Piper had dinner in the bar at the resort on Monday evening. It had been a long day in the office with Rochelle. Piper wasn’t cut out for admin work. She never had been. She preferred to be doing—out flying—rather than sitting staring at a computer, but it was her goal to become a valuable part of the team at the airport. She was prepared to do whatever it took, and Rochelle was a great teacher, with seemingly limitless patience!
“Hello, it’s good to see you out and about.”
Piper smiled when Laura’s Aunt Chris, took a seat beside her at the bar. “You, too. How are you?”
“I’m doing wonderfully, thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Are you meeting Jack and Dan?”
Chris laughed. “No. I brought myself out for dinner.”
“Good for you.” Piper liked Chris; she was an inspiration. She’d been by herself ever since Piper could remember, and she’d raised her boys and lived a full life. Now she seemed to be making the most of her independence—no matter how hard Jack tried to keep an eye on her.
“Do you mind if I join you?”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve just eaten. I’m about to head home.”
“No problem. I bet you’re tired; are they working you hard at the airport?”
Piper smiled. “It’s great. I love it, but today was an admin day, and my brain is fried.”
Chris laughed. “You head on home then. Put your feet up. Did you rent a place?”
“No, not yet. For now, home is just a room here. But I am going to start looking after work tomorrow.”
“Good luck with that. There seem to be a few nice places up for rent at the moment.”
“Thanks.” Piper was keen to find a place. She wanted to get settled then Summer Lake would really start to feel like home. Any other evening, she would have stayed and hung out with Chris while she ate, but she was hoping that Cameron would call her soon. He’d said he would. She shook her head as she ran up the stairs in the lodge. She shouldn’t be hanging out by the phone waiting for a guy to call. That wasn’t the right way to start her new life. She should be out making friends. She let herself into her room and stopped when she saw them. Wow! A dozen red roses were sitting in a vase on the dresser. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she went to them and looked for the card.
She found it and tore it open. They were from Cameron. Just as she’d hoped. It wasn’t as if there was anyone else who might send her flowers.
Thanks for a great weekend.
See you Friday.
Cameron
Xxx
She couldn’t wipe the big silly smile off her face. He sent her roses! No one had ever done that. She hugged the card to her chest. This was awesome.
Her phone rang, and she dug it out of her purse. It was him.
“Hello?”
“Hey. It’s me. Did you get the flowers?”
“Yes, thank you! They’re beautiful. That was so sweet of you.”
“I’m glad you like them. How was your day?”
“It was good. Not my favorite kind because I was in the office and not in the air, but it was good. I think I’m going to love it there.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.”
“How about you?” She realized as she asked that she knew nothing about what he did. She knew he was the CEO of a huge company, but she didn’t know what that meant—how he spent his days. “How was your day?”
“It was good. Busy as always.”
“What do you do?”
He laughed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean what do you all day. I know you make wine and distribute it, but what do you actually do?”
“I do all kinds of stuff. I meet with buyers, I oversee production, I make decisions about the harvest. A million and one things, really.”
“And what did you do today?” It was important to her to have some idea, to be able to picture him in his world, even though she’d probably never see it—or perhaps because of that.
“Hmm. This morning I had to go through a bunch of reports, quarterly projections for the distribution chain. Then I had lunch with my assistant, and then I spent the afternoon in a meeting with the sales and marketing guys about expanding our network of tasting rooms.”
“Wow.”
He laughed. “Yeah, it was a busy day, but I had trouble concentrating on it all.”
She smiled. “And why was that?”
“Because I kept thinking about you, and what you might be doing. And looking forward to calling you.”
“Aww, you’re too sweet.”
He laughed. “That’s not something I normally get called, but since it’s you, I’ll take it as a compliment.”
“Good. That’s how I meant it.”
“I think this week is going to be a long one.”
“Are you very busy?”
“No more than usual. I just can’t wait to get back there.”
She grinned. She hadn’t known how this conversation might go, she’d been a little concerned that it would be stilted and awkward, but he seemed keen to chat, and he wasn’t shy about looking forward to seeing her again. “I can’t wait for you to get here. What do you want to do?”
“Whatever you like. We can take a boat out again or go four-wheeling or whatever you feel like. I think we should cram in as much as possible. Make the most of the time we have.”
Piper frowned. Did that mean this weekend would be it?
“You’ve gone quiet on me.”
“Sorry. I didn’t realize you wanted an answer to that.”
He chuckled. “I didn’t. I just think I know you well enough to know that you took that wrong.”
How did he know?
“All I meant was since we only get the weekend and not the rest of the week, we should make the most of the two days we have.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Do you think at some point you’re going to relax and accept that I’m not just looking for a quickie and a goodbye?”
She laughed. “Sorry. I’ll try.” She didn’t want to be a constant downer. This was supposed to be fun. “I hope you are still looking for a quickie, though?”
He laughed. “Err, yeah.”
“Good, me too. Do you know when you’re coming?”
“Yeah. I talked to Gene about it last night. He’s flying some of the execs back from Sacramento on Friday afternoon, but he’ll be able to bring me up there after that. I should be there by seven.”
