Summer Love in the Forest (Summer Instalove)

“Dammit,” I muttered.

“So call him,” Becca said. “Just talk to him and work it out.”

I shook my head. “I don’t have his number.” Swallowing hard, I added, “I freaked out and left early so that I didn’t have to say goodbye.”

“Does he have your number?” Laura asked.

“No.”

“Oh, I bet he does,” Joanna said. “If he runs the campground, they keep files on the guests. They need to have contact information.”

“You’re right!” I gasped. “I mean, I made the reservation with his brother, but I’m sure he could’ve gone into the system. But...if he has my number, why hasn’t he called?”

“He’s probably afraid of scaring you,” Becca said gently. “If he saw you react like this, and knows that you’re having doubts, he might be trying to give you some time and space to settle down before you guys talk again.”

I nodded. “You might be right.” Looking around the table, I could practically hear what they were thinking. “I know.” My eyes rolled to the ceiling. “Steady, logical Kate is flipping her shit.”

“Well,” Kim said, “Y

eah. It’s pretty weird.”

Before I could respond, my phone began ringing from my purse, and I dug it out.

“If he’s calling to pledge his love for you right now while we’re listening, I will freak out,” Kim laughed.

“It’s work,” I said as soon as I saw the number, answering quickly. Kevin had booked a well-known band to rehearse in the space for the next several weeks while they prepared for a tour. But they were coming back from another gig, and their van had broken down so they couldn’t pick up the key earlier today when we were open. Now I had to go let them in since Kevin was already across town filling in as roadie for his friend’s band.

Throwing the phone back in my purse, I swallowed the last few sips of my wine. “Sorry, ladies, but work calls.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Joanna asked. “If you’re feeling down and you want some company, I could–”

“No, that’s alright, thanks.” I tossed some money on the table. “Sorry to cut this short, but text me all of the juicy bits, and I’ll see you next week.”

After a round of hugs, I darted out the door and jumped on the streetcar. In fifteen minutes, I was walking through the parking lot of the rehearsal space, where a huge old black van was parked, with four lean, scruffy long-haired guys lounging in front.

One of them jumped up the second he saw me. “Hey, are you Kate?”

“Yes. You must be Lawless Flowers.”

“Yeah. We’re so sorry to bother you. Thanks so much for coming out to meet us. We have a lot of work to do, and not much time.”

“No problem.” I gave him the key, directed them to their spot on the other side of the building where there was a garage door they could use to haul their gear inside.

They all thanked me, but then the shorter guy that I guessed was the drummer from the sticks in his back pocket paused. “Hey, There was a really big guy with dark hair walking around here earlier as if he was looking for someone. Do you want one of us to walk you to your car or the streetcar, just in case?”

My heart leapt up into my throat. For a second, I didn’t know whether to hope it was Ray or not.

Then he leaned in closer and muttered, “That’s him over there. If he’s a stalker or something, just come with us and we’ll keep an eye on you until he goes away.”

Turning, I could feel complete relief wash me as I saw who it was. “I really appreciate it, but it’s okay, thanks, I know him.”

“All right,” he smiled. “Thanks again.”

Ray and I began walking toward each other, and I fell into his arms so naturally that I immediately felt a bit better. His huge palms instantly slid under my shirt to press against my spine.

His dark voice was soft. “Was that guy hitting on you?”

Laughing, I looked up into those magical deep blue eyes. “No. He was warning me about the big guy lurking around, and wanted to know if I needed one of them to walk me somewhere safe.”