Page 17 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
Liam joined her, both of them settling into the comfortable silence that enveloped them, broken only by the soothing sounds of the waves below.
“We’ll collect the dishes and cart when the cleaning crew comes by later,” the hotel staff member said, giving them a nod before discreetly leaving the suite with a soft click of the door.
As they began to eat, the casual ease between them filled the space. Liam was constantly aware of the soft morning light casting a glow on Dawn’s face, highlighting her thoughtful expressions as they discussed light topics—plans for the day, theenjoyable breakfast, and Liam assuring Dawn he’d check up on the teens when he popped home to get changed for the day.
“Are you going to call the police today?” Dawn asked, leaning back in her chair with a mug of coffee in her hand after they’d finished their breakfast.
“I have to,” Liam told her. “I should’ve reported it yesterday already.”
Dawn raised her eyebrows and nodded. “Maybe it was just as well that you didn’t because now Lila’s locket has gone missing as well.”
Liam sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered the mess. “You know, Lila’s beside herself about that locket. I’d better not mention it to Aunt Betty, or she’ll turn the hotel upside down looking for it. She knows how much it means to Lila.”
Dawn chuckled, the tension between them lightening for a moment. “I can relate. That’s exactly how I felt when my mother’s watch went missing. Part of me wanted to tear this place apart.”
Their eyes met with a quiet understanding passing between them. It was a shared moment of frustration and resolve, the kind that seemed to draw them closer. Just as the air betweenthem charged with an unspoken connection, a loud knock at the door startled them both.
Dawn stood up quickly, her movement too swift, causing her to stumble forward. Liam reacted instantly, his arms going around her to steady her. The surprise and closeness of the contact sent a jolt through them both. They paused, caught in each other’s gaze, the intensity of the moment crystalizing between them.
The insistent knocking came again, more urgent this time. “I think we’d better get that,” Liam murmured, not wanting to let her go.
“Y… yes.” Dawn nodded, straightening as Liam removed his arms from around her.
Reluctantly, he stepped back, clearing his throat before turning and moving to the door with Dawn close behind him.
He opened it to find Mary about to knock again. Her eyes were wide with panic. “I’m sorry to worry you, Liam.” She looked past him to greet Dawn. “Good morning, Miss Vanderbilt.”
“Hi!” Dawn gave Mary a small wave.
“What’s the matter?” Liam asked Mary, his brown creasing in concern.
“There’s been another bout of thefts,” Mary told him. “The guests are all waiting by your office.”
Liam glanced back at Dawn. “Seem’s Lila wasn’t the only one that had an item stolen by the phantom thief last night.”
“Not the locket from your mother?” Mary’s eyes widened in horror.
“I’m afraid so,” Liam told her. “I’ll be down in ten minutes, Mary.”
“Okay,” Mary said, nodding before walking away.
Liam turned to Dawn. “I was going to check on Lila and Harper at the beach on my way to get a change of clothes.” He looked at the open door. “But it seems I’m going to have to use the spare clothes I have in my office.”
“Would you like to have a quick shower?” Dawn offered.
“No, but thanks,” Liam said. “I’ll have to shower when I can in my small office bathroom.”
“Okay,” Dawn said with a nod. “And don’t worry about the teens. I’ll get dressed and go check on them.”
“Thank you,” Liam said, breathing a sigh of relief. “I know they are probably okay, but…” he shrugged.
“I’ll check.” Dawn smiled in understanding. “You go sort this out, and I’ll come down to start my temporary job at ten?”
“That’s great,” Liam said with a smile as he started walking from the room. “I’ll see you later.”
His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before he turned and went to tend to his duties. Liam walked toward his office and noticed that Mary had skillfully redirected the anxious guests to the lounge for free coffee and breakfast.
“I told the guests we’ll get to them one by one and set up a complimentary buffet in the lounge,” Mary told him.
