9. CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 9
D awn was dressed and ready for an evening of ice skating with the teens and Liam. Her vintage Levi jeans hugged her slender legs and fell just right over her ankles. She wore a soft pink cotton shirt and pink sandals with a slight heel. Mary had taken her into town to a sports shop to get her own pair of skates, explaining that Liam and Lila had their own and it was better to have a personal pair. Dawn also bought a pair for Harper after Scott confirmed her shoe size. As she thought about her older brother’s recent comments, her eyes narrowed, and she fumed silently.
Dawn, are you sure you want to go ice skating? You remember you couldn’t skate, right?
Dawn had asked how he knew that she hadn’t been taking lessons. To which Scott had laughed and reminded her that she’d had two years of lessons when she was twelve.
“I can ice skate,” Dawn told Hicks, who barked in reply. “Thank you, Hicks. I know I might not be the most elegant skater, but I can stay upright and go forward.” Hicks barked. “Okay!” She pulled a face at him. “I do wobble a bit and fear hitting the ice and having my fingers chopped off by another skater.”
Woof, woof, Hicks barked.
“Trust me, it can happen. I’m not being paranoid,” Dawn assured him, grabbing her oversized tote bag that was filled with a change of clothes, two pairs of ice skates, her purse, and room card key. “Where’s my phone?”
She frowned, and Hicks took off somewhere while Dawn looked for her phone. He bumped her leg, and she turned and smiled when she saw him lay the phone at her feet.
“Aww…” Dawn’s brow crinkled. “You’re such a good boy.” She crouched and patted his head. “I may just have to steal you from Finn.”
Hicks barked again.
“Come on.” Dawn pocketed her phone and picked up his leash. “Let’s go drop you off with my brother.” They walked down the hall to Wade’s room. “Now I’m counting on you to keep an eye on my baby brother. He can get up to mischief.”
Hicks barked as if in understanding. She knocked on his door and froze when it opened, and she came face to face with someone she thought she’d never see again.
“Dawn!” Green eyes narrowed and turned cold, sending a shiver down her spine. “Capt. Jet. It’s for you.” He called over his shoulder. “And my queue to leave.” He gave Dawn a curt nod. Stepping past her, he patted Hicks. “Hey there, boy.”
“I’ll see you at the boat in an hour,” Wade came to the door.
“Sure thing, Cap.” He saluted and walked off.
Dawn stood staring in disbelief at the tall man’s broad shoulders as he walked toward the elevator.
“Hey, big guy,” Wade’s voice snapped Dawn out of her shock as she swirled and turned on her brother.
“ What is he doing here?” Dawn said through gritted teeth. Her heart was pounding with a mixture of fear and anger.
“If you’d bothered to answer any of my phone calls or read any of my messages over the past year, you’d know,” Wade told her, straightening. “And thanks for lunch today, by the way. I really enjoyed another day of being let down by my sister.”
“Don’t change the subject, Wade,” Dawn seethed. “What is Scott going to say when he hears about this?” Her eyes widened as another thought struck her. “You’re going to ruin Harper’s holiday when Scott demands she goes home now.” She shook her head as her anger started to boil to the rage meter. “What is wrong with you? That man and his sister nearly completely ruined your life.”
“Wow!” Wade said. His eyes closed off all emotions as he blanked her out. “You must get a lot of nosebleeds up there in your ivory tower.”
“Do the Blackwells know you’re hanging out with him again?“ Dawn asked, her eyes widened again. “Is he part of your crew?”
“Yes, and yes,” Wade answered her, turning, pushing the door open for her to enter, and walking into his suite.
Dawn followed him, looking around and was surprised to see how neat it was. She swallowed. Room cleaning must’ve just been in , she thought and looked at her brother. Wade walked to the dining room table, opened a file on the desk, took a few documents, and walked back toward her.
“Here you go,” Wade said, shoving the documents at her. “Crew list and sign off from Victoria and Arthur Blackwell.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “Want me to call them so you can verify I haven’t forged the documents?”
