Page 43 of Paging Dr. Summers

“Well, I don’t really have enough followers to monetize or attract corporate sponsors. For now, I’m just focused on sharing my love for music and giving unsolicited advice.” I laughed nervously, wondering if he thought I was a loser.

I probably hadn’t been as ambitious as I should have been, but it was because, for most of my adult life, I’d been taking care of my mother. Career goals had taken a back seat. Despite that, I was a hardworker. You know, except for when I quit my job to play all summer, but that didn’t count. At least I hoped not.

Maxwell smiled and almost looked endeared. It reminded me of someone I couldn’t quite place, and I tilted my head, studying him.

My gaze seemed to disconcert him. He cleared his throat and wiped any emotion from his face. “If you need some business advice, I’d be happy to help. And I have connections that might be of some value to you. You have a lot of potential.”

I wasn’t sure why, but I waited for him to say, “Don’t waste it,” but he didn’t. “Um, okay,” was all I could think to say to this very unexpected conversation.

“Brooke,” he said my name like it was strangling him. “I’m in earnest; I would like to help you if I can.”

“I really appreciate that. Let me think about it.” And I would, but mostly because it was weird. Like, so bizarre.

“Good. Good. You know, you really do look like your mother.” He strode off without another word.

I watched him go for a moment, feeling confused, wondering what had just happened.

Lola burst through the back door, interrupting my dazed state. “There you are, chica! Look how good you look.”

I stared down at the floral maxi dress I wore to cover my swimsuit, then repaid the compliment. “You look amazing.” And she did, in her gauzy white swimsuit cover-up that barely concealed her bikini.

“Roman is so excited to meet you.”

With that, she brought me back to reality. I was there for a blind date. I should have been eager, but I was consumed with memories of Logan and me sailing through the trees, discussing our favorite movies and TV shows, and wondering who we’d swap places with if we could. Logan wanted to be James Bond or Indiana Jones. He had, after all, dressed as both characters for Halloween parties over the years.

I admitted my pick was Penelope fromPenelope.The girl with a pig nose. I’d always wanted to break a family curse and date James McAvoy, even if that meant having a pig nose. Logan had laughed—like, really laughed. It was the most lighthearted I’d ever seen him. And it made him even more attractive. Dang him.

I put on a happy face for Lola and said, “I’m looking forward to it.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. I was looking forward to being with Lola and meeting her boyfriend. And even hanging out in the sun and water all day. I just wished Logan were there too.

We walked outside, and it was like entering paradise. A stunning infinity pool stretched out before me, lined with smooth tiles and surrounded by lush gardens. Pathways made of natural stone wound through the landscaping, leading to a private dock that extended over the lake. To one side of the pool was a cozy firepit; to the other was a seating area with designer patio furniture. Basically, it was heaven.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

Lola grabbed my hand and pulled me along. “Come on, I want to introduce you to Roman and Alejandro.”

As if the moment couldn’t be more surreal, two impossibly good-looking men—sculpted like Greek gods, with smoldering smiles that practically whispered,Do you like what you see?—emerged from the pool in unison. It was so cinematic, I half expected dramatic music to start playing, like I’d stumbled straight into an angsty YA drama on Netflix.

I tried not to stare at the bronzed men, but the way they swaggered toward us with their swim trunks plastered to them made it almost impossible not to. They deliberately ignored the towels within reach and let the water slick down their toned bodies. They obviously wanted the attention and were probably used to it. Still, when I finally dared to steal a proper look, their dark eyes sparkled with a mischievous charm that felt surprisingly disarming.

Lola tugged on my hand to meet the men halfway, near a grouping of lounge chairs. “Hey, guys, look who’s here. I want you to meet my friend Brooke. She’s super fun and knows everything about music.”

I wouldn’t say that, but I did have a weird affinity for music trivia.

“I’m Roman.” The man on the right held out his masculine hand. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said sincerely.

I slipped my hand into his, silently willing an electric spark to appear—the one that would scream,This is it. This is the summer fling you’ve been dreaming of ... or the one your mom dreamed for you.Yikes, that sounded a little off-putting. Anyway, I was hoping beyondhope that maybe, just maybe, Roman would be able to erase those pesky, ill-timed fantasies I’d had about my neighbor. But as his warm grip closed around mine, I found myself holding my breath before letting it out slowly, disappointed that it was only a nice handshake.Dang it.

“Hi, I’m Brooke,” I said, injecting as much enthusiasm into my voice as I could muster.

“Are you ready to have some fun, Brooke?” Roman asked, his grin as bold as his tone.

“Hold on,” Lola interrupted with a playful scold. “I want Brooke to meet Alejandro.” She slid closer to her on-again, off-again boyfriend, her hand resting possessively on his bare chest. “Brooke, this is Alejandro. Sometimes, I think I love him.”

Alejandro’s fingers traced a lazy path down her arm. “She’s madly in love with me. She’s just too stubborn to admit it.”

I couldn’t help but smile, caught up in their teasing banter and the undeniable chemistry crackling between them. But then Alejandro’s gaze darted between Lola and me, his expression shifting as if something had just clicked.

“What’s wrong?” Lola asked, her brow furrowing.

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