Callum frowned. ‘I doubt it’ll be his kind of fun.’
‘Maybe not, but if you invite them then at least they’ll know there’s an event happening and what it’s celebrating. And,’ she said, giving him a cheeky wink, ‘it won’t be so easy for them to make a fuss.’
He gave her suggestion some thought. ‘I’ll see how it goes,’ he said non-committally.
Lettie nudged him. ‘Look, they’re coming this way. Come with me and I’ll introduce you.’
2
TASHA
‘If you’ve finished, I’d like to make the most of this break from filming,’ Riley said, frowning. His chiselled features softened into a bright smile. Tasha looked to see who this show of charm was for and saw Lettie and a gorgeous man coming their way.
Her breath caught in her throat and her pulse raced. Who was this man? He was gorgeous enough to be an actor, but she didn’t recognise him from anywhere, so doubted he must be.
‘Hi, I hope we’re not interrupting anything?’ Lettie asked.
‘Of course you’re not,’ Riley said, ruffling Isla’s wavy hair, making her giggle.
‘Oh good. I wanted to introduce you to a family friend. This is Callum Preston. He’s a radio DJ with his own show.’
Tasha noticed Callum briefly give Lettie a concerned sideways glance but he didn’t contradict her.
‘Callum, this is Riley Sharp. He’s the lead inSam Thorne Investigatesand this is his brilliant PA Tasha Dodds.’
‘Good to meet you, Callum,’ Riley said, looking him up and down before shaking Callum’s hand.
Tasha wasn’t surprised to see Riley doing it and was sure this signature move of his was designed to make men he saw as competition feel uncomfortable. It often worked, she had noticed, but she enjoyed seeing that Callum didn’t seem at all fazed.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Riley.’ Callum looked from Riley to Tasha, and yet again she felt as if she had been thumped in the chest.
‘Nice to meet you, Tasha.’ He smiled at her. ‘How are you liking being on the island?’
‘I haven’t seen too much of it,’ Riley said, always having to be the one to reply. Tasha wasn’t surprised he always assumed people were addressing him; after all, he was the celebrity, but she had met other famous people who were much more polite and humble than Riley could ever be.
‘How about you, Tasha?’ Lettie asked. ‘Although I suppose you’ve probably been busy with work while you’ve been here.’
‘I have.’ She wished her voice hadn’t come out so high-pitched. She saw Riley give her a confused look and knew she needed to calm down. She was a professional and used to working with charismatic people.
‘There he is,’ Tasha heard Lindy Torel’s voice. She loved the farmer’s wife and especially enjoyed her delicious baking. She knew Riley had a soft spot for her too.
Riley turned on his heels and opened his arms wide. ‘My favourite lady. What delights have you brought to tempt me today?’
Lettie grimaced, making Tasha want to laugh, but Lindy seemed amused at his efforts to charm her.
‘Well, there’s the usual Victoria sponge, a carrot cake…’ She raised a hand to the side of her mouth and lowered her voice. ‘I know you’re not keen on that flavour, but the director specifically requested it.’
‘And the dark chocolate cake?’ he asked.
‘I’ve a piece kept by for you in the food trailer, if you want to come and eat it while you have a free minute or two.’
‘You don’t have to ask me twice,’ he said, immediately walking away with her without bothering to say goodbye.
Tasha smiled politely. ‘He loves your mum’s cakes,’ she said for something to say to fill the awkward silence.
‘She’s over the moon that he does,’ Lettie said. Isla wriggled, wanting to get down, and Lettie lowered her to the ground. ‘I’m going to need to take her for a walk so she doesn’t start whingeing. Isla doesn’t have much patience for staying still, I’m afraid.’
‘I’m sure most of us didn’t at her age,’ Callum said.
