“Believe it or not, I understand that. I’ll get with Jack, and we’ll figure out a plan. I’d like to recoup my investment, and I think we can make that happen with a smaller time commitment from you.”

“I really appreciate that.”

“When’s the wedding?” Buddy asked, surprising Evan with the personal question in the midst of business.

“January eighteenth in Turks and Caicos.”

“Congratulations. Married life is the best thing to ever happen to me. I hope it will be for you, too.”

“I have no doubt whatsoever that it will be.”

“We’ll be in touch. Don’t lose any more sleep, Evan. It’s business. It works itself out.”

If he hadn’t already respected Buddy Longstreet more than just about anyone in the music industry, he would now. “Thanks, Buddy.”

“Everything okay?” Big Mac asked when Evan had stashed the phone in his pocket.

“I think it’s going to be.”

“Excellent. Now have another doughnut.”

Evan laughed and snagged the doughnut while his dad was feeling generous. He felt like a hundred tons had been lifted off his chest with one phone call. It was going to be okay. He could survive six separate weeks away from Grace. Sure he could. If he kept telling himself that, maybe he’d actually believe it by the time he had to go.

***

At noon, Jenny left two of the college students in charge of the store and walked up the driveway to the Martinez house for the interview Alex had asked her to attend. All morning, Jenny had walked around in a stunned state of disbelief over the amazing events of the previous evening.

I love you. You’re mine. Mine, mine, mine.

She shivered, thinking about the way he’d looked at her, their intense lovemaking and sleeping in his arms after they finally wore each other out and went upstairs to bed.

Alex must’ve been watching for her, because he came out to the porch to meet her. He wore a black polo shirt with plaid shorts and looked serious and sexy and thrilled to see her.

I love you. You’re mine. Mine, mine, mine.

As she recalled his words from the night before, her heart gave a happy leap of joy at the sight of him, and she walked a little faster up the stairs and right into his outstretched arms.

“I just saw you a couple of hours ago.” His lips against her ear and his nearness sent a shiver down her spine, as did the memory of him pressing her against the wall of the shower earlier as he thrust into her. “And it seems like forever.”