Page 43 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

Nights like this are everything I’ve ever wanted—the music, the connection, the high of knowing I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. But as I step offstage, the adrenaline fading into a dull hum, I’m left with the hollow ache of what’smissing—Lila.

Even here, hundreds of miles away, she’s still in my head. I keep replaying our conversation on the deck, the way she smiled at me, soft and hesitant, like she was holding something back. I miss the way we used to be—the easy way we could talk about anything and how her laugh could make even the most ordinary moments feel special. I wonder if we can ever find our way back to that.

But I can’t go to her—not yet. Not until I’ve figured out how to end this thing with Crystal and Marcus.

Later, after the rest of the band has gone to their bunks or headed out to unwind, I find Nate sitting in the lounge area of the tour bus, his phone in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.

“Am I interrupting?” I ask, sitting down.

“Not unless you’ve got stock tips,” he says, glancing up with a grin.

Leaning back against my chair, I ask, “How’s the investment looking?”

“Solid,” he says, setting his glass down. “I’ve been tracking it every day. We’re still on track for a big return. A few more weeks, and we should be golden.”

“Good,” I say, nodding. “I need that to pan out.”

Nate leans back in his chair, studying me. “You okay, man? You’ve been... off lately.”

“Yeah,” I lie, “Just got a lot on my mind.”

He doesn’t push, which is one of the things I appreciate about Nate. He’s not the kind of guy to pry unless he thinks it’s necessary.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on it,” I add, standing. “Let me know if anything changes.”

“Will do,” he says, raising his glass in a mock salute.

The next morning, I seek out Cass on the family bus. He’s already awake despite the early hour.

“Hey, Luke,” he says. “What’s up?”

“I need your help,” I say, getting straight to the point.

He nods, motioning for me to have a seat. After I sit down, he turns to me, his tone serious. “What’s going on?”

“I need someone who can look into Marcus. His business dealings, any skeletons he mightbe hiding.”

“This about protecting your father’s company?” His eyes are shrewd. “Or about getting free of Marcus’s daughter?”

“Both.” I drop into a chair. “Something’s not right, Cass. The timing’s too perfect, the pressure too calculated.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t trust Davidson. I’ve been thinking about it more and more, and I need to find out what he’s planning. I also want to look into my dad’s business. Just to make sure there’s nothing I’m missing.”

“Okay,” Cass says slowly. “Do you have anyone in mind?”

“Not really,” I admit. “I was hoping you might know someone.”

“I do, actually,” he says. “Jaxson Gibson. He’s a PI He’s sharp, discreet, and he has handled stuff for us in the past. I think he’d be perfect for this.”

Cass pulls out his phone and sends me the contact info. “He’s not cheap, but he’s the best. And Luke?” His expression turns serious. “Be careful. Men like Marcus Davidson don’t take kindly to people poking around their business.”

“I need to know what I’m dealing with.” I stand, pocketing my phone. “Before he tries to lock me into something I can’t get out of,” I say firmly. “I’m done playing Marcus’s game.Whatever he’s hiding, I’m going to find out. And I’m going to fix this, once and for all.”

He nods, understanding. “Call Gibson. And Luke? Whatever you find... be ready for it. Men like Marcus rarely play clean.”

Fifteen

Lila

The phone rings just as I’m putting the finishing touches on a batch of strawberry shortcakes for Beach Bites. My first instinct is to let it go to voicemail—Luke’s name flashing on the screen throws me off balance more than I care to admit. But something stops me.

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