“I… Uh…” Dawn swallowed, and she hated herself for doing it, but she checked the document and knew she was going to speak to the Blackwells later. She shoved the documents back at him. “I’m just surprised they’d authorize him to sail Alex’s new boat to Plum Island, especially when—“
“Ben,” Wade snarled. “His name isn’t him, it’s Ben.“ He snatched the documents back from Dawn and slapped them back into the folder. “Ben was pardoned and released from prison a year ago, and if you bothered to check in with me at all once in a while, you’d know that.”
“What?” Dawn spluttered. “How could he have been pardoned? He was caught red-handed.”
“Was he?” Wade said. “Or was Ben really set up like he said he was?”
Dawn faced Wade with a mix of anger and heartache etched across her features. “ He dragged you down with him, Wade!“ Her voice trembled with suppressed rage. “You lost everything because of him... and his sister.”
“Don’t!” Wade’s voice was sharp, a stark warning. “Don’t bring Clem into this.”
“But she was involved, wasn’t she?” Dawn’s eyes narrowed, watching as a muscle in Wade’s jaw twitched uncontrollably. “Were you protecting her?” Her voice rose slightly, her words cutting through the tension like a knife. Despite knowing she should tread carefully, years of bottled-up emotions pushed her further. “It was her, right? She shattered your heart, and the moment you were in trouble, she abandoned you. Yet still, you’re protecting her?”
“Stop, Dawn.” Wade’s voice was a low growl, his fists clenching at his sides as his eyes darkened, stormy and foreboding. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Then tell me the truth!” Dawn’s voice broke as she shouted, frustration spilling over. “Tell me!”
“Just let it go,” Wade snapped back, his tone final. “I’ve paid for my mistakes, as have Ben and Clem.”
Dawn’s expression faltered, her face paling as a chill ran through her. “What are you saying?” She searched his face, desperate for a sliver of truth.
Wade’s gaze hardened, his features setting into an impenetrable mask. “I’m not admitting anything you think I am,” he said coldly. “Did you come here to apologize for blowing off our lunch or just to dredge up a past that our family buried long ago?”
Dawn stared at him, her heart sinking as she realized the futility of her quest for answers. She exhaled slowly, feeling defeated. Their eyes locked—both pairs violet, a shared trait from their mother. Yet, while hers were tumultuous with emotion, his were like frosted glass, revealing nothing of what was going on inside. Wade was a fortress with its gates firmly shut; she could sense the shadows behind his eyes but could never reach them.
“It doesn’t matter,” Dawn muttered. “I’ll make other arrangements.”
She pursed her lips and nodded, looking at her brother for a few more moments before slowly turning, giving Hicks a tight smile as he whined softly up at her, feeling the tension between the brother and sister.
“Come on, boy,” Dawn said softly.
“Dawn, wait!” Wade stopped her, and she turned back. “You look nice.” He gave her a small smile. “And as you have skates in your tote, I’d say you were going on an ice skating date.” He glanced at Hicks. “And because you brought Hicks here, I’m guessing you want me to look after him?”
She frowned. Dawn had forgotten how darn observant Wade was. “How did you know I had ice skates in my bag?”
“Dawn, you come up to my shoulder, and that back is bulging open,” Wade pointed out and frowned curiously. “Why do you have two pairs of skates?”
“One pair is for Harper,” Dawn told him. “It’s not a date. I’m going with Harper, Liam, and his daughter Lila, who has befriended Harper.”
“So, a family date then?” Wade said, grinning as he lightened the tension between them.
“I guess,” Dawn said, returning his smile and holding out the leash like a peace offering. “If you wouldn’t mind looking after Hicks?”
“I don’t mind,” Wade told her, taking the leash. “I’m sure his friend, Ritz, will be pleased to see him. Although she’s not fit to come out and play.”
“Why?” Dawn looked at him. Her eyes widened in alarm.
“When that woman flung Ritz last night, Ritz was injured,” Wade told her. “Don’t worry. I took her to the vet in Newbury Port this morning.”
