Page 64 of The Escape Plan

“So, what about a summer romance?” Hayden asks the same question the Hathaways asked me a while back. “See out the rest of your August with that fine, fine man over there?”

For some reason, this time, it doesn’t seem nearly so improbable.

I’m clearly attracted to Beckett. Probably too attracted to him. And I clearly think way too often about the sparks between us. To the point where I might need to put up a “Danger, High Voltage!” sign in my head.

“I don’t know,” I tell Nori and Hayden hesitantly, taking a mental step back from the metaphorical electric fence in my mind.

I’m not in the market for romance. Right? I’m focusing on my career, working towards my future. And like I mentioned, Beckett’s only here temporarily. In a couple of short weeks, I might never see him again.

“Don’t know what?” Nori tilts her head.

I shrug. “If I’m a summer romance sort of person.”

Or any kind of a romance person.

“Maybe you could be,” Hayden says thoughtfully. “Maybe that wasn’t you in the past, but you could try something new this summer.”

Nori nods. “He’s a good man. I think he’d be good for you.”

I steal another glance at Becks, and of course, my silly heart picks up pace.

A change in pace that has me considering things…

Maybe I could open myself up to something new, explore this positively magnetic chemistry between us. A chemistry that’s tangible; that’s becoming harder and harder to brush off.

With Beckett leaving at the end of the month, and me already knowing this, there’s no way I can be blindsided again. He can’t hurt me by leaving if I already know there’s an expiration date on anything we could possibly have together. If I’m aware upfront that this is temporary, then I can make sure it doesn’t hurt me.

I can protect my heart because I know what’s coming—and at the end of August, we can go our separate ways, entirely unscathed.

“Maybe a summer romance could be good for me. And maybe one could be good for him…” I find myself saying.

Apparently, I’m just leaping the fence now, no inhibitions.

And I’m kind of liking the thrill of it.

“Yeah, girl!” Hayden cheers.

“Oh, by the way,” Nori says, biting her lip. “Sorry to change the subject so abruptly, but I should give you a heads up. I ran into Andrew and Lisa in the hallway this morning, and they said they’re coming tonight. Together.”

I nod as I digest this information. Wait to feel… something.

Nothing comes. So I shrug. “It’s good that they’re coming. The more we pack this place, the better, right?”

“You don’t mind?”

“Nah,” I say, and it’s the truth.

I don’t care about Andrew anymore. Not like that. To the point where I’m glad he’s happy.

“Good for you,” Hayden says, but I’m barely listening as I sneak another glimpse at Beckett. He’s standing onstage in front of the microphone now, pushing a lock of hair that’s fallen over his forehead out of his eyes as he helps Ezra with the sound check.

I’ve seen what an incredible teacher he is. Heard what incredible music he can create.

And now, I get to see him bring his passion to life on the stage right in front of me.

I can hardly wait.

Chapter Twenty-Five

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