“Think they got some good shots?” he asked.
“I hope so.”
“Let’s get out of here then.” He pulled the boat from the slip, going slow through the no-wake zone, and Mia settled back in her seat.
Levi took her across the lake to a private little spit of beach. They lay out in the sun and grazed on the snacks Miss Della had packed them. They talked about his family and his life back in Denver. Mia wondered if he knew that his tone took on a wistful quality when he talked about that life. And she wondered if his sisters knew how much he was sacrificing for them.
With the sun overhead beaming hot, Levi got in the water, swimming out to a submerged boulder and back. Mia, having no swimsuit, simply splashed in the shallows, cooling her feet.
Her ankle was only a little swollen now, and the bruising had faded to a yellow-green. She could walk without limping, though she still took care with her steps.
After three lazy hours they headed back to the marina. Mia slumped in her seat, sun-tired, her hair windblown.
“That was a nice break,” Levi said as he steered into the no-wake zone. He perched his sunglasses on top of his head.
White fluffy clouds had gathered overhead, screening the sun, so Mia did the same. “I think I got too much sun.”
His gaze raked over her, a flicker of male appreciation in his eyes. “Your cheeks are a little pink, but the color looks nice on you.”
At his scrutiny a pleasant shiver passed over her heated flesh. “I should’ve worn sunscreen—I probably don’t look very Irish at the moment.”
“That’s right. Tell me more about the movie. You said it was multigenerational?”
She loved that he listened to her. She never got the feeling he was daydreaming or thinking of what he’d say next. “It’s calledLesser Days,and it’s about a mother and her two daughters. It’s set in Ireland during the potato famine in the 1840s. It’s got a lot of grit. The female characters have lost so much, and it really showcases the power of resilience and fortitude. It’s so empowering—that’s what attracted me to the role.”
“Sounds intriguing. I can’t wait to see it.”
“We have to shoot it first.” Her smile wavered. It was still possible the studio would cancel her contract. They had the right to do so with the morality clause, and Nolan had reported that they were nervous about her participation after the scandal.
Mia settled deeper into the bench seat, feeling languid after all the sun. Their bodies touched at the shoulder and thigh. Was she sitting too close? He didn’t make room between them.
“You had a busy weekend.” She’d missed him the last few days while the inn had been flooded with guests. Though she’d enjoyed seeing the siblings in action, especially him.
“I meant to ask—did anyone recognize you?”
“A couple people. But they were cool.” She tossed him a look. But it lingered longer than she’d intended. The bit of color he’d gotten today made his eyes seem even bluer.
“So...” She pulled her gaze away. “Have you given any more thought to where we might look next for the necklace?”
“I know the basement is empty. I couldn’t see Dorothy hiding valuables down there anyway. I thought we might check the walls for safes, just in case. Maybe look around the main attic, even though I’m pretty sure it was cleaned out. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to look yet.”
“Understandable.”
“I’m afraid we have a large family coming for a reunion tonight and staying through Sunday. Not sure how long you were planning to stay...”
It sounded like he was fishing, like maybe he didn’t want her to leave. Or maybe he did want her to leave because of all the extra hassle. But then she remembered the way he’d looked at her a couple times today.
“At least another week, if that’s okay.”
Did the corners of his lips lift just a bit? “Let’s plan on getting back to it after they leave then?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The marina was quiet as Levi expertly guided the boat into the slip. Mia found herself reluctant to return to the inn. She’d enjoyed having Levi all to herself. There was something growing between them, and even though she knew it could only be temporary, she couldn’t seem to quell the butterflies fluttering about her belly. He’d made her laugh today, made her let down her guard. And it felt good. Right.
Whoa. That was a dangerous thought. Her life was in LA, and his was not. Besides, he wasn’t in the business, and that had a way of making relationships difficult.
And yet... those butterflies.
