Hometown Star by Joleen James Page A

said.
    “Maybe,” Cade said in a noncommittal way.
    “What do you think, Star?” Trudy asked, her eyes bright with hope.
    “I think you’re insane. Mom’s a man–magnet. I don’t think you want the kind of trouble she has the potential to stir up.”
    Cade continued to observe her mother, a thoughtful expression on his face.
    “What about you?” Trudy asked. “Would you consider filling in while you’re here?”
    Star shook her head. “I have a job.”
    “I’d like to ask your mother.” Cade swiveled back to face Star. “Trudy’s right. She’s a natural.”
    Star’s mouth dropped open. Never in a million years did she think Cade would go for Trudy’s suggestion. He didn’t like her mother, did he? Or was he as infatuated with her fake breasts as every other guy?
    Trudy clapped her hands. “Great. Let’s ask her after dinner.”
    Star took a big gulp of her ice tea, suddenly wishing she’d asked for wine. Her mother? Working for the O’Briens? Had everyone gone wacko?
    “Ladies,” Cade said. “I’m going to leave you to your drinks. The deep fryer is calling me.”
    “What’s going on between the two of you?” Trudy asked when Cade was out of earshot. “Cade’s looking at you like you’re a chocolate chip cookie he wants to eat.”
    Star’s cheeks heated. “He is not.”
    “Yes, he is. I haven’t seen him look at anyone that way for a very long time.” Trudy raised her eyebrows. “Are you interested?”
    “No,” Star said. “We have nothing in common. Besides, I’m leaving soon.”
    “So?” Trudy laughed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but have a fling. You don’t need to marry Cade or raise his kids. Cade’s a good guy. It’s summer. There’s magic in the air.”
    “Magic?” Star gave a dry laugh. “I think you’re reading too many romance novels, Trudy.”
    “Whatever.” Trudy shrugged. “I know sexual tension when I see it, and you and Cade have enough between you to set this place on fire.”
    Ron came toward them, a plate of fried fish in his hands. “Come eat, Star,” he called, halting their conversation. Then, “I’ll bring you a plate in a second, Trudy.”
    “Thank you, sweetie,” Trudy said with a smile. “Go eat, Star. I’m good right here.”
    By the time Star got to the table, the only open seat was between Cade and Brad. Star stepped over the bench to squeeze in between the two O’Briens. Trudy’s words still rang in her ears. Summer fling. Magic. Cade’s thigh brushed hers. Her body came alive in response. Wanting to put some space between them, she inched closer to Brad but then bumped against his thigh. Not good. In the end, she leaned a little more in Cade’s direction.
    Big mistake. His hard, muscled thigh pressed along the length of hers. Heat infused her leg.
    He leaned in and whispered, “You can sit as close to me as you want. I won’t bite.”
    His breath tickled her neck, sent a tingle to her toes. Was he trying to seduce her? Did she want him to?
    Somehow, Star made it through dinner with Cade’s leg pressed to hers. Never in her life had she experienced this level of sexual awareness of another person. Desire tied her stomach in knots. No matter their past, she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. She wanted him but at what cost to her pride? She wasn’t tramp material and she never would be. How did one have a fling without feeling cheap?
    Cade unfolded himself from the bench, holding his hand out to her. “Come on. I could use some help getting the coffee.”
    “All right.”
    Star glanced around. No one at the table was paying any attention to them. She took Cade’s hand, and let him lead her from the table.
    * * *
    Cade loved the feel of Star’s hand in his. Her smooth skin only added to his need for her, made him wonder what she’d feel like all over.
    She looked up at him, her green eyes bright with arousal, an arousal he’d put there. She could deny her attraction to him all she wanted, but he knew