Ten Days of Perfect (November Blue #1)(56)

Just like that the wind left my sails. I was heading to Concord with Bo tomorrow, and would be there until at least Monday afternoon, but what would happen after that? I really hadn’t given much thought to “then what” until Josh spoke. Once again I was left with more questions than answers, but reminded myself that love was the answer I’d settled on during my walk.

“You OK Ember? You look pale,” Josh asked.

“Yeah, it’s just been a crazy couple of days.” I nudged Bo inside. He didn’t seem convinced by my answer, but his hand gave mine a quick hug before he headed inside.

Josh sat at one of the tables just off the deck, and I sat down next to him. He fidgeted with his hands. Although he’d asked me to talk, I gathered I was going to have to be the first one to speak.

“Where’s Monica?” I cracked the silence.

“She was still tired from last night. She headed home when she realized you were still walking, or thinking, or whatever. She said it was ok if I talked to you.” Josh’s nerves were audible above the surf.

“Josh, it’s OK, we’re friends. How’d your talk with Monica go?”

“Good. I was such an ass to back away from her because I was scared. Truth is, I didn’t back away from her because I thought she wasn’t my ‘thousand lifetimes’; I backed away because she is.” For the first time since he stepped outside, Josh’s eyes met mine. Holy shit, he’s serious.

“Well why did you - I’m sorry, what?” I looked at him as if he had just spoken in a foreign tongue.

“Yea, I know, total guy move, right? I was just so blown away by what Bo said he felt for you. He was, at least in part, describing how I felt for Monica and it freaked me out. I’ve never had any commitment issues, but I panicked.” Josh shook his head in disbelief as he heard his own words.

“I wish you would have at least said something to me before you turned her into a crying mess. I can’t begin to tell you how little I thought of you in that moment. Ha, well, it looks like I’m telling you how little I thought of you. I knew something was off with how quick and random it was; you didn’t even look her in the eyes Josh. Christ! Really, you should have talked to me first.” I narrowed my eyes, condemning the past he was trying to forget.

“No,” he shook his head, “I couldn’t. I’d have to tell you what Bo said, and that’s his business, not mine.”

“Ha. Now that is a total guy move,” I laughed as I stood and walked over to him. “So, I’m guessing you guys are OK?”

Josh stood and welcomed my hug. I loved Josh dearly, and the fact that he was my best friend’s boyfriend made the reunion that much sweeter.

“Yea, but she said if I pulled a stunt like that again she’d make out with Adrian Turner in front of me.”

I broke out in full-bellied laughter at the thought of Adrian, who makes every guy instantly insecure, kissing Monica to spite Josh.

“She’s not kidding, and he’d totally do it, too. Hey, where is Adrian anyway?” I was silently thrilled that I didn’t think of him from the time I left the deck until this very moment.

“He took off after he came inside. He told Mon he’d see you guys in Concord on Monday.” Josh shrugged.

Instantly I was irritated. He couldn’t even say goodbye to me after all the mess that took place outside? Noting the look on my face, Josh offered more.

“He didn’t want to watch you and Cavanaugh, so he bolted.”

Despite my annoyance, I was grateful for his departure. I would tell Monica about the blackmail issue after the meeting on Monday; I didn’t need her all freaked out during our meeting with Tristan MacMillian and William Holder. I was more determined than before to make this collaboration between our organizations work; a thousand lifetimes upped the ante, after all.

We walked inside to catch the end of Bo’s set. He was singing something that must have been his, because I didn’t recognize it from anywhere. We only caught the last line that he husked in a sultry voice to the microphone, “…green eyes to blue

and an I love you . . .”



Josh threw his arm around me in a playful squeeze.

“That boy has it bad, Em.” Relaxed and fun Josh was back.

“What are you talking about, that’s not about me - is it?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. “When did he have time to write that?”

“Musicians, write all the time in their head. Everything you’ve ever said or done in front of him is catalogued for future use.” Josh was serious; he knew music and their musicians.

Bo thanked the crowd and left the stage with his guitar still slung over his shoulder. Seriously, could he get any hotter? As he got closer, his post-set grin turned to a passionate stare. The urgency in his unexpected kiss took the strength out my legs. As much as I wanted to leave for Concord with him tomorrow, I knew that would mean that the last week was coming to an end.

“Bo,” I gasped as I pulled his waist closer to mine, tilting my head back, “take me home.” Now was not the time for questioning.





Chapter Eighteen

Darkness enveloped me as hollow footsteps threatened from behind. I ran faster. Even though I knew I was dreaming, it felt so real. Sounds of muted pain echoed in my ears as I screamed for help. In the distance I heard him call, “Are you OK?”