“Do you want me to pick you up at the airport?”
“That’d be great.”
“Okay. I’ll do that.”
“Do you want to have dinner at the resort?”
She’d already thought about that. She knew that it’d be busy and they’d no doubt run into a whole bunch of people if they ate there. “Maybe. I’ll figure something out.”
“Do you think you might have a place by then?”
“I’m looking, but I doubt I’ll have anything that soon. I’ve heard about another couple of places to eat, so I thought I’d check them out before Friday, see if I can take you somewhere different.”
“Great, it’d be good to check out somewhere new.”
“I’ll let you know what I discover.”
“Or you can just surprise me. I’ll do whatever you say.”
She laughed. “Ooh, that sounds like it could be fun.”
He laughed with her. “It does, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, and I think I’ll leave you on that note.”
“You need to go?” He sounded disappointed.
“Yes. I’ve got a lot to do.”
“Okay. Talk soon?”
“I’d like that.”
“Me too.”
“Bye then.”
“Bye.” Piper hung up and sat down on the bed. Why had she said she had to go? She didn’t need to; she could have talked to him all night if she wanted to. She still didn’t feel comfortable, though. He was right. She needed to relax and start believing that he was calling because he wanted to talk to her—why else would he?
~ ~ ~
Cameron paced his office on Friday afternoon, waiting for a call to say that Gene was back and ready to take him to Summer Lake.
Mary Ellen popped her head around his office door. “Do you want to make yourself useful while you’re still here?”
He frowned at her. “No.”
She laughed. “Okay, grouch. Forget I asked.”
“Sorry, Gene was supposed to be back half an hour ago, and I’m waiting to leave. I don’t want to get started on anything and then have to go. What did you want?”
“It’s okay. I don’t need anything, I was just trying to distract you while you wait.”
He gave her a hard stare. “Is that true?”
“Kind of. I’m tearing my hair out over the seating plan for next weekend. I wanted to see if you can find a way to keep Larissa away from Mel without putting either of them anywhere near Natasha. It’s your cat fight.”
Cameron made a face. He’d forgotten all about the dinner next weekend. “Can we uninvite them all? That’d make life easier.”
Mary Ellen shook her head. “No, we cannot, and before you even suggest it, you can’t uninvite yourself either.”
He gave her a rueful smile. He’d love to skip it, but he knew that wasn’t an option. It was a fundraiser dinner he hosted every year for the children’s wing at the hospital. “Are you sure?”
“Yup. There’s no getting out of it. Not even for your new lady.” She raised her eyebrows. “Are you bringing her?”
Cameron blew out a sigh. He’d like to. He hadn’t planned to, but only because he’d forgotten about the whole thing and was planning to go to see her. “I don’t know.”
“I don’t blame you. I don’t think throwing her to the wolves would be the best way to introduce her to your world.”
Cameron nodded. Mary Ellen wasn’t the only one who’d noticed that he wasn’t entertaining the ladies like he normally did. That and his disappearing every weekend had the grapevine humming with rumors that he had a new girlfriend. He wasn’t sure he wanted to subject Piper to that. If he brought her to the dinner, she’d be faced with meeting everyone at once. Larissa and Mel would no doubt interrogate her. But if he didn’t invite her, then he wouldn’t get to see her next weekend.
“You’ll figure it out.” Mary Ellen gave him an encouraging smile.
His phone rang, and he picked it up. “Gene sent a message for you that he should be refueled and ready to go in fifteen, Mr. Hamilton.”
“Thanks.”
Mary Ellen grinned at him. “I take it your chariot awaits?”
He nodded.
“Have a great weekend, and forget about all this. You go enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks, Mary El. What does your weekend hold?”
She smiled. “I’m going shopping with Chelsea.”
“Cool. Have fun.” He hesitated. “Have I been so preoccupied that I’m missing something?”
Mary Ellen shook her head. “Nothing that won’t wait until Monday. But when you get back, you might want to check in with your little sister. She’s okay, but I’m sure she’d love to catch up with you.”
Cameron frowned. “Should I call her now?”
“No. I don’t think you need to. I’ll let you know if you do.”
“Thanks, Mary El.” He gave her a hug. She was so much more than an assistant. She was part of the glue that held his life and the business together. Whatever was going on with Chelsea, he trusted Mary Ellen’s judgment that it wasn’t anything urgent. But he should check in with her soon.
When he left the office, he didn’t have far to go to get to the plane. The Hamilton-Groves office building was housed on his parents’ estate—next to a private runway. The runway ran east west. At one end was the corporate hangar, which the execs and visitors used when they flew in and out. At the other was the private hangar, which housed the family’s jet. On occasions like this, when Gene was pulling double duty—flying the execs around then taking off again on Cameron’s personal travel, Cameron always went to meet him wherever he was. He liked Gene. He’d been with the family a long time—hell, he felt more like family than an employee.
Cameron didn’t even bother to move his car. He left it in the lot outside the office and walked over to the hangar.
“Sorry, I was late back,” said Gene.
