When they had danced a few songs to the Mexican Banda group that had taken over while they ate, Vince led her to the edge of the dance floor where the others were sitting. “So, there’s a balloon launch in the morning. Either of you ever been up before?” he asked both Cami and Sage.
“I have. It was cool stuff. I did it once in high school.” Sage looked at Cami. “Dad happened to visit the right weekend, and paid for the two of us to go up. Of course he spent the time pointing out different kinds of plants and trees and lecturing me on erosion.”
Cami chuckled, despite the twinge of pain and sadness the comment brought up. “Sounds like him. I wish I could say I had a turn, but alas, my timing must have stunk.”
“You want to? I’m launching a balloon in the morning, I can take on an extra couple of people,” Vince suggested.
Cami grinned at the thought. “What do you think?” she asked Sage, hoping she’d say no thanks.
“I think you totally ought to go. One trip was fun, but I’m better off with my feet on the ground, thanks.” She rubbed her stomach and grimaced. “I didn’t mention that I felt more than a little queasy by the time the balloon landed again. I guess I wasn’t meant to fly.”
“So you want to come alone?” Vince asked Cami.
She ought to say no, but it wasn’t like anything untoward was going to happen in an air balloon. Spending the evening with him surrounded by family and friends cured her lingering wariness. She was starting to think he was just what he appeared to be—even if he had surprising facets. Ballooning. Huh. “It sounds like fun. I don’t get motion sickness, so I should be fine.”
“Wish I could go up with you,” Jeremy said. “But I’ll be taking pictures on the ground for the local magazine.”
“And they’ll be spectacular, since you’ll know what to expect,” Krissa said with a giggle.
He whispered something in her ear, making her giggle more.
“And I’m running the mountain bike race in the morning,” Gage said to Sage. “If you have some time, come over to Deer Mountain and I’ll show you around.” He mentioned a major ski resort in the area.
“Deer Mountain? You work over there?” Cami asked. She still needed to make some contacts in that direction.
“Yeah. I understand you’re the one who hooks guests up with last-minute passes and stuff.” Gage brushed off a fly buzzing past his face. “If so, I’m the one you need to speak with.”
“That’s my department. What can you do for me?”
They spent twenty minutes discussing summer events, ski packages, and activities organized by the ski resort year round. She wished she’d brought a notebook.
“Swing by on Monday and we’ll go over it in more detail, see if we can work out a package deal,” he suggested.
“I’ll do that. About ten work for you?” “Perfect.”
Cami and Sage stayed and chatted for another hour before a glance at Sage told Cami it was time to say goodnight. “Thanks for a most entertaining evening, gentlemen.” Vince’s family had long-since returned home.
“You’re welcome.” Vince stood and helped Cami to her feet.
“It’s time I left, too. I’ll walk with you,” Joel said, and came alongside Sage. “Be back soon,” Vince told his friends and the two couples walked off together.
Vince took Cami’s hand again as they headed for her car. Joel and Sage followed behind.
“I’m glad you could both join us tonight,” Vince said.
“Thanks for inviting us. Your family’s nice and so are your friends. In fact, Jeremy’s really great, I think maybe Sage’s comment to him might be about me.” Cami stopped teasing when Vince bumped her with his shoulder.
“Don’t you start talking about my friends like that or I’ll get a complex.” “I doubt it. You don’t seem like the insecure type to me.”
“Shows what you know. Most every guy is the insecure type when they’re around beautiful, sophisticated, funny women.” He sent her a flirtatious glance, then looked over his shoulder. “Now, for tomorrow. You sure you don’t want to join us, Sage?”
“Quite sure.” The response was emphatic.
“Do you need some extra help with your ground crew?” Joel asked, ever formal and distant. “Since Jeremy and Gage are busy. I’d like to see how it works.”
“I can always use an extra set of hands,” Vince agreed.
Joel turned to Sage. “You want to ride along with me? We can join them here for the main parade. I wouldn’t want you to be all alone.”
She hesitated for only a moment. “Sure. I’ll come to the launch site with Cami and you can meet us there.”
“Great! My family would love to have you all join us for whatever part of the day you’d like.” Vince slid his fingers through Cami’s and gave them a quick squeeze. “We’ll have to leave at the crack of dawn to get set up and in the air on time. I’m more than happy to pick you up.”
“How early?” She only winced a little when she realized she’d have to wake up before five. “I’m up for it. Stop by for us on your way out there.”
“Will do.” He stopped when they reached the car and let Joel and Sage walk past them. “I’ll see you bright and early.”
Cami unlocked the car remotely for Sage, then shifted to face Vince. “I’ll be ready.” “Good.” He lifted a hand, ran his finger along the right side of her jaw. His eyes said he wanted to kiss her, and he held her gaze for a long moment before putting a few more inches between them. “See you soon.”
“Yeah, bright and early.” Shivers rose on Cami’s neck and shoulder where he’d touched her. With some effort, she pulled away and took the two steps to her door. She was both glad he hadn’t followed through with the kiss, and a little disappointed. “Good night.”
As they pulled out of the parking lot, Cami enjoyed the hum of excitement zipping through her veins when she thought of the next day’s balloon ride, and considered her relationship with Vince could make her summer blues stay far, far away.
When they made it through the center of town at a crawl so as not to hit pedestrians, Cami noticed Joel behind them in his Jeep. She looked at Sage, who was staring out the window. A pang of guilt flashed through her. “Look, I’m sorry about what I said. I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.”
“Yes you did. But don’t worry, I’m used to it. And I shouldn’t have said anything to Jeremy, it just popped out. Next time I’ll keep it to myself.” Her tone was light and unconcerned, but she didn’t look back at Cami.
“I’m not trying to hurt your feelings.”
“Just leave it, Cami. I’ll try not to embarrass you again. But don’t be surprised when I’m right. I tend to be.”
Cami glanced in her rearview mirror as she pulled in front her the house and noticed Joel parking at the much-smaller place next door. “Joel is our neighbor.” She needed a change of subject.
“Yeah. He mentioned that.” Sage straightened, grabbing her things.
When they parked in the garage, Sage hurried from the car, not saying anything as they separated to their rooms for the night.
Cami thought she ought to be happy that Sage would avoid her now, but she felt bad about embarrassing her in front of near strangers. She decided to worry about it later. She had notes to make from her chat with Gage earlier.