Page 85 of Everything Has Changed
“As tempting as that offer is, I don’t share.”
Dottie’s eyes flare as she bites on her grin. “Oh, you are so lucky.” She aims her comments at Gwen and I realize she’s the true one Dottie wanted. Not that I can blame her at all. “But the offer stands if youchange your mind later.” She winks at my girl then turns on her heel to grab a box sitting on an amp nearby.
“Can’t take this one anywhere,” Frederick points his thumb at his tour manager with a laugh. “When is your festival? I do miss the small-town life, wouldn’t mind stopping by.”
“Next Saturday,” Gwen says, pride shining in her voice. “We would love to have you if you’re going to be around. You could even have the chance to dunk Margot’s husband in the dunk tank. I think your donation qualifies you for a few throws.”
Frederick wags a finger at her. “I like your way of thinking, sweetie.”
“But unfortunately we will be well on our way up north by then, remember?” Dottie walks over with the box in hand. Both Frederick and I move to take it from her. I beat him to it and peer in to take a look at the contents. Gwen rises on her tiptoes to see as well, her perfect plush mouth forming an O in shock.
She drops back down and stares at Frederick and Dottie.
“This is too much.”
Dottie shrugs. “It’s no big deal, beautiful. This is just some extras we have. Besides, it’s going to a great cause. We want to make sure the quirky small towns continue to stay quirky for our enjoyment.”
“Thank you so much.” Gwen steps forward and wraps Dottie in a tight hug, then Frederick, her grin nowhere near stopping. “And if you happen to make it to Willow Grove, you can have all the dunk tank tries you want on Mayor Spencer.”
“I’ll hold you to that, sweetheart.”
A scrawny young kid who looks like he’s about to shit his pants steps up to Dottie. His wide eyes would shoot her with hearts if he’s not careful.
“Dot—Dottie,” he stutters.
“Hey, kid. What’s up?” She smiles politely at him, trying to catch his eyes to make contact, but he keeps it low.
“We are ready to go when you are.”
Dottie reaches out to ruffle his hair. “Such a good boy.”
I think the kid almost melts on the spot as he finally looks up at her. She giggles and turns to Frederick. “He’s so easy to mess with.”
Frederick chuckles. “Byron, I get it, kid. But you know she would eat you alive.”
“And I’d die with a smile on my face,” he fawns as he walks away.
Dottie slaps a hand on Frederick’s shoulder. “Let’s get movin’, boss man. Gwen, it was absolutely lovely to meet you,” her voice purrs. “And Logan, you better take care of our girl.”
My eyebrows shoot up to my hair. I feel Gwen bury her face into my arm as she laughs. “I’ve got my girl, don’t you worry.”
“That’s what we like to hear, man.” Frederick steps forward and wraps his arms around both of us. This time I’m more prepared, knowing how much of a hugger the rockstar is. He pulls back and grins. “Tell your mom I miss her.”
I shake my head. “I’m not doing that.”
Frederick chuckles and shrugs at Dottie, who is reprimanding him. “What? I gotta shoot my shot, or whatever the kids are saying these days.”
“You two have a good night.” She grabs his arm and starts pulling him toward the back. “I’m serious about that champagne, too. It’s already paid for. Hate for it to go to waste.”
“Thank you!” Gwen calls out to a responding big grin and waves before they turn the corner, disappearing from view.
“Well,” I start. “This has been quite the evening so far.”
Gwen hip-checks me. “So far?”
I slide a hand around her neck, tugging at the hair on her nape lightly enough for her to release a small gasp. Tilting her head back, I note the lust forming in her eyes as I apply a little more pressure to her hair.Interesting.
“We have the night away from Willow Grove. Away from prying eyes. I’m taking advantage of all the time we have, if that’s okay with you.”
