She shrugged.
Forest blew out a breath. “He deserves the truth, my summer Skye, before that asshole blows it up on the front page of the tabloids.”
“Ash is going to hate me.”
“Maybe.” Forest took a step forward and gestured for her to follow. “But don’t you think you should let him decide for himself?” His voice dropped an octave. “Especially if you decide to keep him.”
A deep pull of cold air surged into her lungs. “I can’t keep him.”Not after this.
Forest angled his chin down. “Seriously? After that song he sang onstage last night…” His left eyebrow arched, “‘Insanity’? That man isn’t letting you go.”
“But he signed those papers?—”
“I have a feeling his manager had a part in that. Poor boy probably had no idea. I see it in your eyes, my summer Skye. In your heart, you know it, too.”
Forest pointed down the Mall. “Let’s walk. I’m freezing my ass off.” He pulled out his cell phone, and his fingers danced over the screen.
“What are you doing?”
“Strategizing,” he said with a grin. “It’s a beautiful day. Let’s play tourist a bit while you sort out your thoughts. Then, we’ll head back to your place and grab a hot shower and a change of clothes. And, please, answer that damn phone.”
Her fingers flexed, and she twisted her wrist to scan the string of texts sent over the past five minutes.
Where are you?
Don’t run from me.
You belong with me.
You’re my light, my life.
Was he writing another song? His words looked like lyrics, sounds that carved a hole in her heart.
Her finger hovered over the screen. A second later, she began to type.
Ahead of her, Forest held his phone to his ear. He turned when she stopped walking to put distance between them. He had an instinctual understanding of what she needed, and walked in a wide circle, far enough away where she couldn’t hear his conversation, so she had the illusion of privacy to compose her text.
Spencer showed up at the hotel.
Ash replied.
Are you okay?
Yes.
Did he hurt you?
No. Did you know his firm represents your band?
A moment’s delay occurred before Ash responded.
No. Where are you?
I’m with Bean.
Good, but, goddamn, where are you?
Your manager gave me the papers you signed.
