Gavin let out a heavy sigh and grumbled to himself. “Same could be said of me.”
My curiosity, or my time as a lifelong resident of Jackson’s Ridge was getting the better of me and I wanted to know—badly—why he was in town. But it was his business, and a man’s personal business was just that, unless he decided to share it with you. “You have someplace to stay in town? We don’t have a lot of lodging, but it fills up fast.”
“I bought that mansion overlooking the cliffs int own a couple years ago. Haven’t been here much, but the place is mine.”
I scratched my head and looked at him. There had been no mention in town that a rock star owned property in Jackson’s Ridge. “I’ve never seen you around here and I would have at least noticed—my best friend is a huge fan. Got her through med school, according to her.”
Gavin shrugged and dropped down in one of the uncomfortable metal chairs that didn’t encourage guests to stay and chat. “I pay my staff well to keep my business out of the media and the mouths of gossips.”
I laughed and wished I could do the same, not that it would matter. “That’s smart, but fair warning.”
“Get outta town by sunset?”
“Hell no. This is a small town and people are going to talk about you. Not much else to do around here but gossip, but it’s all in good fun. You can trust that if any sneaky reporters come to town, they’ll get told off and sent away. You’ll like it here if you stay long enough to get used to it.”
His blond brows arched in disbelief. “A few autographs and I’ll be all good?”
I let my head fall back and roared with laughter. “You wish. Be prepared for advice on your song lyrics, matchmaking, and endless propositions.”
“No! Are you for real?”
I nodded, my expression serious. “I’m for real, but it’ll be more fun for everyone if you find out for yourself.”
Gavin shuddered. “I feel like I should be slightly terrified.”
“Take that feeling and embrace it. Respect it. Lean into it.”
His laughter muffled the sound of the metal door opening and then slamming shut, but it didn’t hide the familiar tapping of high heels with determined steps drawing closer and closer.
Persephone.
I held my breath and waited for her to go all fangirl on Gavin Ross, but her violet gaze was fixed firmly on mine. She was beautiful in a light purple dress that showed off her spectacular tits, narrow waist, and hips that I now knew were perfect for grabbing on to.
“Ryan,” she growled. “There you are.”
“Here I am.” I smiled at her annoyed expression.
“I came by a few minutes ago and you weren’t here.”
“Work.”
She shook her head, arms folded, and her eyes staring holes into my body. “I’ve been thinking.”
“Okay,” I answered, drawing the world out into four, possibly five syllables.
“I think we should have sex again. Make sure it wasn’t a fluke, that it was as vibrant as our memories say.”
A booming masculine laugh bounced off the brick walls and concrete flooring. “You’re right, Ryan, I am gonna like it here. Got my first piece of gossip to share. That should get me out of some of this mess, right?”
Persephone froze and turned slowly until she found the source of the laugh. Recognition dawned in her eyes and I held my breath, waiting for her squeal with delight and tell Gavin how much she loved him.
But I underestimated her.
She sucked in a breath and pointed a manicured nail at Gavin Ross, world famous rock star. “Nice to meet you, Gavin. I am a huge fan. Huge, but if you tell anyone what you just heard…” She leaned back on her heels and folded her arms, a clear threat in her expression.
“Yes?”
“Let’s just say that I’m a doctor and I can make just about anything look like an accident.”
Instead of being offended, Gavin tossed his head back and laughed. Long and hard, with his whole body, which was fully clothed for once. “I like you, Persephone, so I’ll note your threat and keep my mouth shut. But I can’t promise the good people of this town won’t pry it out of me.” He pretended to zip his lips, mischief shining in his eyes. “You’re a lucky man, Ryan. I’ll see you around.”
“You want to fill out some paperwork so I can contact you when Sue Ellen is ready?”
He laughed and shoved his hands into his pockets, strolling slowly out of the shop. “I’ll stop by again soon. Gotta hear how this story ends up. Oh, and say yes, that is one stunning babe.”
Persephone snorted but I noticed the blush creep up her chest, neck and cheeks. “Well, that was surreal.”
“It was… something.”
Persephone turned to me, her expression wary. Serious. “Don’t say anything yet, please. Just think about it. Please.