“Southern California. Near San Diego.”
Patrick nodded, then motioned toward the house. “I don’t think they’re finished yet.”
“I know. I’ve got to go out of town for a few days, and I wanted to tell Adam before I left.”
“That’s a smart move. He’s kinda attached to you.”
I smiled. “I’m attached to him, too. In every way possible. Head, heart, the works.”
A sad smile took over Patrick’s face. “I’m happy for you both.”
“Thanks, I’ll take care of him.”
“I know you will.”
I tilted my head toward the door. “I’m gonna go check in with him. Dreamboat is going to take me to the airport, then take over for me here with him.”
“Yeah, okay. Have a good trip.”
“Thanks, man.”
Patrick smiled and went back to raking as I made my way to the front door.
I walked in and closed the door behind me. As I made my way down the warmly painted hallway to the studio, I passed photo after photo of the three of them as kids. I’d stood in the hallway many times while they were recording and looked at the pictures. Their friendship spanned more than twenty years, and just looking at the photos, anyone could see how Cole and Patrick felt about each other, even as kids.
The music had stopped as I approached, so I poked my head inside to find them laughing at something. When Adam saw me, he smiled as I waved him over.
He put his guitar into its stand and nodded toward me. Cole turned and smiled, then raised a hand to wave as Adam left the booth.
When he reached me, I pulled him in for a kiss. The feel of his soft lips on mine, accompanied by the smoky amber scent of his cologne, never failed to stir me up. I had to end this before I embarrassed us both.
Adam wrapped his arms around my neck, then looked up at me. “What are you doing here so early?”
“I came to tell you I’ve got to go out of town for a couple of days. Dreamboat is going to take over for me until I get back. He’s going to drop me off at the airport.”
He frowned and looked at me. “Where are you going?”
“California. There’s some sensitive information for a case I’ve been working on that I need to go get. I’m the only one who can access it. I won’t be gone long. I promise.”
He nodded slowly, a worried look on his face. “Be careful.”
I grinned, giving him a smug look. “I will. I’ll call you tonight. Okay?”
Adam nodded again. “Okay. I’ll be waiting.” He blushed, then cleared his throat as if he couldn’t believe he’d been that mushy. “I mean, yeah. Whatever.”
I threw my head back and laughed before I kissed him once more and whispered in his ear. “I like you, liar.”
Adam’s smile caused his unshaven jaw to rub against mine before he leaned back, smiling up at me with those hazel eyes I loved. “I like you, too.”
CHAPTER17
ADAM
“What’s wrong with you?You’re half a beat behind.”
Cole was right. I was definitely off my game after Michael told me he was going out of town to work on a case. It was weird, because I didn’t realize he was working on anything other than me. Well, protecting me from my crazy ass mother, that is.
Clearing my throat, I glanced up at him. “Sorry. Let’s start from the top.”
