vince could make her summer blues stay far, far away.
When they made it through the center of town at a crawl so as not to hit pedestrians, Cami noticed Joel behind them in his Jeep. She looked at Sage, who was staring out the window. A pang of guilt flashed through her. “Look, I’m sorry about what I said. I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.”
“Yes you did. But don’t worry, I’m used to it. And I shouldn’t have said anything to Jeremy, it just popped out. Next time I’ll keep it to myself.” Her tone was light and unconcerned, but she didn’t look back at Cami.
“I’m not trying to hurt your feelings.”
“Just leave it, Cami. I’ll try not to embarrass you again. But don’t be surprised when I’m right. I tend to be.”
Cami glanced in her rearview mirror as she pulled in front her the house and noticed Joel parking at the much-smaller place next door. “Joel is our neighbor.” She needed a change of subject.
“Yeah. He mentioned that.” Sage straightened, grabbing her things.
When they parked in the garage, Sage hurried from the car, not saying anything as they separated to their rooms for the night.
Cami thought she ought to be happy that Sage would avoid her now, but she felt bad about embarrassing her in front of near strangers. She decided to worry about it later. She had notes to make from her chat with Gage earlier.
Chapter 12
Cami couldn’t help but grin as she answered the door early the next morning. Vince stood on the other side, and the sky was starting to turn navy with the coming dawn. “Good morning.”
“Hey. Are you ladies ready to go?” He brushed the hair back from his face and took a quick scan over her blue jean shorts and form-fitting spring-green blouse. “You might want a jacket; it can get pretty cool if we get as much altitude as I expect.”
“I’m prepared.” She gestured behind her to the jacket lying across a nearby chair. “Sage should be here any second.” She’d been dow
n for breakfast earlier.
As if in answer, the sound of steps on the balcony echoed down to them, and Sage descended the stairs wearing a red, white, and blue T-shirt and slim khaki shorts. Her dark curls were caught back in a white baseball cap. “Let me grab my bag,” she said and moved to the kitchen.
“I wasn’t sure if you ladies would actually be ready. My sisters have a habit of keeping me waiting for fifteen or twenty minutes whenever I’m supposed to meet them somewhere or pick them up.”
Cami smiled, liking the way fondness entered his voice when he talked about his family. “Dad didn’t tolerate tardiness well.” George hadn’t been a bear about it, but it irked him, and she’d never wanted to displease him.
“No, he didn’t.” Vince tugged at an errant curl by her face and tucked it behind her ear. “You miss him.”
She wanted to deny it, but she couldn’t. “Yeah. I’m not too thrilled with him right now, but I miss him.”
Sage reappeared, wearing a sweater and with a backpack hooked over one shoulder. “Let’s go.”
“Going hiking?” Vince asked while Cami grabbed her jacket. He checked out the hemp sandals on Sage’s feet, which were definitely not hiking appropriate.
“No, just my camera, some extra bottled water, and something to collect flowers in case I find a few blooms I want to press. You said we might launch from a meadow, right?”
“Yeah. It’s not peak time for flowers, but I’m sure you’ll find a few that interests you.” He held the door open so the ladies could precede him, waiting while Sage set the alarm, and double-checked the door lock after he’d pulled it closed.
They rounded the edge of the garage and Cami could see the basket and a huge canvas bag sticking up above the sides of Vince’s truck bed. Excitement shot through her. “How far away is it?”
“Not too far, maybe ten minutes.” Vince pulled the passenger door open for them and assisted Cami and Sage inside before circling around to the driver’s door.
Cami tried not to squeeze too close to Vince in the cab, but it wasn’t built for three adults. She found herself straddling the stick shift, hip to hip with Vince as he pulled onto the road. His cologne wafted her direction, an intoxicating mix of spice, musk and man. “Do you usually launch from the same place?”
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