Page 3 of Meant To Be

Yet again, I wished I could play it cool, but my grimace must’ve given me away.

“Aw, hell. Did you buy them for both of you?”

“We’ve been dating for months,” I pointed out.

He let out a little whistle. After a beat, he added, “I’m sure you’re embarrassed. But it’s for the best, and you don’t seem too heartbroken.”

I rolled my eyes. “I am embarrassed and hurt, but I mean, it is for the best if he’s going to pull something like that. We were just dating and having fun. I thought the concert would be fun.”

Maybe it was impulsive, or maybe it was stupid and definitely foolish, but Dylan was a decent guy. Even if I sort of had a crush on him a few years ago, I was over it. We could go to the concert. I didn’t really think it through when I said, “You should come with me. I have the tickets already. I have a car rented and everything.”

Dylan’s slow smile sent my belly into a spinning flip. He lifted a hand in the high-five position, and I slapped my palm against his.

Chapter Two

DYLAN

I stared down at Piper Ellis. With her big brown eyes, silky brown hair, and freckled cheeks, she was downright cute when she smiled. I ignored the sizzle of desire I felt whenever I saw her.

I’d had a crush on Piper ever since I’d met her. Fortunately or not, it had never gone anywhere because her brother was one of my best friends. Even though Wade and I were rarely in the same place since we’d finished college, we stayed in touch. I traveled a lot, so my path didn’t cross Piper’s often.

It was probably beyond reckless and foolish to propose I spend a weekend with her at this concert event. But the Lost Ridge Ramblers were a good band, one of my favorites.

“So why are you flying through North Carolina?”

“My plan was to land in Asheville and surprise Wade with a visit.”

“Does he know you’re coming?” Piper asked, her eyes widening.

I shook my head. “Nope. I’ll do this instead. I can swing by and see him after the weekend.”

“Are you sure?” She caught her bottom lip with her teeth, sending a fiery jolt through me. I ignored it.

“I’m sure. I love this band, and I’ve never been able to see them live. Do you want me to reimburse you for the ticket?”

Piper laughed and shook her head. “Nope. Already paid for it. Consider it your Christmas gift from me.” She paused before lifting the tickets off the floor and studying them for a moment. After she tucked them into her backpack, she asked, “When’s your flight to Alaska?”

“The week after next.”

She studied me before shaking her head slowly. “It’s so weird we’re both going to Alaska.”

I ignored the sizzle of electricity I felt in the air between us. “Definitely. Where are you headed there?”

“Willow Brook.”

“Seriously?” This time, I wasn’t teasing her.

She angled her head to the side. “Are you going to Willow Brook?”

When I nodded, she snorted. “It gets even weirder.”

“I didn’t even know you were going to Alaska,” I said.

“I just accepted the job a few days ago. I’m sure you’ll hear from Wade soon.”

I chuckled. “I will.”

“When’s the last time you talked to him?”

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