Love Notes (Accidental Kisses #3)

by Tammy Andresen

  I blinked. Had I just used the word love?

  Carrie spun around and started packing a bag.

  “What time do you have class?” I asked Melissa like it was just a normal conversation.

  She peeked up at me, one of her eyebrows going up. “Nine, but then I’m done by one.” She slid her hands across my chest and then propped her chin on the back of them. “Then Chloe and I are going shopping this afternoon. Millie might come too.”

  “Fun.” I combed her hair back with my fingers. I couldn’t get enough of those silky strands. “What are you shopping for?”

  “Seriously?” Carrie’s shrill voice interrupted. “You’re just going to lay there talking like nothing happened?”

  Mel looked over at her. “Stay or go. It’s your choice. But I’m done with the drama, Carrie.” Then she turned back to me. “I need a replacement tank top because that one got broken.”

  Don’t get me wrong, I dug the tank tops. But something had changed. I didn’t like the other guys knowing how hot she was, that was the first thing. And, honestly, she looked gorgeous in her regular clothes. “You should get another of those silky tees like you wore yesterday. That looks really pretty on you.”

  “You are recommending she dress as her nerdiest self?” Carrie grumbled as she rummaged through her drawers.

  That one ticked me off, partially because Carrie had hit a nerve with me. I had been a jerk about the clothes and I knew it. I started to sit up, but Mel pushed me back down. “I rock nerdy.” Mel gave a little giggle.

  “You do,” I replied.

  With a roll of her eyes, Carrie closed her drawer and then zipped up her bag. “Whatever. I am out of here.”

  “Man,” I said the second the door closed. “She knows how to tick a person off.”

  “She does,” Mel replied. “Thanks for staying. That was way easier with you here.”

  Grabbing her around the waist, I flipped her over so she was under me. Giving her a full kiss on the lips, I pulled back to look into her eyes. “You’re welcome. Thanks for helping me not take the bait. How could she know I’d given you a hard time about the clothes?” I winced as I said it.

  But Mel just gave a little shrug. “Because she was always giving me a hard time about the clothes. I just didn’t listen to her.”

  I lowered myself down, pressing our bodies together as I held her face in my hands. “Promise you’ll buy whatever you want today and you won’t listen to me either.”

  “I promise.” She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’ll tell you what. Whatever I do get, I’ll wear to the show on Thursday night.”

  “Perfect.” I kissed her neck just behind her ear. “I’ve got to go get ready for class but I will see you tonight?”

  “Yeah,” she said softly. “Tonight sounds perfect.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Melissa

  Derek kept his word about taking it slow. With Carrie M.I.A., he stayed in my room two other nights that week.

  I was really glad there wasn’t pressure to rush into the physical part. I liked him so much, but I did need time to be ready. On the other hand, however, I still had doubts about his feelings for me because he was holding back. Maybe I just needed to hear him say, “I’m crazy about you.” Okay, maybe minus the word crazy.

  I hadn’t said anything to him either. But I knew why I hadn’t. I was chicken. Straight up scared.

  Wednesday night the band had a long rehearsal. I’d ended up hanging out with Chloe and Millie for a little while.

  We’d done some shopping and then hit a local pizza place.

  “So.” Chloe glanced over at me as we waited in line. “You’ve been quiet about Derek tonight.”

  I grinned. “I was trying not to make our entire friendship being about Derek.”

  She giggled and Millie did too. “You’ve proven your point,” Millie said. “Now dish.”

  I shrugged. “Everything’s going well.”

  Millie and Chloe were silent for a moment. Finally, Chloe smacked my arm. “Why doesn’t well sound good?”

  My shoulder bounced up and down again. “We’re spending a lot of time together and we kiss a lot but…” I looked down to the floor. “We haven’t said anything about our feelings and I can’t help but wonder sometimes why we’re moving so slow.”

  “Have you asked him?” Chloe touched her arm.

  “Yeah.” It was partially true. “He says he wants to do it right this time.”

  Chloe nodded. “That’s awesome. And I’m sure he’s crazy about you.”

  “It really is awesome.” Millie touched my arm. “Derek strikes me as a guy who’s had some demons. But with you…” She paused. “He seems kinder or something. I really don’t think you should worry.”

  Chloe winked. “Seriously, don’t worry.”

  I wanted to believe them. Part of me did. Rolling my eyes at myself, I went home and did what I did best. Threw myself into work.

  By the time Thursday night rolled around, I’d finished the video and posted it to Facebook. The guys had decided to pay to boost the ad and the response had been amazing. I knew the club was going to be packed tonight.

  I’d gotten a new outfit too. It was a cute skirt, not a pencil skirt, but long enough I felt comfortable and I’d paired it with a fitted sleeveless top. I’d bought a matching sweater so it could be a work outfit too. Doing my makeup and curling my hair, I had to admit, whatever else happened, I was finding a me that I really liked.

  My buzzer rang and Derek’s deep voice boomed through the intercom. “Ready?”

  “Ready,” I sang as I sailed out the door.

  He was waiting for me downstairs and before I’d even had a chance to say hello, he’d scooped me into his arms.

