The Thing About Trouble (Crystal Lake 1)

“I look pretty,” she whispered. “Like the princess in the story Cam read to me.”

A big old lump formed at the back of Blue’s throat. She nodded and felt tears prick the corners of her eyes. Was it because the little girl’s love of the dress was so obvious? Or was it because the image of Cam reading to Tawny made something inside her twist?

In that moment, she wondered about another little girl. When she’d been this age had someone read to her at night? Was she loved and clothed and fed?

“Why are you sad?”

Blue’s head jerked up at the question, and she swiped at her eyes, forcing a smile. “I’m not sad. I promise.”

Tawny’s sharp gaze was dubious, and Blue quickly changed the subject by asking her if she’d like to wear the dress home.

“Can I?” Tawny twirled and giggled, and it took a bit for Blue to calm her enough to remove the tags. When they emerged from the change room, she spied Cam up near the cash register smiling at something the sales lady was saying. She was attractive, in her mid-fifties, well dressed, and, from the looks of it, enjoying Cam’s company.

Typical. Was there no woman on the planet immune to his charm?

I am.

He turned as they approached, and his eyes softened. “Hey, Peanut, that’s a good look on you.”

Tawny preened at his compliment, and the thread that connected the two was obvious. Blue felt like an outsider and turned away, heading for another display, and busied herself picking out new undies and socks. From what she’d seen, Tawny’s were in sad shape. She returned to the counter and set them down.

Cam gave the woman, Hazel was her name, his credit card, and she rang the purchase up. Hazel handed over the bright orange bag that contained Tawny’s old clothes along with the extra purchases and smiled.

“You have a lovely child.”

Cam didn’t skip a beat. He nodded and gently pushed Tawny toward the door. “Thank you.”

That simple gesture made Blue’s heart constrict. She followed them out, and once more, Tawny had Cam by the hand, chattering constantly as he led the way outside. The little girl looked up at Cam as if he were her world, and Blue supposed that he was.

“Where you parked?” Cam asked suddenly, turning to Blue.

“Oh.” She frowned and glanced around. “That’s me over there.” She pointed to the sleek black Mercedes near one of the light standards and blushed at the look on Cam’s face. “The Honda is still, um, at the Coach House.”

Cam nodded a few rows over. “I’m here.” He paused. “Thanks for helping us out. The dress meant a lot to Tawny.”

“No problem.”

She almost said anytime, but that would imply some sort of relationship. And they didn’t have a relationship of any sort, other than employer and employee. Notwithstanding the dancing. But she wasn’t going to think about that.

“Are you coming for our barbecue?” Tawny pushed a handful of curls from her face and grinned up at Blue.

“I don’t…” She shook her head. “No.”

“Why not?” Tawny turned to Cam. “Can’t she come? Pretty please? We made enough cupcakes.”

“Cupcakes?” Blue’s gaze shot to Cam. “You made cupcakes?”

“I frosted them,” he replied daring her to say something.

Tawny nodded. “He did. And he put unicorn sprinkles on top.”

“Unicorn sprinkles. They must be impressive cupcakes.” Blue hid a laugh.

“Come for barbecue, and I promise you can have one.” Cam smiled wickedly.

Blue’s head snapped up, and her eyes slammed into Cam’s. “Oh no. I don’t want to impose.”

“You wouldn’t be.” His voice was warm with a hint of rasp, and she shivered in the heat, which was absurd. What the hell was wrong with her? “Do you have plans?”