Page 67 of Four Dates and A Forever
“Actually, a lot. When I first brought it up, it was to reconnect with my roots and authenticity, but it’s also given me a chance to show my brothers that I can pull my own weight. Now that I’m in it, it feels really good. There are some really talented kids. Too many.”
“What do you mean?”
“We start at three in the afternoon and go until closing, so there’s barely enough time for ten sets, but there’s this kid, who I met through a friend, and he’s really talented.”
“He reminds you of you,” she guessed.
“How did you know?”
“The way you’re talking about him. It’s the same way you sounded that first weekend we met.”
“He’s really good. And there are a few other musicians who didn’t make the cut but should have and I don’t know how to help them.”
“Your faith in them and the time you’re giving them is changing their world.”
“I wish I could do more.”
“What would you have wanted back when you were starting out?”
“A chance to play with some of the old-timers.”
“Then give them the chance to play with an old dog.”
He tickled her side and she giggled. “Are you saying I’m old?”
“Maybe.” She cupped his face. “I’m saying you’re a good and generous man, Rhett. You’ll figure it out.”
“How much can I actually do? I’m only here for another couple of weeks.”
“Then make them count.” He knew that they were no longer talking about the festival. “So we’re really alone?”
He kissed her neck. “All alone.
“Then the manager won’t mind me touching this.”
Rhett lay back, elbows folded behind his head and waggled his brows. “Oh, he won’t mind. Touch all you want.”
Instead of touching him, Elsie walked to a bed, two rows over that was on a display stand. She stepped up and ran a hand over the top of the wood. “It’s beautiful,” she said in wonder. “Look, it’s made of reclaimed teak and mango tree wood and handcrafted by a father/son team. Oh, I remember them,” she said brightly. “I met them at a furniture show last year. They specialize in one-of-a-kinds, but I’ve never seen a piece this stunning before.”
Rhett stood and walked to the bed. He liked the look of the wood and the bold lines of the frame. It was artsy but masculine. “I’m actually into it.”
She looked at him over her shoulder. “What do you mean you’re ‘actually into it’? You make it sound like you haven’t liked anything else I’ve shown you.” She blanched. “You haven’t liked anything else I’ve shown you.”
He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’velikedeverything you’ve shown me. But I’m actually really into this. Like, I can see it in our bedroom.”
She pretended she didn’t catch his slip, but her pretty blush told him otherwise. “I’ll have to talk to the owner, but I bet he can have this delivered this week.”
“I bet I can get him to deliver it today.” Hell, with the right incentive Rhett could probably get the guy to deliver it this morning. Then Rhett could spend the rest of the day in his stunning new bed with his stunner of a woman.
“I can already see it in your room. I can see it on the cover ofModern Masterpiece. It’s… oh my god,” Elsie said, stepping out of his embrace. “I didn’t see the price or I never would have suggested it. I’m sorry.”
“Hang on. For what?”
“Well, here I am talking about how great it would look in the magazine when I’m not the one fronting the bill. And trust me it’s an insane bill.”
She held up the price tag, but he didn’t even look at it. “And?”
“And I would never want you to think that I’m taking advantage of our relationship to advance my career.”