  Why did I worry at all?

  Walking down the street, I was tucked against his side.

  “So.” I gave him a glowing smile. “Without any big marketing projects on tap for the weekend, I’m pretty free. Want to hang out?”

  He gave me a little squeeze. “I can’t this weekend. I’m going on a Big Brother retreat.”

  Inwardly, I winced, but outwardly, I slapped on a smile. I liked that he volunteered. That he was more than a rock guy. But I guess, I just wanted to know where we stood before we were separated for the weekend. “Cool.” I swallowed. “When do you leave?”

  “Tomorrow evening.” He gave me a quick glance. “But I’ll be back by Sunday dinner time. We could go out then.”

  “Great.” I took a breath, fighting down the worry. We reached the van and he helped me in the passenger’s side.

  It was a short ride to the club and once we arrived, Derek was busy getting all the equipment out of the van. I headed inside and found Chloe.

  We sat chatting for a while as we watched the guys setting up. Over the past few weeks, I’d learned every Echo Stream song backward and forward. I sang them in the shower, on my way to class, while I did homework. But as they began warming up, I heard a song I never had before. “What’s this?” I turned to Chloe.

  She winked. “Wait until you hear it.”

  My eyes were fixed on the stage and I noticed that Derek kept glancing at me as he strummed his guitar. I’d heard it before, I realized, in my room.

  “Uh oh.” Chloe pulled on my arm, as she pointed toward the hall that led backstage. “There goes trouble.”

  I caught Nicole’s back as she disappeared down the hall, but I’d recognize her pink hair and tall boots anywhere. “She just won’t go away,” I grumbled.

  “She’s like the plague,” Chloe answered wrinkling her nose.

  I scrunched up my face. “Why is she going backstage? Everyone is out here?”

  “No good reason, that’s for sure.” Chloe answered. “We’d better tell Derek.”

  But he’d clearly caught sight of her too because I watched him climb off the stage and head down the hall.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Derek

  What was Nicole doing here? How many tim
es did I have to tell that girl to go away?

  I stopped taking her calls or answering her texts, you’d think she’d get the message.

  Stomping down the hall, I made to wrench open the dressing room door only to find it locked. Pounding on the door, I yelled, “Nicole, you’d better let me in.”

  “Hang on,” she sang.

  I pounded on the door again. “Now,” I growled.

  I heard the lock click, then she opened it up and gave me her pouty face. “Fine, but you’ve ruined the surprise.”

  “What?” I glared at her. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t want anything from you.”

  “I know.” She made a face. “You’ve got a new girlfriend you’re all atwitter about. But the second she’s gone, I bet you change your mind about me.”

  “Mel isn’t going anywhere and I’m never changing my mind.” I pointed down the hall. “Get out.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You used to be wild for me. Don’t pretend like you weren’t. I’ve got a song to prove it.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “Not my proudest moment.”

  I saw her cringe and I nearly regretted my words. Despite everything, I wasn’t trying to hurt her. I just wanted her to leave me alone.

  But the look was gone in a flash. “What do you think your little perfect princess would think if she knew that song was for me?”

  “She knows, Nicole.” I leveled her with a stare. “I asked you several times to stop bugging me. What do you want from me? You broke it off, remember? There’s a street full of my stuff to prove it.”

  She rolled her eyes. “If I’d known you’d be so sensitive…” She stepped closer. “I don’t want to be done. Is that so wrong?”

  I did my best not to sigh. “It isn’t wrong. It just isn’t happening.”

  “Why not?” It was close to a yell.

  “Because.” I shook my head. “I can’t do the drama anymore. I want something different than what we had. I’m sorry.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You’ll change your mind,” she said. “I know you will.”

  I closed my eyes. “I won’t.”

  She stepped close to me. How had I never noticed how offensive her perfume was? Her hand came to my chest. I brushed it away. We weren’t touching ever again.

  “Like I said. You’ll rethink that as soon as Melissa is out of the way.”

  When had Nicole learned Mel’s name? “What are you up to?”

  But she didn’t respond as she headed back toward the club.

  I followed, making a beeline for Melissa. I had honestly expected Nicole to head straight for her but my ex headed for the bar. Nicole glanced over her shoulder at me with a cat-like grin. I swung my gaze back over to Mel, who was staring open-mouthed at her phone.

  As she looked up at me, tears filled her eyes.

  “Derek,” Evan called. “It’s time, man. We gotta head back so that we can be announced.”

  “Hang on,” I barked as I stomped toward Melissa. I didn’t know what was happening but I knew it wasn’t good. “What’s wrong?” I growled as I reached her.

  “What’s wrong?” She blinked but a tear slipped down her cheek. “You just broke up with me.”

  “What?” Grabbing her phone, I looked at the message still on the screen that said it was from me.

  Sorry. We’re done.

  “Nicole must have sent it.” I shot a glance across the club. “She locked herself in the dressing room. All of our phones were in there.”

  “She has your password?” Mel asked. That seemed like a small point, but I answered anyway.