“Thank you,” Dawn said. “That was so thoughtful.” She dug in her tote, looking for her wallet. “How much do I owe you for the vet?”
“Are you kidding me?” Wade looked at her in disbelief. “Did I ask you for money?”
“N... No!” Dawn said, repositioning the tote on her shoulder. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” She felt horrible. “It’s just that I know you…”
“I don’t need yours or any of the Vanderbilt money,” Wade assured her. His eyes searched hers for a few seconds before he sighed wearily. “I feel we’ve not made a good start here.” He gave a soft laugh. “Do you think we can start over maybe at lunch tomorrow?”
Dawn smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Then leave Hicks with me until tomorrow to ensure you don’t stand me up again,” Wade suggested.
“Okay.” Dawn smiled and patted Hicks. “Looks like you’re having a sleepover.” She stopped and looked at her brother. “Let me give you my card key so you can get his bowls and bed from my room.” She dug in her tote once again and pulled out her card key. “Here you go.”
“I’ll leave it with reception,” Wade told her. “That way, you don’t have to worry about the time you come back to the hotel.” He gave her a knowing smile. “I like Liam. He seems like a good guy and is absolutely bowled over by you.”
“What?” Dawn looked at her brother in shock. “No. It’s nothing like that. Liam and I are just good friends.”
“Uh, huh.” Wade nodded, but she could see he was buying. “If you say so.”
“We are just friends,” Dawn insisted as she walked to the door. “Friends and nothing more.”
“Right.” Wade nodded, opening the door for her, and glanced at Hicks. “What do you think, boy?” Hicks barked up at him. “Yeah, I agree.”
“Seriously, Wade, Liam and I are good friends,” Dawn told him again.
“I believe you if that’s what you say,” Wade said and smiled at her. “But I don’t think I’m the one you’re trying to convince here.”
Dawn just sighed and rolled her eyes, then changed the subject. “Are you sure you’re okay keeping Hicks?”
“We’re good,” Wade promised her. “Go enjoy yourself and try not to plow down the other skaters. They’re humans, not skittles.”
“I was wondering when you were going to get around to commenting on my ice skating skills.” Dawn laughed.
“I wouldn’t call them skills,” Wade teased, laughing when she punched him. “Ow.”
Hicks barked at her as if saying not hitting my friend.
“Traitor,” Dawn said to Hicks before rubbing his ears. “Be good. I’ll fetch you tomorrow.”
“At lunch with your baby brother,” Wade reminded her.
Dawn stepped over the threshold and turned to look at Wade holding the door with one hand and Hicks with the other. She was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion and threw her arms around his waist.
“I love you, little brother,” Dawn said softly.
“I love you too, big sister,” Wade replied, kissing the top of her head. His voice was suspiciously gruff when he said, “Now go, or you’re going to be late for your roller derby on the ice.”
Dawn shook her head at him as she stepped back, making him laugh. She turned, waved, and rushed to the elevator after checking the time on Wade’s watch. It was five minutes after six. Her steps were light as she descended to the ground floor, her mind clearing of all distractions.
As the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by the sight of Liam waiting in the foyer. His presence, tall at six-foot-three, commanded the space around him. His smile upon seeing her lit up the foyer, sending a jolt through her heart. He looked effortlessly relaxed and ruggedly handsome in a navy blue short-sleeved cotton shirt, the top three buttons left undone to reveal a hint of his tanned chest. The shirt hung casually over a pair of black jeans styled in a cowboy manner. Completing his outfit were sleek black men’s leather loafers, which added a polished yet comfortable touch to his look.
Dawn swallowed as he moved toward her, sure he could see her heart pounding through her chest—or hear it. It seemed so loud; she was surprised it wasn’t echoing around the room.
“Hi.” Liam’s voice was soft and seemed to caress her as he smiled at her. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Dawn managed to squeak before clearing her throat. “You look quite handsome yourself.”
“Why thank you,” Liam teased, giving her a slight bow before offering her his arm. “Shall we go collect the teens?”
“We shall,” Dawn said, immediately wanting to kick herself.
