Page 30 of Lucky Dr & the Rockstar Next Door

I licked my lips and leaned back against my kitchen counter. “I know, babe, but we really don’t have time. The parade starts in less than an hour.”

Her lips tugged into a reluctant grin as she rolled her eyes. “I’m serious. We spent so much time on the float and didn’t think to put someone on it.”

I patted my chest. “I’m right here. Famous rock star, sound familiar?”

“No way,” she shook her head. “I’m not asking you to do that. This is your time off to write music and relax. To rest your voice.”

That’s why I love you.It was on the tip of my tongue to say the words out loud, but the moment was perfect, and I knew it because I’d already picked out the perfect moment. “I appreciate the concern, Doc, but you didn’t ask.”

“I’m serious.” She paced in front of me, wearing nothing but one of my t-shirts.

“Me too. I’ll grab my guitar and prep a song or two, and you go home and change, then see if you can find me a microphone. Problem solved.”

She nibbled her bottom lip, which I found irresistible, and I wanted to join in, nibbling that lip myself. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” I smiled and pushed off the counter because I couldn’t keep my hands off her when she was near. “Now are you going to keep freaking out and make us late while I calm you down, or are we doing this?”

“Okay, fine.” She put her hands on my shoulders and pressed her lips to mine. “Thank you. I,” she hesitated and then smiled, “I’m crazy about you, Mac, you know?”

“I do now.” I kissed her again, slowly. Deeply. With so much intensity that it stole my breath. “See you at the parade, Doc.”

Minutes later, she was dressed and leaving through my front door.As

soon as Kayla was gone, I put on my clothes, grabbed my guitar, and set my plan in action. Downtown Holiday Grove was packed. It looked as if every single person in town had come out for the parade, which only piqued my nervesa little.There were booths set up selling beer and cocktails, water and snacks, and even St. Paddy’s Day merch. It was a whole event, and that put a smile on my face.

Some of the floats were already in position while others were putting the finishing touches on their It was an incredible turnout, and I smiled to myself, thinking about how much Kayla would both love and hate this.

“Mac,” Kayla called out to me, eyes wide as she approached. “We’re now the last float in the procession, so you have time to warm up or whatever.”

“You got the mic?”

She shook her head. “I’m going now. It took a few phone calls to figure out where it was left after the last Theater in the Park festival.”

That was exactly what the mayor had said when I called. “We’ll be fine, babe. Promise.”

She flashed a smile. “Okay. Yeah. It’ll be fine. See you in a bit.” She pressed a quick kiss to my lips, smiled, and then took off.

As soon as she was gone again, I made my way to the community center parking lot, where I found a welcome sight. “You made it!”

Rox, Teddy, and Sy had all come through for me. Rox approached first, a big grin on his face. “Wonders never fuckin’ cease, brother. You’re in love with a woman. A doctor at that.”

“We’re so proud,” Teddy teased, both hands resting over his heart.

“You got the music?”

They all nodded. “Shit, man,” Sy began. “These songs are great. Platinum in waiting.”

I shrugged at his praise. “I was inspired.” That was an understatement. Kayla had been my muse in every way possible. The songs flowed because she’d helped me find my passion for living again. “The float is back here.”

We got set up and did our sound check as quietly as possible to avoid drawing any attention. The float was large enough for all four of us, but with our instruments, we needed some reinforcements, which was where Lee assisted by getting a flatbed for the guys to follow behind me. It wasn’t ideal, but this wasn’t about the float.

“Mr. Lancaster,” the mayor flashed a smile as she approached slowly, eyeing each of us. “We’re ready. You’ll have about two minutes on the float before you arrive at the space where most of the town is congregated. Good?”

“Great, thank you so much, Mayor Stevens.”

“Thank you; this is going to be a parade for the books! Good luck.”

We started to move, and the guys began to play strains of old favorites. I joined in absently, scanning the crowd for Kayla. “Doc!” I called out when I spotted her, and she spun around, eyes wide, mouth parted, shock evident in her hazel eyes.

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