  “I guess.” I ran a hand through my hair. “Look. I have to go. But we’ll talk about all of this after the show. And we are not broken up. Just so you know.” I pulled her into my arms. “Please don’t leave. I have a surprise for you.”

  She looked at me with those big brown eyes. “I’ll stay.” I watched her swallow, the delicate column of her neck moving with the action. I wanted to follow it with my fingers. “And you’re right. We really need to talk.”

  Not a lot got under my skin but I didn’t like the sound of that. I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. Please don’t let Nicole get between us. I’ll never forgive myself if she does.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Melissa

  I watched Derek go, blinking in confusion. How could the last two minutes have been so crazy? Did he just say I was the best thing that had ever happened to him? Did he mean that for the band? I shook my head. What he’d said sounded personal and had been the words I’d been waiting for.

  I stared at my phone again, his breakup text—or Nicole’s breakup text—still staring me in the face.

  “Aren’t you just a little doll with your single tear rolling down your cheek.”

  My head snapped up to find Nicole standing in front of me. Chloe gasped next to me and scooted closer. “A doll?”

  Nicole gave me a big old smile, which made all the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “With your glossy brown hair and big brown eyes.” The smile turned to a sneer. “And a go-getter attitude to match.”

  I honestly didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t actually insulted me, though I knew it was coming. I straightened away from her, shifting my weight on my stiletto heel. “Um, thanks?”

  “We laugh about it, actually, when we’re together.” Nicole’s sneer had turned ugly. “About how a girl like you could ever think a guy like Derek would be into her.”

  “Oh my God,” Chloe whispered.

  But I was ready for it. “Is that why you just stole Derek’s phone and pretended to be him to send a break-up text? Because you’re in on the joke?”

  Nicole gave a cold laugh. “Sue me. I got a little jealous. You’re not without your charms.” She stepped closer. “I mean, he may be into me but you have your skills and an ambitious guy like him could decide you were the main squeeze.”

  Fear started to trickle down my back. Or maybe that was sweat. Nicole was speaking aloud all my worst fears. “Or he could just like me.”

  “Oh, baby girl.” She reached out and grabbed a piece of my hair, lifting it up and letting it slide through her fingers. “A guy like Derek doesn’t go slow. But you knew that already, didn’t you? In your heart of hearts? He isn’t being sensitive, he just doesn’t like you.”

  I opened my mouth to retort, but the words died on my lips. How could she know that? The only thing that made sense was that Derek had told her. Which meant what she was saying was true. My legs barely supported me as I gasped for breath. At some point, I’d started clutching Chloe’s hand.

  “Find another guy in the band and, by all means, keep doing your little side job here. It’s clearly helping. But Derek is mine. He’s always been mine.” She was right in my face now. “Stop trying to steal my boyfriend.”

  “Mel.”

  I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of Derek’s voice through the mic. I’d been so transfixed by Nicole’s words that I hadn’t even noticed the band climbing on stage. I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. Mostly, I was dying to get out of there and run away to my room to process in peace.

  I was in love with Derek. As I shot a glance toward the stage, I knew it was true. I didn’t want to cry in front of Nicole but her words cut me like a knife. Were they really laughing at me behind my back?

  Derek’s gaze pierced into me. “I wrote this for you.”

  What?

  Then it started. The song I’d been hearing. It was upbeat but also soft, easy on the ears. As the guitar washed over me the vocals started.

  Lines floated over me, catching my brain.

  All I ever wanted

  My second chance at life

  The sweetest taste of love I’ve ever known

  As the last notes died, I tried to process the words I’d just heard. Had Derek said he loved me?

  I heard Nicole let out a cry a second before I saw her hand flying at my face. I didn�
�t think, I just ducked. The force of her movement sent her spinning away from me and I didn’t waste any time. Tugging Chloe’s hand I raced for the front of the stage.

  Derek whipped the cord from his guitar, jumped off the stage and strided toward me. Drew was down too and I pulled Chloe toward them. I didn’t let go until we’d reached the guys and then Derek had me up in his arms. “What happened?” he asked as one of his hands tangled in my hair.

  I was done pretending I wasn’t worried. “Nicole said you’re taking it slow because you don’t actually like me and the two of you are still together and laughing behind my back.”

  Derek’s eyes widened in surprise and we both looked over at Nicole, who was being escorted out by two bouncers. “You know that isn’t true, right?”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I…” Looking up into his eyes, I knew my answer. “I know it isn’t true.”

  He leaned down and gave me a soft kiss. “What did you think of the song?”

  “I loved it,” I said. “Even better than ‘Someday Girl.’”

  “I love you.” He gathered me closer.

  “I love you too,” I said. Then I wound my hands around his neck and kissed him with everything I had. I could hear the crowd cheering and I pulled back, giving him a grin. “Now get back on stage. You’ve got a show to finish.”

  He spun me around. “You’re amazing. You know that?”

  With a little giggle, I gave him a playful slap on the chest. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  He climbed back on stage but I didn’t move. I wanted a front row seat to watch my guy.

  Epilogue

  Four years later…

  I sat on the plane watching the scenery as we readied to land. I couldn’t believe I was actually doing this. We were actually doing this.