Beau’s gaze swept over the women with obvious appreciation. “Nice to meet you all. Lila forgot to mention you’re all drop-dead gorgeous.”
His eyes lingered on Esme. She blushed and looked at her feet.
“Lila sent us footage from the other day,” Delphine said. “You two seem really natural together.”
“They say we have chemistry,” Beau said, grinning at Lila.
I felt my jaw tighten again and quickly told myself to keep it together. No one liked a jealous man.
Just then, a blond, tanned, muscular man appeared. “Hey, sorry I’m late. Got held up at the shop.”
“Hey, Grady.” Esme’s face lit up. “You made it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Grady’s gaze went immediately to Esme, then shifted to Beau. “Hey. You new to town?”
“Beau Colby,” Beau said, extending his hand. “I’m the contractor on Lila’s show.”
“Ah, right. Grady Nash. I own the surf shop.”
The two men shook hands, exchanging friendly smiles, but Grady’s other hand curled slightly into a fist at his side. Had he seen Beau watching Esme?
“I think it’s going to be a huge hit,” Esme said quickly.
“And you’re getting a beautiful house out of it,” Seraphina said to me.
Another figure appeared in the doorway. I turned. It was Kenzie.
“Hello, everyone,” Kenzie said. “Sorry I’m late. I had some things to finish up for work.”
Lila’s smile tightened. “Nice of you to come.”
“I’ve been dying to meet your friends.” Kenzie’s gaze swept over the women, lingering on each face. “You must be Seraphina—I’ve read all your books. And Esme, the flower shop owner. And Delphine, the gallery.”
She knew too much. How did she know who these people were?
As if Kenzie heard my thoughts, she said, “Lila talks about you all constantly.”
“Does she?” Delphine’s voice was cool.
“Oh yes. You’re like family to her.” Kenzie pulled out her phone. “Do you mind if I get a quick photo? For social media? The fans love behind-the-scenes content.”
“Actually, we do mind,” Seraphina said firmly. “This is a private gathering.”
Kenzie’s smile flickered. “Of course. I understand.” She turned to Lila, then Beau. “Can we chat for just a second? About tomorrow’s shoot?”
Lila excused herself reluctantly, following Kenzie and Beau into the hallway.
After they left, Delphine turned to me. “That woman gives me the creeps.”
“You’re not the only one,” I said grimly. “There’s been some crazy stuff going on, and I can’t help but think she’s involved somehow.”
“What do you mean?” Esme asked.
I told them about the vendor cancellations, the gossip leaks, the obsessive fan page with too much personal information.
“Someone’s stalking Lila,” I said. “We think it’s Kenzie.”
The women exchanged glances.
