Page 52 of Chasing the Sun

My pulse pounded.

She tsked. “So grumpy. You know, that’s not a good look for tourism.”

Before I could fire back, another voice cut through the tension.

“Ah, good! You’re both here.” Breathless, Helen strode toward us, clipboard tucked under one arm, an eager glint in her eye. “Callum, I’ve had three guests complain that they can’t get up the road. Some trucks are blocking the path—it’s a mess out there.”

I pinned Elodie with my bestI told you solook, and she had the decency to look remorseful.

“But what I also needed to tell you both is that the Keepers are hosting the Ghost of Star Harbor walking tour again this year. We’ve got nearly triple the sign-ups, and we’re inviting local businesses to participate—advertising, handing out brochures, that kind of thing.” She turned to Elodie. “Star Harbor Farm could be involved ... get a little free advertising.”

Elodie’s smile widened. “I’d love that.”

I wanted to walk away, but instead I heard myself saying, “The Drifted Spirit Inn will be there too.”

Elodie turned, brows lifted in amusement. “Really?”

Helen beamed. “That’s fantastic! The inn would be a perfect last stop on the tour.” She turned to Elodie with a wink. “Everyone could get an early peek at the farm too.”

I had no idea why I’d just agreed to that. Apparently self-preservation had left the chat, because the last thing I needed was another excuse to be around Elodie.

“We’ll be ready.” The confidence in Elodie’s voice was unmistakable.

Helen turned, pausing to smirk at me before she headed in the direction of the inn.

The cat—my unwanted shadow—rubbed against Elodie’s leg. She sucked in a surprised gasp, crouching down to greet him—or ... her?

It.

“I didn’t know you had a cat!” Elodie’s voice rose several octaves. “Oh, come here, little baby.”

She scooped it up like a newborn, letting it rest against her chest as she nuzzled into its scraggly fur.

“Hey, sweet girl,” she cooed. “You’re so cute.” The full force of her smile was beaming at me. “Is she yours?”

I scowled. “No.”

Elodie’s smile deepened as she continued baby-talking to the cat. “Your daddy is so grumpy. Don’t let his mean scary looks fool you. I think he’s a big old softie. If he’s mean to you, you come tell me and I will yell at him for you. Oh, what a sweet baby.”

With an exaggerated eye roll, I turned on my heel, stalking back toward the inn. Elodie’s laughter followed me, along with the cat, prancing at my side. I wanted to let it go, but as her laugh curled around me, warm and light as summer, I had the sinking feeling that—like the damn cat—she wasn’t going anywhere.

And worse—I didn’t hate it.

FOURTEEN

ELODIE

A giddy littlethrill zipped through me as I watched Cal stomp back toward the Drifted Spirit. That mangy little cat pranced at his side, and I couldn’t have stopped my grin if I tried. Just last week that scrappy barn cat had popped up out of nowhere. While I was finishing the last of the barn clean-out, she’d startled me with a flick of her fluffy tail and a low growl. She was scared, and based on how beat-up she’d looked, the cat had been on her own for a long time.

After proving I wasn’t a threat, I bundled her up and headed to the vet. The scratches up my forearms had been worth it. She confirmed that the cat was about a year old, but had been through a lot in her young life. The clip in her ear indicated she had been previously spayed as part of Michigan’s animal control program. The vet assured me that she would be a perfect barn cat since she was so accustomed to life outdoors—all she needed was a little love and someone to care for her.

I knew just the person.

That sassy little cat wasn’t the only thing that was battle-worn and a little untrusting. All I needed to do wasplace her new food dish strategically close to the Drifted Spirit. I knew it was only a matter of time before she cozied up to Cal.

Besides, if he was really so heartless that he refused to see past her one-eyed glare, then he didn’t deserve her love anyway. I would be more than happy to care for that sweet little cat if he wouldn’t.

I watched with a triumphant grin as Cal walked side by side with the cat all the way back to the inn. I’d been right about Cal—he wasn’t nearly as cold and heartless as he pretended to be. There was a soft heart beneath all that bluster, and maybe that cat was one way to draw it out.