But she forgot about her dumb comment when she linked her arms through his and felt her pulse instantly pick up speed, and the flutter bugs in her stomach came alive, making her catch her breath.
Thirty minutes later, they drew up to the ice rink in Newbury Port with two excited teenagers bounding out the door the minute Liam had switched off the engine.
“Can I take my new skates, Aunt Dawn?” Harper asked, and as soon as Dawn nodded, she dug into the tote and pulled the figure skates out.
“These are awesome.” Harper’s eyes lit up, and she hugged Dawn as soon as she stepped out of the car. “Thank you so much, Aunt Dawn.”
“They are really nice,” Lila agreed and pointed to hers, already hanging over her shoulder by the laces. “They’re just like mine.”
“I know,” Dawn told Lila with a warm smile. “Mary told me what pair to get for Harper and said they were the same as yours.”
“I see you got the same pair; only yours are completely white, and mine have a pink stripe through them,” Harper pointed out as she handed Dawn the tote bag from the back seat and closed the door.
“Are we supposed to sling the skates over our shoulders by the tied laces?” Dawn teased as she looked at her three companions, whose skates were displayed that way. “Oh, you have hockey skates.” She pointed to Liam’s skates, which he’d retrieved from the trunk.
“Yup,” Lila answered for him. “My dad used to play hockey but gave it up to surf.”
“Really?” Dawn looked curiously at Liam as they followed the excited teenage girls into the center.
“Yeah.” Liam walked closely beside her. His scent of sandalwood tickled her senses. “I was torn between two sports I loved, but my love of surfing won the battle.”
“I want to say that you chose the less dangerous sport,” Dawn said as they walked into the ice rink, “but I’m torn over which is the more dangerous sport.”
“I was young,” Liam defended his actions, smiling, his eyes twinkling with humor. “I didn’t see the danger in either of them. I was led by my passion.”
“My passion was show jumping,” Dawn told him as they found a booth. She put her tote down and pulled her skates out.
“Really?” Liam looked at her in interest. “Did you do show jumping?”
“I did,” Dawn answered with a nod. “I had a few show jumping horses and two dressage horses.”
“You did dressage?” Liam’s eyebrows rose. “Isn’t that very British?” he teased.
“It’s actually Greek,” Dawn told him. “It traces back to classical Greek horsemanship. It was significantly evolved during the Renaissance period in Europe. It was prevalent in Italy and France, where it became part of military training and was used to put on shows for royalty.”
“Huh!” Liam said, pulling on his last skate. “I did not know that.”
“Sorry.” Dawn snorted as she shoved her foot into her last skate. “I didn’t mean to bore you with fun facts about dressage.”
“Not at all,” Liam told her. “I love hearing about your passions. I knew your one true love was for writing, but now I know you have three others.”
“Three others?” Dawn looked at him curiously.
“Yup.” Liam nodded, standing without even a wobble. Like he didn’t just have two deadly blades holding him up. “Dressage, show jumping, and obviously horses.”
“Of course.” Dawn laughed, wondering if she was going to be able to stand up and at least manage to wobble her way to the ice.
“Are you ready?” Liam asked.
Dawn’s eyes traveled behind him to where Lila and Harper were already skating around the ice like ice ballerinas, spinning, gliding, and jumping like pros. Show-offs .
“Sure.” Dawn sighed, pulling herself up on the table. “I have to warn you, though.” She felt her cheeks start to heat and was glad the lights were dimmer near the tables. “I’m not that good.”
“You should’ve said.” Liam looked at her with concern. “We don’t have to skate if you don’t want to.”
“No,” Dawn said, gripping onto the table and wondering if she could take it with her. “I would never hear the end of the story I told you so from my brothers.”
Liam chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. “Come on then. You can hold onto me instead of that poor table that you’re strangling at the moment.”
“Okay, let’s do this.” Dawn breathed out, her voice laced with nerves as she pushed herself away from the table and instantly regretted letting go.
