The Thing About Trouble (Crystal Lake 1)

“Okay,” she replied with a giggle. “That sounds interesting.”

Blue typed quickly, and as the song erupted from her phone, Tawny started to move. Blue watched in wonder as the little girl went through all the moves and made up a few of her own. Blue found a playlist of pop songs and joined in, and for the next twenty minutes, the two of them danced their hearts out. She showed Tawny a few easy jazz moves, and she wasn’t surprised at how quickly she picked up—the girl was a natural.

She showed her how to do a plié and then first and second position. Tawny even got the arm work down pat. Blue was lost in a world she’d forgotten existed. Dancing in Vegas had been a means to an end. It had put food in her belly and a roof over her head. It was nothing like this. She kicked off her boots and began the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, which was one of her favorite works. Lucky for Blue, her jeans were the kind that moved easily, and she her limbs were fluid, her feet dancing with a precision she hadn’t used in years.

The music was a delicate balance of power and beauty, and when it was done, she bowed her head, heart banging against her chest, blood singing with joy. Tawny ran to her side and wrapped her little arms around her legs, caught up in the magic Blue felt.

A loud clapping broke the silence, and Blue glanced up. Her heart burst from her chest, and, embarrassed, she looked away, afraid she was going to start crying. She’d been so caught up in feeling alive that she’d forgotten, for a moment, she’d told him to join her here. Cam knew about the space and that she wanted to start her own dance studio. But this was the first time he’d seen it.

“Did you see Blue dance?” Tawny’s excited voice cut through the silence. “She’s the best dancer in the whole wide world.”

“I think you’re right about that, kiddo.” Cam’s voice was warm and carried that husky note that did weird things to Blue’s insides. She was hot and cold at the same time.

“What do you think about the space?” she asked softly. “I mean, it needs work. The floors. Mirrors. Change rooms.”

“I think it’s perfect. I think it will be cutting edge. The acoustics are incredible. You’ve found your place, Blue.” He paused. “Congratulations.”

“Are you guys gonna kiss again?” Tawny put her hands on her hips and made a face. “I’m hungry, and it takes too long when you kiss.”

Blue turned away and tried to stifle her laughter.

Cam scooped Tawny up into his arms. “As soon as Blue puts her boots back on we’re going to hit the Fair and you can go on some rides and see the horses and cows and goats.”

“Can I have a candy apple?” Tawny cupped Cam’s face and asked the question so earnestly that Blue was surprised when he didn’t give an immediate yes.

“After you have something healthy, you can have a candy apple or candy floss or whatever you want.”

“I want a candy apple.”

“Okay. Candy apple it will be.” Cam looked over her head at Blue. “If Blue’s a good girl, I’ll make sure she gets a treat too.”

Tawny yanked her head around. “Do you like candy apples too, Blue?”

Mouth dry, she shrugged. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a candy apple before.”

“Trust me,” Cam replied with a wicked grin. “You’ll love my treats.”

Anticipation sparked new energy, and Blue gathered up her purse. When Cam offered his hand, she took it. They left the studio and strolled ten minutes down Main Street, headed for the fall fair.

Mrs. Avery, the florist, waved as she was locking up and thought, What a beautiful family. She wondered, briefly about the child, since as far as she knew, Cam had never fathered one. But it was only a brief thought, and she pushed it aside as quickly as it had come. She locked up and headed home for a nice cup of tea.

Beatrice, the owner of Coffee Corner, noticed them as they passed by. A newcomer to Crystal Lake for only five years or so, she didn’t know Cam or Blue. But the sight of a young couple, obviously in love and with a child to bind them together, brought a smile to her face. She watched them until they disappeared around the corner, no doubt headed to the fair. Oh, to be young and in love, she thought with a smile.

Blue, Cam, and Tawny were oblivious to anything outside the little cocoon they’d created. They didn’t notice the man who stood on the corner glaring at them as they paid their way at the entrance gate to the fair.

Didn’t notice the hand that shook in rage as he pulled out his cellphone. Or the tense line to his mouth as he made a call. Or the way he spat into the phone as he launched into a long and heated conversation.

When the woman he was seeing, Olivia, showed up with her little brat, Lissa, he ignored them and made them wait nearly ten minutes until he was done with his call. Then he coolly shoved his cell phone back into the pocket of his leather jacket and crossed the street, not bothering to wait for Olivia and the brat. He knew they’d follow the same way that he knew later tonight, Oliva would get down on her knees and blow him into tomorrow.

Edward Barnes always got what he wanted.

And the bitch who’d been a thorn in his side for nearly four years had just given him the ammunition he needed to keep that particular status quo. A cruel smile curved his mouth as he entered the fairgrounds with Oliva and her kid.

“How about some saltwater taffy?” It wasn’t a question—not really. Edward didn’t care to listen for an answer, because Olivia’s opinion didn’t matter.

He’d been craving mint taffy all day. Who cared what they wanted?

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