Page 32 of Falling for the Guy Next Door

I shook my head. “It’s nothing really. I don’t want to make a big thing about it.”

Nash sat forward and placed his forearms on his thighs. “What happened, Layla?”

I hadn’t mentioned the rose to anyone, but it was still there in the back of my mind, bothering me. “After I dropped Rocky back home, I crossed over to my house. Someone had left a red rose on my bike seat.”

“An admirer?” he asked, then his face smoothed in comprehension. “It’s him, isn’t it? Dustin?”

“I think so. I’m not sure who else would have put it there.”

“Do you think he was following you on the walk?” His jaw and shoulders tightened.

“No,” I said too abruptly. “I have no proof of that. It was just an unsettling afternoon, which really saddens me because I look so forward to my walks with Rocky.”

“Aw, Layla, I’m sorry that happened.”

The look on his face was so genuine with concern, my throat tightened. I forced a smile. “Not your fault and I’m not worried about it.”

“If you need me to talk to him,” he started, but I shook my head.

“I don’t need to bother you with my troubles. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of your own to deal with.”

He smiled weakly. “Is it that obvious?”

“Let’s just say you give a whole different vibe when you’re on stage, but tonight as you hummed along with your guitar, you sounded sad. Anything I can do or say that will help?”

He stared at the ocean. The moon had just started to paint the water with its glow, and that same unearthly glow was reflected in his eyes. “There’s been nothing official yet, but actually, it might be nice to talk about it with someone other than my band. Can you keep a secret?”

I smiled. “Each of my sisters would have a different answer for that, but I’d say yes, I can. Especially when in service of a friend.”

“I’m glad we’re friends, Layla.” Nash looked at me. “Moonstone is breaking up. It’s only just starting to hit me. We’ve been together for a long time, so not playing together is going to leave a pretty big hole in my life.”

Naturally, my first thought was to call Emily with the news. It would be devastating for her, but Nash had asked me to keep it to myself, and I would do exactly that. “Oh wow, Nash, I didn’t see that coming. What happened?”

Nash relaxed back on the chair and shrugged. “It was more or less an expected ending. We were starting to grow apart, and the enthusiasm, the thrill that came with playing in a band and gaining followers had begun wearing off. We had an opportunity for a European tour, but I couldn’t leave the states because of my mom and sister. I told them to go on without me, but the tour was for the whole Moonstone band.”

“You mean, they didn’t want the band without Nash Ledger,” I said.

“I guess, and that didn’t help the rift that was growing between Bosco and me. But tonight, for the first time in a few years, we talked. Not like bandmates but like high school best friends. It was nice, actually. We grew up together, and we were close like brothers.”

Immediately I thought about Emily and how much we’d shared together growing up. Memories that were irreplaceable and would have been entirely different if Emily hadn’t been part of them.

“I’m glad at least that rekindling of an old friendship came out of your decision to break up. Boy, there are going to be a lot of heartbroken fans out there, including my friend, Emily. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed.”

“I’m sure Ronnie will make a statement on social media after we finish up this gig at Comstock. I guess I’m still trying to get a grip on the whole thing. And here I am, coping by trying to write a song—for a band that will not exist next month.”

“No need to stop writing and singing and creating music. It’s good for the soul, I’m sure. And here I came and interrupted. I won’t bother you anymore. I know you were busy with your music. It’s just—I was feeling a little lonely and—” I got up, but he took hold of my hand before I could turn away.

Nash held my hand and stood up. I had to tilt my head back to look at him. He was quite the picture, standing on a shadowy back patio under the starlight.

“Layla, I’m just going to say it—I like you.” He chuckled and released my hand. “Well, that didn’t come out nearly as cool and suave as I hoped. Look, I just think, I think the two of us should get to know each other better. I’d really like that, but …” His words faded as he looked at my face. I realized then that was exactly what I wanted, only there was a very big, boisterous, daydream-filled impediment in my way. “That’s all right. I get it. You’re not interested, and you’re in the middle of trying to break free of a bad relationship, and here I am making a move. Not exactly smooth.”

This time I took his hand. “Getting to know you better sounds wonderful.”

“But? I sense there’s one of those coming.”

“My friend, Emily, she’d never forgive me.”

“Emily is not part of my life. She’s sweet, but we’re not ever going to be a couple. It’syouI want to get to know,youI want to spend more time with.”

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