Liam offered his hand, and she grabbed onto it. He stepped around her and placed his other hand on her back so he was behind her, supporting her as she stepped gingerly onto the slick ice. Her first steps were cautious, her body tense, but Liam’s steady grip and reassuring presence helped her wobble herself into the center of the rink.
“You’re doing great,” Liam encouraged, his warm breath tickling her ear.
“I really think we should stick to the side of the rink,” Dawn suggested.
“Here, there’s hardly anyone,” Liam pointed out. “The flow of traffic tends to be around the side of the rink.”
“Good point,” Dawn said, looking around. “It’s been a while since my last attempt at a mass murderer on ice.”
“Come on, I’m sure you’re not that bad.” Liam chuckled.
“No?” Dawn said, “The last time I skated, I was with my brother Scott, his wife, and Harper. It was Harper’s birthday, and she was having it at an ice rink in New York.”
“That must’ve been awesome,” Liam told her, gently turning her so she could face him, and he took both her hands.
“It was,” Dawn told him. “That was until I decided to get on the ice.” She shook her head. “I was doing fine until two of the kids swished past me. One knocked me. I spun, then almost did the splits, corrected my uncoordinated legs, did a road runner type thing with my feet before I hit the ice, and went spinning into a group of the parents who were skating.”
“Oh dear.” Liam’s eyes shone with mirth as he pursed his lips, trying not to laugh.
“My brother’s nicknamed me the ice skating bowling ball,” Dawn admitted. “Parents hit the deck like a bunch of skittles. If I was bowling, it would’ve been a perfect strike. I took out every adult in my way.” She saw him choke as he held back his laughter. “Go ahead,” she encouraged, her lips twitching as she remembered the scene. “Harriet didn’t hold back. She also took pictures and then asked me if I could do it again so she could get it on video.”
Liam laughed, the sound rich and warm. “That’s awesome,” he said. “Now I’m going to have to ask to see those pictures.”
“Yeah!” Dawn sighed. “Alex had one as a screensaver on his phone for a year.”
“Well, I think you’re actually doing really well right now,” Liam said, glancing at her feet. “Look around you.”
Dawn’s head turned. She hadn’t even realized she was skating almost perfectly. Gliding across the ice and backward. Or, more accurately, she was being pushed by Liam, who was an excellent skater.
“Oh!” Dawn said in surprise. “Look at that. I’m moving without wobbling or trying to kill someone on the ice.”
“There you go,” Liam said encouragingly.
Harper and Lila circled back, smiling encouragingly at Dawn.
“You’re doing great, Aunt Dawn!” Harper called out, executing a small pirouette that made Dawn’s heart leap just watching it.
“Don’t worry, Dawn,” Lila reassured her. “You’ll be doing this in no time.”
Lila toe-picked, toe-picked, and then did a jump spin and landing without even the slightest hesitation as she executed a perfect toe jump.
“No.” Dawn shook her head, laughing, her grip tightening on Liam’s hand as she felt her feet start to try their own thing again. “I somehow doubt that.”
“Don’t worry about them,” Liam said, steadying her. “Look at me.” He lifted her chin, and she grabbed his other arm with both hands as she felt herself stumble. “It’s okay.”
Liam’s arm encircled her waist, and he pulled her to him as he gently glided them back to the center of the rink. His eyes captured hers, and he put her hands on his shoulders as if they were about to slow dance.
“I have to warn you,” Dawn told him, trying to keep him from seeing how much being so close to him was playing havoc with her emotions, “I dance about as well as I skate.”
“I’ve seen you dance,” Liam reminded her, his eyes darkening, and a slow smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “And we’ve had many dances. As far as I remember, all my toes are still intact, and no one on the dance floor was harmed.”
“It was a good night.” Dawn’s voice dropped as her eyes locked with his, and she felt herself being pulled into their depths.
“Glide with me.” Liam’s voice was soft and caressing.
He started moving backward slowly, and Dawn nearly toppled them a few times as she wobbled and slipped, trying desperately not to repeat her roadrunner bowling ball move. A few miss-steps and giggles later, she managed to fall into a rhythm with Liam. Dawn was so proud that she was even able to move backward in an ice-slow dance with Liam.
