A Spot at Starlight Beach (Spotted Cottage #3)

Twenty-eight

Just what he needed – Liam Yorkley pushing his way back in.

“Hang on.” Cameron turned his head and smiled. “This is my good side.”

The woman with the camera snapped a picture. “Thanks.”

He tried to blink the flash out of his eyes. She was quite good-looking. “Will I be seeing you at the party later?”

Her eyes were focused on the camera lens. “No.”

“That’s a shame. We could’ve gotten to know each other a bit better.”

She looked up, eyebrow raised. “Do you mind? You’re in the way.”

He turned. Behind him, at the bottom of the red carpet, a black SUV sat with its door open. Bailey Jo stepped out, her long leg peeking out of the slit of a lilac gown.

“Bailey Jo!” He smiled, rushing to greet her.

“Hi, Cam,” she smiled, gathering her gown with her hands and walking past him.

Flashes erupted around her, not just from the photographer, but from the cell phones of guests on the red carpet.

Whatever. He could catch up with Bailey Jo later. He had more pressing issues. He needed to talk to Mackenzie, and not just about Liam.

Cameron had made up his mind. It would be best for everyone if she worked beneath him, or maybe as his sidekick – handling people like Bailey Jo while he dealt with the business side of things.

She could start right away. Maybe Bailey Jo would have more famous friends here? Russell was sure to have friends. Mackenzie could start unofficially working for Opuluxe tonight, striking while the iron was hot.

He cut through the red carpet and into the crowd.

Where could she be? He peered around the band. Couples bumped into him as they danced.

He walked through the open doors of the barn, brushing shoulders with people standing in the way.

Not there either.

He walked back out and spotted her standing under the massive white tent.

Cameron smiled and walked toward her. A red dress clung to her curves. She looked good.

She would look better on his arm.

“Mackenzie!” he called out, waving.

She turned, her eyes setting on him, and she smiled. “Hello there.”

“You clean up nicely.”

“Can’t say the same for you,” she said, lips pursed.

“Ha. Sorry I was late.”

“There’s no such thing as late to these sorts of things,” Mackenzie said. “I’m glad you made it.”

“Me too.” He paused. “I had some trouble getting past your bouncers.”

She scrunched her eyebrows. “We don’t have bouncers.”

He looked around. No sign of Liam. That was lucky. He’d gotten to her first.

Mackenzie’s grandma was there, glaring at him. What had he done to offend her? There wasn’t time to care.

He put his arm around her, walking her away from the eavesdropping group. “Do you remember when I told you about my engagement? The family threatening me?”

“Yes.”

He leaned in, close. “I can’t believe this, but one of them is here. My ex-brother-in-law – whatever you want to call him. He must be stalking me.”

Mackenzie shut her eyes. “You’re kidding. That’s terrible.”

“I know.” He sighed, stepping in front of her. “It really creeped me out.”

“Who is it?” Mackenzie’s scanned the crowd. “I can have Chief Hank arrest him.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m just surprised he’s here.” He took both of her hands in his. “His name is Liam.” He paused. Her eyes didn’t move. “Liam Yorkley.”

Mackenzie bit her lip. “Liam? Are you sure?”

“How could I forget?” He laughed. “I thought I’d have to flee to the American embassy to get out of the UK safely.” He laughed. “Kidding. Kind of.”

She looked over her shoulder, then back at him. “Liam’s harmless.”

Cameron narrowed his eyes. “What makes you think that? His family is dangerous. They’re smugglers.”

“I thought they did boat tours.”

“What do you think is really on those boats?” He sighed. “Hopefully your interactions with him haven’t been as dangerous as mine. Do you know him?”

She opened her mouth and sucked in a breath. “I do.”

“Do you…like him?”

“He’s Russell’s artist in residence. He’s been involved with Lottie.”

“Involved?”

She laughed. “Yes, involved. Why do I feel like I’m being interrogated?”

He put his hands up. “I’m just trying to make sure you didn’t fall into his clutches.”

She pulled her hands away. “I’m generally against falling into clutches.”

He put his hand on her waist and pulled her close. “Well, good. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

She stared at him, her mouth slightly open.

It was better if she didn’t keep asking questions. He wasn’t about to lose her connections because of Liam showing up.

He applied gentle pressure, leading her to the dance floor. “How about that dance you promised me?”