like fun.” Taylor couldn’t imagine the carefree trips he was describing. Her strict parents had barely gotten by and Taylor had had her first job at fifteen. She’d been working ever since. Even then, there’d never been money or time for cross-country road trips to soak up the sun and music. For a short while early in their relationship she’d felt happiness and a sense of peace with Neil. After their wedding, nothing had been carefree during those torturous two years.
“The best.” Jack grinned, but something was off in his smile as he looked back out over the festival. “Let me give you the low down on how things will run the next few days in the tent and introduce you to the others.”
Taylor was scheduled to work Thursday and Friday from four a.m. to four p.m. and on Sunday from four p.m. to four a.m. on Monday.
“We’re on the same work schedule,” she commented, spotting Jack’s name on the schedule near hers.
“It’s not a coincidence,” he admitted, grinning. “Amy and you are purposely on the same schedule as mine. Didn’t see a reason to change it when Amy cancelled at the last minute. How else can I keep my promise if you and I are on different schedules?”
“How indeed?” At least she was guaranteed a friendly face during her shifts because Jack seemed to always smile. He was the most laidback person she’d encountered in a long time. Maybe ever. “Do most of the crew sleep or participate in the festival activities during their down time?”
“A mixture. Most take in a few concerts. But some hang around the camping area or leave the farm to check out local attractions.”
“Is that how you fell in love with the area?”
He hesitated a minute, then said, “Amy had a lot to do with that.”
If she’d had any doubt, there was her confirmation that there was something between her friend and Jack. She fought back a fresh twinge of disappointment that he was taken, reminded herself he was a doctor and she wasn’t interested anyway. Plus, she truly was pleased for Amy. She’d just met Jack and she already liked him.
“I’m happy for you.”
He stared at her a moment, then his eyes lit with surprise. “Not sure what Amy told you...” he chuckled as he continued “...but we’re just friends. I’m sure she feels the same.”
Heat flooded her face. Just friends. “Oh.”
“You thought she and I were more?”
Oh, good grief. Her face burned. Her ears burned. Could the ground just please open and swallow her now?
“Well, you did mention you were at her apartment,” she reminded him, trying to explain why she’d thought what she had.
“At a party she threw for a co-worker.” His eyes danced with merriment. “Nothing nearly as exciting as what you were imagining.”
“Too bad for you. Amy is a great catch.” All true, but even as she said it she had to remind herself yet again that she was not interested in becoming involved, especially not with someone in the same profession as Neil. No way.
“I agree,” Jack assured her. “Amy has been talking with my best friend for the past couple of weeks. Nothing would make me happier than if the two of them continue to hit it off.”
Amy hadn’t mentioned the best friend either. Had Taylor and her bestie really grown that far apart over the past few years? She’d been so wrapped up in trying to make her marriage work and ashamed of the situation in which she’d found herself that she’d not invested time into their friendship. Yet Amy had always been there any time Taylor had called, like when she’d finally filed for divorce.
Guilt hit her. She’d do better. Lots better. It had taken her the past year to build a foundation of who she was, who she wanted to be.
“So, nothing between the two of you?” she double-checked, just to be sure she’d understood correctly.
“Friendship.”
“I’m sorry.” She really was. Amy was the best person she knew and deserved the best of everything. Maybe Jack’s friend would prove to be worthy.
“I’m not.”
“Why’s that?” Her gaze locked with his and her breath caught. His eyes sparkled like sunshine dancing across lake water.
“Let’s just say—” he was looking at her as if she were the sweetest soda pop he’d ever wanted to taste “—I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Awareness filled Taylor. Awareness that had nothing to with anything except good old-fashioned girl meets boy. Good grief. Her body didn’t seem to care about his taboo medical credentials and her ban against men.
Eek. Maybe she shouldn’t have been quite so ecstatic about her libido’s revival.
* * *
When Taylor’s brow lifted, her expression cautious, Jack chided himself for his admission. If he wasn’t careful, she was going to think he really was a stalker.
Was it considered stalking if her best friend had talked about her so much Jack had been looking forward to meeting her for weeks?
Longer.
She’d caught his eye years ago the first time he’d seen her photo. Something in her eyes, her smile had called to him. He’d been sad to learn she was married. When Amy had mentioned her divorced best friend was coming to work Rockin’ Tyme, he’d been intrigued, wondering if the real deal would intrigue him as much as her photo.
She did.
Taylor Hall was a beautiful woman. Thick almost platinum blonde hair, golden brown eyes, pouty lips, and a body he had to force himself not to think about. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen, but it was something in her eyes that had snagged his attention years ago and refused to let go even now that he’d met her in person.
He suspected that although her outside packaging was beautiful, the real beauty was hidden away like a secret treasure.
Jack introduced her to the crew, all of whom were friendly but really brightened when he told them she was Amy’s friend.
“Shame Amy’s not going to be here this year,” one said, giving her hand a hearty shake.
“Sorry to hear about her grandmother,” another commented.
Robert, a paramedic from a couple of counties away, grinned, stuck his hand out to Taylor, and eyed her in much the way Jack probably had.
“Tell me I’m the luckiest guy on the planet and you’re single?”
Jack’s gaze immediately shifted to Taylor’s to see how she’d respond to the man’s blatant flirting.
Eyes wide with surprise, she eyed him, then laughed softly. “I’m single.”
Looking upwards, Robert made a thankful gesture.
“But not looking for a music
