“And who is the woman you have over for dinner?”
“Woman?” His gaze moved to Blue. She was near the large oak tree and bent low to listen to whatever the little chatterbox was sending her way. Her dress clung to her body like skin, pressed tight because of the wind. And her hair was loose, flying this way and that, obscuring a face he knew was about as close to sex-kitten territory as was possible. She was so much more than that. His chest tightened at the thought, and he gave himself a mental shakedown.
This was dinner. That’s all. Nothing more. Nothing less. He was just thanking her for helping him and Tawny out.
Okay, big guy. If you say so. His sister-in-law’s voice rang through his head, and he frowned.
“Cam? You there?”
“Yeah.” He grabbed the platter of steaks once more. “I gotta get the meat on the barbecue, Ma.”
“Who’s the woman?”
He winced and looked up at the ceiling. His mother was stubborn as hell and wouldn’t give up. He could lie, but what was the point? A) He was a shitty liar a
nd B) This was Crystal Lake. Half the town probably knew who was at his house for dinner, and she’d find out sooner rather than later.
“Bluebell Barnes.”
“The widow Barnes? The woman who hired you for that big job?”
“That would be the only widow Barnes in Crystal Lake, Mom.”
There was a pregnant pause, and then he heard his mother clear her throat. “She’s your boss, Cameron.”
Great. The full Christian name was never a good thing. “Yes, she is. I’m doing her landscaping and her decking.”
“I hope that’s all your doing.”
“Christ, Mom. Really?”
“I’m just saying I haven’t heard good things about her is all. Macy Darlington told me she’s on a committee with her and that the woman doesn’t talk to anyone. She’s thinks she’s better than them.”
“Maybe that’s because Macy Darlington is a snob and the rest of the women give her attitude. This is a small town, Mom. It’s pretty cliquey.”
His mother ignored him.
“You do know David was old enough to be her father and then some. That she was a showgirl in Vegas, or a stripper even. And that Edward—”
Okay. Cam was shutting this down. “I’m not doing this with you, Mom. You don’t know anything about Blue. And as for Edward, that guy is a grade A douchebag.”
“That may be, but getting involved with her will be messy.”
“I’m not involved.” He clenched his teeth, and a muscle worked its way along his jaw.
“She’s at your house for dinner. I’d call that involved.”
“Not in the way you think.” He sighed. “Look. I know you mean well, but, Mom, I’m a big boy, and I can look after myself. Blue helped me out with Tawny, and I invited her for dinner as a thank-you. There’s nothing more to this. Honestly, Bluebell Barnes is the last woman in Crystal Lake I’d get involved with. Too much trouble. You don’t have to worry.”
Liar.
The word slipped through his brain as he ended the call and tossed his cellphone on the counter. He scowled, grabbed the steaks, and turned around.
Blue stood there with an empty glass in her hand. For a few seconds, the two of them stared at each other in silence. Gradually, Cam became aware that his heart was beating hard against his chest and a guilty flush crept up his skin. Had she heard his conversation?
“Hey,” she said softly. “I just wanted a refill and to see if you need any help.” She headed for his fridge and grabbed the Brita before pouring herself another tall glass. Blue nodded toward the tray of steaks and the pan of potatoes ready to roast. “You’ve got hidden talents, Booker. Who knew?”
“Everyone’s got stuff to hide.”