Lila and Harper sipped on sodas at their booth as they watched Liam and Dawn on the ice.
“It looks like another successful operation,” Lila said, grinning.
“Mmm.” Harper’s eyes narrowed. “I think we need to heat things up a little, though.” She raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, no!” Lila said, sighing and looking at her new bestie. “What have you got in mind?”
Harper told Lila about her aunt’s disasters on the ice, including her birthday party. After the girl finished laughing over the incident, Harper’s mouth lifted in a half smile when they turned and looked at Liam and Dawn.
“We’re going to whirlwind them,” Harper said.
“You want us to swirl, Dawn?” Lila looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Do you think that wise, especially after what you told me about your aunt’s luck on the ice?”
“Your father’s not going to let go of her, now is he?” Harper smiled smugly.
Lila’s face sobered as she realized what Harper was getting at. “Ohhhh.” She nodded and started grinning. “Let’s do this.”
They finished their sodas and stood walking on the ice. “Let’s dance around them,” Harper suggested. “I’ll take my aunt. You take your father. We skate with them. All join hands. Make sure they hold hands, and we’re on the outside.”
“I get it,” Lila said, loving the plan. “We do a spin and wind them together.”
“Then let go,” Harper said. They fist-bumped and skated off to execute their plan.
Dawn and Liam were lost in their own world as they stayed wrapped in each other’s arms, skating back and forth.
“See, it’s not that bad.” Liam’s voice was deeper than usual and his eyes darker.
“Only because I’m using you as a skate trainer.” Dawn laughed. “You know that penguin thing kids use to push around the ice that helps them balance.”
“I don’t mind being your penguin,” Liam said, grinning. “And you’re doing great.”
“So you keep saying,” Dawn said. “But I promise you as soon as you let go, I’m spinning off, and there’ll be casualties.”
“I have the emergency services on speed dial,” Liam promised.
“Can we join you?” Lila said as she and Harper skated up to them.
Liam and Dawn drew apart, and Dawn was amazed at how balanced she was when Harper took her one hand.
“Come on, Aunt Dawn, you got this,” Harper encouraged. “What did you tell me when you were teaching me to ride?”
“If you don’t get back up, you’ll always let fear overrule your love of riding,” Dawn repeated.
“Dad told me you loved skating,” Harper told her. “But after a few accidents, you lost your confidence.”
“Your father has a big mouth,” Dawn told her with a laugh as she concentrated on trying to keep the feeling of the rhythm she had with Liam while maintaining a death grip on her niece’s hands.
“Want to try a turn?” Harper asked her.
“No.” Dawn shook her head. “I’m quite happy just moving around in one direction.”
“You were going backward and forward not too long ago,” Harper pointed out. “I’ll hold you.”
“Sweetheart, trust me, if I start to slide or spin, even Taz would be jealous of my destruction prowess.” Dawn was feeling more confident as she glided along, breaking the bones in her niece’s hand.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Aunt Dawn,” Harper told her. “Look how well you’re doing.”
“Only because you’re holding my hand and keeping me balanced,” Dawn pointed out. “And I’ll pay for the x-rays and cast after we’re finished here.”
“Come on,” Harper smiled and picked up the pace. “Let’s join Liam and Lila.”
Dawn glanced around and watched Liam skate with Lila. She felt the breath catch in her throat once again at how well he skated. Even in hockey skates, he glided around the ice with Lila, jumping and spinning.
“He’s good,” the words escaped Dawn’s lips before she could stop them and came out in a breathless pur.
“He really is,” Harper agreed. “Come on. Let’s join them.”
“No.” Dawn shook her head. “Let them have some fun.”
But Liam looked up, and their eyes locked once again. He smiled, took Lila’s hand, and they skated over to where Dawn and Harper were standing against the side of the rink.
“Join us,” Liam held out his hand to Dawn, and she latched onto it. She was sure Harper breathed a sigh of relief when Dawn let go of her hand.
