Page 22 of California Love Songs
She said, “I think that as the family grows, your mom wants to include everyone. So she gives out food-prepping jobs when really there’s already enough to feed a small army. But she sure knows how to make a newcomer feel welcome.” Crystal looked down, almost as if she was feeling shy, which was crazy, since they’d known each other forever. Then her whole face transformed as she smiled. “She’s always been like a second mom to me.”
Damien’s heart warmed. He loved and admired his mom so much and he appreciated how she’d always welcomed their friends into the family, encouraging playdates and sleepovers when they were young.
“And I don’t have to tell you that you’re part of the family,” he reminded her. This was one of the perks of spending more time in Carmel—seeing both his family and Crystal. He’d missed them both more than he’d realized.
They got into the fancy sports car he’d splurged on after his first record went platinum, and he fired up the engine, excited to drive up the winding hill road to his favorite hiking spot, Garland Ranch, where his teenaged self had loved to take long hikes and scribble song lyrics in his worn notebook.
When they reached the regional park and he’d turned off the engine, he turned to Crystal. “I’ve missed hiking here.”
“I’m not exactly hardcore. Let’s hope I don’t disappoint,” she replied with a laugh that seemed to dance in the air between them as they set off together.
Crystal could never disappoint him. And how like her to downplay her own athleticism. She did have a dance studio in her house, after all.
The park was busy on a Saturday, but Damien soon led them to a less used trail, and one that quickly had them climbing. Crystal might not think of herself as hardcore, but she was keeping up just fine. He breathed in deeply, enjoying the scent of the trees and the sound of a river running nearby. “Isn’t this better than planning my sister’s wedding?”
Crystal shot him a playful look. “Actually, I’m planning right now. I have all my best ideas when I’m walking.”
“Same,” he mused, recalling how the lyrics to his first hit had been penned during a three-hour hike. He’d practiced endlessly on the beach with his guitar, but often the lyrics came to him while he was walking.
Looking at the horizon, Crystal said, “Have you thought about writing a love song for Mila and Hersch? It would be perfect for their first dance.”
Damien kicked at a loose stone in the path, sending it skittering ahead. “A love song, huh?” he mused, his reluctance clear in his tone. “That’s not really my style, Crystal. You know I don’t write love songs.”
“Come on,” she pressed, nudging him gently with her elbow. “You wrote one for Archer and Tessa. Mila will expect a song.”
Crystal was right. What had he been thinking? Writing “Colors of Love” had happened naturally as he watched Archer and Tessa fall for each other, but he hadn’t counted on being expected to write a song for every sibling. He wasn’t a damned love song factory.
She didn’t mention that “Colors of Love” had become a huge hit, which he appreciated. He didn’t need his nose rubbed in it.
“Admit it, you’ve got a soft spot for romance.” Her tone was teasing, yet there was an undercurrent of certainty, a belief that she knew him better than anyone. Which was true.
As they walked, Damien found himself wrestling with the idea, his thoughts wandering to melodies and lyrics that might capture the essence of love. And somehow, every line he conjured felt as though it was meant for Crystal—her laughter, her grace, the way she moved through life with such purpose. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat, the internal realization hitting him like a chord struck too hard.
He wasn’t just considering a song for Mila and Hersch. Deep down, he knew that if he was going to write a romantic song, it would be for Crystal.
The realization sizzled through him like an electric current, and for some time he was silent, lost in the strange but not unpleasant sensation. Finally, he told her he’d think about it, but not to make any promises to Mila.
They walked on and again Damien inhaled deeply. “There’s something about this place that always pulls me back.”
Crystal glanced at him, her face glowing with exertion, a few strands of dark hair curling around her face. “It’s your roots. No matter where you go, Carmel—the beach, the valley, the hills—will always be home.”
He nodded, feeling the truth of her words settle around him. She was about to speak again when he noticed she was headed for a rocky ledge she clearly hadn’t seen.
“Watch the—” But before he could finish, her foot caught on an uneven stone, and she pitched forward with a small gasp.
In an instant, Damien’s arms were around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. Her body tensed, then relaxed as she realized she was safe. She turned around and their eyes met, and for the space of a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause—two friends tangled in a moment that felt far more intimate than either of them had anticipated.
“Thanks,” Crystal whispered, and he wondered if her flushed cheeks were from more than the exertion of the hike.
“Always,” Damien murmured, slowly releasing her but not stepping back right away. They stood close—too close—the sound of a nearby bird crooning to them.
As if sensing the need to break the tension, Crystal cleared her throat and smoothed out her shirt. “Well, trying to get back with a broken ankle would definitely have made this hike memorable.”
“Memorable, dangerous—same thing,” he joked. He took a step away, giving them both space to regain their composure.
They set off again, the charged moment ebbing away with each step, yet he couldn’t shake the sense of closeness it had brought. She felt so good in his arms. Too good. Had it simply been that he hadn’t had a girlfriend in a while?
No, that wasn’t it. These feelings were deep and intense. It was so much more than craving intimacy. It was craving Crystal.
