Page 31 of Lucky Dr & the Rockstar Next Door

I smiled back. “Surprise.”

She looked to her right, where the boys pulled up behind me as both vehicles came to a stop. “What is happening?” she mouthed.

“I came to Holiday Grove because this is my brother’s new home and to work on our next album. It wasn’t going too well at first, and then I found my muse.”

Kayla put both hands to her cheeks.

“That’s right, Doc, I’m talking about you.”

The crowd cheered; some of them turned back to look at her, but mostly they were focused on the band.

“You see, this sexy, brilliant woman and this crazy little town of hers reminded me of how much I loved music. Writing songs, creating melodies and hooks—it was like the first time all over again.”

She shook her head, her face bright red from the attention. “Mac.”

“I fell back in love with writing music, with songwriting too. But mostly, I fell in love with you, Kayla. Heart pounding, can’t-wait-to-see-you, touch you, taste you, feel you—in love with you. And babe? These songs are for you.” I sang; my gaze never left my woman’s, and hers never left mine.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she watched me play and swayed to the music. Joy lit up her hazel eyes while her hands remained over her heart until the last note was played.

“Thank you, Holiday Grove, for indulging me today. The first round of drinks at Ol’ St. Nick’s is on me!” There was a stack of dingle pies warming in my oven just for Kayla, and I was a man of my word. Levi had come through for me, so I went above and beyond for him.

Had to, since this was my new home.

“Mac Lancaster, what the hell was that?” Kayla made her way to the float, smiling up at me despite the fierceness of her question.

“That, Doc, is what the kids call agrand gesture. I’m hoping it conveyed how I feel about you.”

“Oh, it did that all right,” she laughed and held her hands up.

I pulled her onto the float and wrapped my arms around her. “And how do you feel about those feelings?”

“Overwhelmed,” she admitted with a laugh. “And happy, Mac. So damn happy. I love you too, but unlike you, I was too damn afraid to say the words.”

“You almost did this morning.”

Her smile brightened. “I did, but again, I was scared.” Her palms cradled my face, and she looked deep into my eyes with a heavy sigh. “But I love you too, Mac. I know it’s fast, maybe too fast, but I haven’t felt this way about anyone. Ever. I love that I can be myself with you, all parts of me from goofy to nerdy, and you love them all. Just as I love all the parts of you. A lot.”

“Kayla, do you know how it feels to hear you say those words?” My heart raced. The blood in my veins vibrated with the excitement that pulsed through me. “I’ve never been so terrified in my life, laying my heart out like that.”

She laughed. “And you thought doing it in front of the whole town was the least terrifying option?”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“You did,” she whispered as her thumbs caressed my jaw. “Mac, this was such an amazing gesture. I’ll never forget it.” She leaned in close. “You brought your whole band!”

“They were happy to help. Believe me.” They were watching us, even now.

“Want to meet them?”

She rolled her eyes. “Obviously. But I need you to know that I’m not expecting you to change, Mac. Music is your gift, and I don’t ever want you to feel like you have to stifle that for me.” Her golden gaze was so earnest, so fierce. “We’ll find a way to make it work.”

“Damn right we will, because I put an offer on the rental, and it’s over asking price, so I’m pretty sure they’ll accept it. I want us to live there. Together. Every break, I’ll come back here. To you.”

She smiled. “And I’ll come to you as often as I can when you’re on the road.”

“Just say the word, and I’ll have the jet pick you up.” My heart was light and free, and so damned happy. “Kayla, this is happening.”

She shook her head. “It’s already happened. We’re just catching up.” She pushed up on her toes and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss was hot and slow as she poured her love into it, into me. Kayla smiled against my lips as the cheers and whistles of the town grew so loud they were almost deafening. “I guess the town got two shows today.”

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