“You’re doing so well, Dawn,” Lila complimented Dawn.
Harper and Lila joined hands, and Harper took Dawn’s free hand to complete the circle. Much to Dawn’s horror, they started to move in a direction she had yet to master. Her feet began their slidey trick as Dawn started to wobble. Luckily, Harper had the foresight to let go of Dawn’s hand as she began to sway like a tree tossed about by a strong wind.
The next thing Dawn felt was her body starting to go one way while her feet continued in the other direction, but just before she fell, Liam grabbed her and pulled her against himself. Their faces were inches apart. Dawn could see the flecks of green in his blue eyes, his breath mingling with hers. Her heart pounded against her ribs as the world around them seemed to fade, shrinking into a spotlight that only illuminated the two of them, lost in each other’s embrace.
Their lips were moving toward each other. “Dawn.” Liam’s voice was a hoarse whisper as his lips brushed hers.
Just as Dawn started to melt into him, someone knocked into them, nearly sending both crashing to the ice. They laughed as Liam’s quick reflexes saved them, but not before they were spun into a flurry of arms and legs flying in all directions as they skidded and slid across the ice.
After that, they decided it was time to leave and grab a bite to eat. Dawn and Liam kept the conversation light, carefully skirting around what happened between them on the ice. Two hours later, after they’d dropped Lila and Harper at Betty’s house, they made their way back to the hotel. Still, they skirted around the kiss as Liam asked her about her horses.
Liam walked her into the hotel. They were careful not to get too close or touch. Dawn got her card key, which she was glad to see her brother had remembered to drop off at the reception. Liam walked her to her room door.
Dawn opened her room and turned to look at Liam standing in the doorway. “Do you want to come in for some tea or hot chocolate?”
“Sure,” Liam said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
Dawn walked to the kitchenette on shaky legs, hoping Liam didn’t notice. She put her room card key on the kitchen counter and put the water on. “Take a seat.” She smiled as she picked up her tote and walked toward her bedroom. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Dawn disappeared into her room and closed the door, leaning against it while her heart raced, and she drew in a few breaths to get control of her emotions. She pushed herself away from the door and was about to kick off her sandals when an object on her nightstand caught her eye.
Her eyes widened. “What the…” She breathed, rushing over to it.
Waves of shock coursed through her, and a sick feeling sloshed around in her stomach as the implications of what she was looking at hit her.
“Oh, please, no!” Dawn breathed, hit by a mix of emotions. “Liam!” she yelled.
The door burst open, and Liam was by her side in a flash.
“Dawn!” Liam’s voice was laced with panicked concern. “What is it?” What happened?”
Dawn pointed to the nightstand.
“Is that?” Liam’s eyes widened as he stepped forward. “It looks bulky.” He looked at her. “May I open it?”
The shock had her floored, and her voice was stuck in her throat. All she could do was nod. Liam opened it and sucked in his breath.
“It’s my journal,” Dawn said as Liam picked up the items that were left on the front cover of the book.
“As well as your wristwatch and Lila’s locket.” Liam’s voice dropped as he turned to Dawn. “I have to tell you something.”
“That there are hidden passages in the new part of the hotel as well?” Dawn had never wanted hidden passages linking to her room as badly as she wanted to hear it right now. Because that would be a better explanation than what she feared it really was.
“No.” Liam’s voice was soft. “The detectives I met with today suspect your brother and his crew of being the phantom thieves.”
Dawn hadn’t taken her eyes off the items in his hands. While she heard what Liam was saying, Dawn didn’t want to believe it and tried to deny it was the first thought that had hit her when she’d seen the journal.
“They weren’t even in the area when my journal, watch, or locket were taken,” Dawn said, still staring dumbly at the items in Liam’s hand.
“No, Dawn,” Liam said. “Your brother and his crew arrived in Newbury Port two weeks ago.”
Red-hot anger burst inside her like Fourth of July fireworks. Before she could stop herself, she snatched the items from Liam and stormed off—destination: Wade’s room.