A Spot at Starlight Beach (Spotted Cottage #3)

Fourteen

It wasn’t strictly necessary for Cameron to make the trip to Stuart Island, but the benefits outweighed the hassle. The scenery was great, and the researchers were thrilled to finalize plans for their luxury cruise with Bailey Jo.

Seeing Liam again was a curveball. The tea shop was one thing – that seemed like bad luck – but after spotting him painting away at the hill overlooking the docks, it seemed like Liam was following him.

But how? And to what purpose?

Thankfully, Cameron managed to avoid being spotted. He waited until Liam was out of sight to return to the seaplane.

“Until we meet again, nutcase,” he muttered, slamming the door shut.

Opuluxe Escapes had been happy to charter a private flight for him. He was pulling in so many star clients that his boss said they were considering opening two new offices, including one in LA that he’d be in charge of.

Enough of the dreary clouds of the Pacific Northwest. It was time for his turn in the sun.

“Do you mind making a short detour?” he asked the pilot. “I need to make one last drop.”

They flew into Friday Harbor and Cameron caught a ride to the tea shop with a friendly woman he’d met near the docks. The parking lot of the little shop was empty this time around, devoid of prying eyes.

He walked in and spotted Mackenzie sitting at a table with a laptop and stack of papers.

“It looks like I just walked into a command center,” he said.

She spun around, her eyebrows bunched until her eyes settled on him.

Then, she smiled. “I’m a busy woman, Cameron.”

He slid into the seat across from her. “I see that. Do you mind if I join you for a moment?”

She turned her eyes back to her screen. “If you’re trying to pressure me, it’s not going to work. I still have a few weeks left here and there’s literally no one else to do the work.”

“Yeah, you mentioned that. Is it the Blackfish Ball?”

“I’ve got it up to here with this ball,” she said, chopping a hand to her forehead.

He snapped his fingers. “That reminds me.” He put a hand into his suit pocket. “I’ve come with news.”

“Something hand-delivered by Opuluxe Escapes, eh?” She took the check from his hand and slowly unfolded it, her eyes stopping at the number. “Well. That is very generous.”

“Anything for the whales.”

“I didn’t know Opuluxe cared about whales.”

He smiled. “Just this whale, to be honest.”

Mackenzie tucked the check away and smiled at him. “Thank you. That’s very kind.”

An older woman in an apron walked to their table. “Who’s your friend, Mackenzie?”

“Granny, this is Cameron from Opuluxe Escapes.”

“Oh, that’s right!” She shook her head. “Sorry, sonny, my eyesight’s not what it used to be.”

He stood and offered a handshake. “Lovely to meet you again! This tea shop is incredible. A real gem.”

“It is, isn’t it? What are you drinking?”

Cameron puffed out his cheeks. “I’m not a big tea drinker, to be honest.”

“How about an iced tea?” Granny suggested. “I can get you some maple bacon cookies, too.”

“I can’t say no to that.”

She smiled. “Right answer.”

He cleared his throat and took his seat. “Your grandma is adorable.”

Mackenzie peered over her screen. “Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. She’s scrappy, and you can’t turn your back on her.”

A younger woman appeared at their table. “Mack! You didn’t tell me you were having company today.”

“I didn’t know,” she said.

“Hi, I’m Cameron.”

“I remember. I’m Eliza, Mackenzie’s sister.”

He put a hand to his forehead. “Yes, of course. We met when that swarm of people came after Bailey Jo.”

“That’s right! How is she?”

“She’s well. Planning a trip to see some icebergs.”

Mackenzie cleared her throat. “Eliza, I think Granny needs some help.”

Eliza frowned. “Granny’s here?”

“Yeah, she’s buzzing around, forcing iced tea on people.”

Eliza winced. “Oh. I’ll go check on her.”

Cameron turned his attention back to Mackenzie. “What’s the dress code for the ball? I would check my invitation, but I don’t remember getting one.”

A grin spread across her face. “I’m so sorry for the oversight. Our party planning committee is short staffed.”

“No apology necessary.”

“The ball is black tie.”

“Not black tie and black and white?” he asked. “Seems like a missed opportunity for a black and white whale.”

“You’re free to wear whatever colors you like,” she said.

“Ah, so I am invited! Funny how these things work.” He smiled, standing from his seat. “Give your granny my apologies. I’ve got a plane waiting in the harbor.”

“No problem.” She nodded toward the door. “Actually, you can tell him to meet you here and use our dock.”

“Thank you, that’s helpful.” He stood. “Remember to save a dance for me, will you?”

She sat back and stared at him, a smirk on her lips. “I’ll see what I can do.”

He winked and walked out, a grin on his face.