“No problem.” Cameron smiled at him. He looked tired. “Has it been a long week?”
“No.” Gene shook his head, looking puzzled. “It’s been fairly light, but I’ve got to tell you, Cameron, it doesn’t feel like it. I think I might be getting too old for this game.”
Cameron laughed. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He hoped so. Gene was in his late fifties, and Cameron assumed he’d be with them until he retired—though he wasn’t sure what age pilots did retire.
“I wish I was. I’m worn out, and I don’t have reason to be. I’ve only flown a couple of short hops this week. Speaking of which.” He looked out the window as the fuel van pulled away from the plane. “It looks like we’re set for your short hop.”
“Do you feel up to it? I could drive.” Cameron didn’t really want to drive; that’d take hours, but if Gene didn’t feel up to it, he’d rather he went home.
Gene shook his head. “No. Of course not. This one’s an easy flight. I’ll be back here in no time and home early enough to make my wife smile.”
Cameron laughed. “That’s always a good thing.”
Gene nodded vigorously. “It sure is.”
“Okay, let’s go then, so you can back.”
As he followed Gene out onto the tarmac, he sent Piper a quick text.
I should be there at seven.
By the time he’d taken his seat and fastened his seat belt, she’d answered.
I’ll be there waiting.
He couldn’t wait to see her again.
~ ~ ~
“What are you doing back here?” asked Luke as Piper pushed her way through the main doors of the FBO building.
She laughed. “Nice to see you, too.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that you’ve been working your ass off all week. I thought you’d be glad to be out of here and off enjoying the weekend.”
“I will be very soon. I’m only here to pick up a friend. Anyway, what are you still doing here?”
“I was teaching. My student just left.” He grinned. “Nice try at changing the subject, but can I guess who this friend is?”
Piper shrugged. She liked Luke. She had a feeling he was going to be a good friend. They’d chatted a few times during the week. She’d told him a little bit about her and Cameron, and he’d told her a little bit about him and Angel. Neither of them really had much to tell—yet, but they were both hoping to. “Probably.”
“So, he’s come back to see you?”
She grinned. “Yes.”
“That’s awesome. I hope you have a great weekend.”
“Thanks. You too. Will you be seeing Angel?”
Luke made a face. “Only if I take myself over to the lodge at Four Mile and sit around while she works.”
“Aww, doesn’t she ever get any time off?”
“I think she could if she wanted to, but she never takes it. She’s a workaholic.”
Piper shook her head. “I bet she wouldn’t be if you’d just show her how much fun she could be having instead.”
“Yeah, I’d love to try, but I haven’t had any luck so far.”
“I’ll keep them crossed for you.” She waggled her fingers in the air, then turned to look out the window at the sound of jet engine approaching. They both watched as it touched down.
“Perfect landing,” said Luke. “One day I’ll be as good as him.”
Piper smiled. “Yes, you will. He’s been flying for over thirty years.”
“Yeah, he’s a nice guy. I chatted with a him a little last weekend.”
“He is.”
Luke grinned. “But he’s not the guy you want to see right now. It’s the guy he’s bringing. Listen, I’m out of here. You have yourself a great weekend.”
“Thanks, Luke. You, too.”
She went to wait at the doors that led to the ramp. Gene let down the steps and stood back to let Cameron exit the plane. Piper sucked in a deep breath at the sight of him. He was gorgeous! She didn’t know if she liked him better in jeans and T-shirt casual like he was right now, or all dressed up in a tux like he’d been last Saturday. She smiled to herself. Maybe her favorite was buck-ass naked like he’d been out on the beach in the moonlight.
She was surprised that he didn’t come straight to the building. Instead, he waited for Gene while he closed up the plane and was ready to join him. They came in together, and Cameron greeted her with a hug. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She smiled up at him. He felt so good with his arm around her like that.
“Would you mind if we give Gene a ride to the resort?”
“Not at all.” Piper smiled at him. “It’s good to see you again. I didn’t realize you were staying the weekend.”
Gene shook his head. He smiled, but he looked exhausted. “Neither did I. I was planning to fly home, but I don’t feel up to it.”
Piper frowned. “Do you need a doctor?”
“No. Thanks. I don’t think I’m sick. I’m just plain worn out.”
Piper scowled at Cameron. “Have you been flying a lot?”
Gene chuckled. “Don’t go blaming him. I’ve had a light week. It’s not work; it’s me.”
“Let’s get you to the resort, then. It sounds like you need a good night’s sleep.”
“Thanks.”
When they reached the resort, Piper had to drive around the square a few times before she found a parking spot. “Did you call Ben about a room?”
Cameron nodded but didn’t say anything. He looked a little embarrassed. Gene got out of the car and went around to the trunk for his bag.
“I hope you’re not going to be mad at me,” said Cameron, “but the resort is all booked up for the weekend. So … I offered Gene my room.”
Piper stared at him. Why would she be mad at him? That was a sweet thing to do. “Oh.” She smiled when she understood. “And where are you going to stay?”
He grinned. “With you, if you want me.”
“You know I do!”