Page 56 of All the Drama from New York

Paul pointed back to the kitchen. “The butler’s pantry is fully stocked. The refrigerator has all the fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables you asked for Mister Collins. If there is anything special you want, just let me know and I can arrange it. Oh, and the wine cellar is second to none. So, please help yourself. There is a small grocery store in the town, which is a short walk from here, if you need anything else.”

Ryan turned to Camille. “I sent the booking agent a list of supplies we might possibly want. It would be nice for the two of us to cook a few meals while we are here,” he explained.

Camille forced a smile to her lips. “It sounds lovely.”

He knew she couldn’t cook. Her skills in the kitchen began and ended with the steam feature on the oven which she used to reheat her meals. But if Ryan wanted to teach her to make something, she’d be more than willing.

I’d be happy to learn anything he wants to teach me.

She caught the enticing glance that Ryan sent her way, and it set her pulse racing. Could he be thinking the same wicked things as she was?

Camille stirred from her secret musings as Paul moved toward the rear door. “Let me show you the yard, and where the bicycles are stored. You can ride to some other places further north on Fire Island if you are looking for somewhere to take a daytrip. Or you could walk to the lighthouse from here. The big summer festivals are usually held at Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, and those places can get super busy. But downhere at Saltaire, you’ll find it is perfect for long walks on the beach.”

The beach walks sounded amazing. Romantic. Camille could just imagine walking hand in hand with a lover along the sand. Stopping every so often to whisper sweet words of love to one another, and stealing long lingering kisses.

I have a fashion show to salvage. I can’t be indulging in a summer romance.

She was only here on the island for two weeks. Weeks during which she would have to work. The lighthouse, the festivals, and the beach would unfortunately all have to wait for another time.

They followed Paul outside and he gave them a brief tour of the garden and the big shed which housed not only bicycles, but canoes, and a small skiff.Trade Windshad everything that anyone coming to stay for a vacation could want. Camille got the distinct impression that the house keeper would much rather guests went poking around in the shed, exploring, and finding things for themselves rather than simply be given a full menu of what they could do.

To her relief Ryan made mention that he wasn’t a sailor, nor was he much into water sports, which meant their beach activities would be confined to the occasional evening stroll on the sand, and sunset watching.

Camille chanced another furtive glance at Ryan, and heat raced to her cheeks as he met her gaze. She wondered if he was thinking the same thing as her, how soon could they get rid of the lovely Paul?

“Well I think that’s all you folks will probably need to know for your first day. Take the time to have a wander around the place on your own. The joy is in exploring,” said Paul. He pointed in the direction of the sandy path which ran along the back of the property. “I live a short walk from here. So any timeyou need me, just call the number on the business card which is stuck to the refrigerator.”

He gave Ryan a friendly pat on the arm. “I hope you both enjoy the privacy and seclusion thatTrade Windsbrings. I think you young folks will love it here. I guarantee you that when it comes to letting people reveal the secrets of their hearts this place has never failed.”

And with that he made his way toward the path and soon disappeared. As she watched Paul leave, Camille pondered the meaning behind his last remark to Ryan.

Did he think we are… lovers? I wonder where he got that impression from.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

As the friendly housekeeper headed off home, silence settled between Camille and Ryan. In the quiet it dawned on her that she and Ryan had spent the better part of three weeks working and living together at her design studio. To all intents and purposes they were already co-existing in their own private bubble.

And now we are doing the same only here at the beach.

She refused to question why she liked the idea of it just being her and Ryan so much. Fearing that if she did, there were some home truths she might have to face. Truths she wasn’t yet ready to uncover.

Camille’s cell buzzed, breaking the silence. She saw the name on the screen and immediately answered it. “Hi Bryce.”

“Hey you. Are you ok? Have you arrived on the island?”

Why does he sound so worried? Oh Merde. I sent him that email.

Following their visit to the event space, Camille had fired off an email to Bryce. It was only after she’d pressed send that it had occurred to her, she’d been a little hasty. Her message might have sounded too much like she was in a heated panic. Tellingher cousin that she had to get out of New York City, or she would go mad, hadn’t been the smartest thing she’d done this year.

Camille puffed out her cheeks.I should have called him.

But Bryce in his wisdom had waited a couple of days before responding to her message. He had given her time to decide if she was in dire need of his help or just letting off steam. No doubt Sheila would have kept her boss appraised of all pertinent developments.

“Yeah, I’m alright. I had a bit of a moment of self-doubt, and I didn’t know what to do. Ryan and I have just arrived atTrade Winds, and we’re going to be staying here for the next couple of weeks. Hopefully during that time I can come up with some magic to make my show sparkle. If not, I’m screwed.”

A contemplative silence followed. Bryce was used to dealing with major projects and the problems which could suddenly come out of nowhere. Her cousin was a man of answers, but he also knew how to manage people, and to let others find their own solutions.

“Ok, that sounds like a plan. What do you need from me?”

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