Page 53 of Call It Home

I didn’t blame her. I couldn’t help but admire the artistry of the woodwork and the intricate details that had gone into its design. Animals, such as sleeping bears and nesting birds, were carved into the newel posts of the banisters that led to a second-floor balcony, which overlooked the lobby. Each piece seemed to have been handcrafted with care and attention, and the result was a welcoming space that perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Close to the front desk, Cam’s eyes were drawn to a colorful poster advertising Southern Pleasure, a band that would play at the lodge the following month.

“Ohmygosh,” she rushed, “that’s one of my favorite bands. For the first time, I kind of wish this contest dragged on a little longer so could sneak a peek.”

“We were lucky to book them. We hope they help draw people here throughout the off-season. We’re also bringing in Backdoor Cloud at the end of the year, but that was less about luck and more about my dad and my aunt using their connection with the band to see if they might consider playing here for our New Year’s Eve Gala.”

Cam’s mouth dropped. “Backdoor Cloud? Seriously?”

Jared shrugged. “The drummer, Luka, is my cousin. Half the time, I just remember him as the kid who always borrowed my video games when he visited and didn’t return them.” He chuckled. “Hard to remember sometimes that he has played on world stages.”

“I think it’s always that way for family members. We know the real person, not just the social image that isn’t always accurately portrayed,” Cam commented.

“Sounds like you know something about that.”

“Not quite the same thing, but my dad was a famous race car driver.”

Jared snapped his fingers. “Allen is your last name. Does that mean Brock Allen was related to you?”

Cam nodded. “My dad,” she confirmed, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness and longing.

Jared’s face softened. “Damn. I loved watching him,” he said with admiration. “I can’t imagine how hard it was losing him,” he added sympathetically.

Cam bit her lip. “Still is.”

I’d been watching their little exchange with passing interest until I saw her fight back tears. Sometimes Cam seemed so put together it was hard to imagine her struggling with anything.

I moved closer and put my arm around her. It was a proud moment when she turned into me. “You need a minute?”

She sucked in a deep breath. “I’m all right. Sometimes it catches me off guard how much I still miss him.”

Jared paused for a minute, then clasped his hands with a soft clap. “How about dinner?”

He led us to a private room with an elegant wooden table in the center. The room was warm and cozy, with a large stone fireplace crackling at one end and soft music playing in the background. The table was already set with candles, flowers, and crystal glasses.

“As good as the food is over on set, I have to say this is a pleasant change.” Cam took her seat, looking around.

“So, you two,” Jared said, taking a sip of his wine. “Tell me a little more about your plans for the future. Are you planning to work together on other projects?”

I immediately tensed. Going back to the way things were in Sterling Mill meant the end of me and Cam, something I didn’t relish.

As if she sensed my discomfort, Cam jumped in. “We’ll go back to working independently of each other. Mac will oversee some of our company builds while I manage the office and work on a few independent designs.”

She hadn’t said anything untrue, but I appreciated that she didn’t point out that she was the boss.

Maybe, if I could bring myself to see it the same way, we could still see each other when we returned to Sterling Mill. But was that fair to her? Should I keep this strictly an off-site romance? I knew deep down that I wouldn’t be able to work with her permanently. She didn’t know about my plans to eventually leave town to help my brother Trey.

Just as dessert was being served, Cam excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. As soon as she was out of earshot, Jared leaned in and asked, “So, Mac, tell me. Is there something more between you and Cam?”

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. Did he want to make a move on her? “What do you mean?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

Jared leaned in and lowered his voice. “Come on, Mac. It’s pretty obvious you’re attracted to her. You practically look like you want to pounce and rip my head off anytime I compliment her or stand too close. I’m not judging, by the way. I have my own complicated relationship situation.”

My curiosity was piqued. “Complicated how?”

His eyes stared across the room. There were only a few people there, and his gaze appeared focused on a woman who was leaving the dining room. She hesitated, as if she sensed his scrutiny.

She glanced up and ducked her head without acknowledging him.

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