Ten Days of Perfect (November Blue #1)

“Actually, it really wasn’t and I’m fine with that. I need to tell you, I ran through a lot of scenarios in my head, and they all led me back here, to you. You’re you, Bo, and I’m me; there’s going to be stuff that we have to work through as we get to know each other’s nuts and bolts. No one ever just spills it all out on day one.” I poured all the passion I could through my eyes as I looked at him.

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - you’re perfect, November. I was so distracted during the last set I played; those seven songs took an eternity to get through. I didn’t know if I’d find you out here when I was done. As soon as I saw the look on your face I knew that no matter what your mouth said, your heart was still mine.” He held my face the entire time he spoke, and punctuated it with a longing kiss.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on for dear life - my new life. A life that would forever, hopefully, include Bo Cavanaugh. I certainly wouldn’t throw this all at him now, but my decisions from here on out would be based with this fact in mind; Bo is mine. Our lips touched, and our tongues intertwined for what felt like the first time in days. I ran my hands roughly through his hair as he grasped the back of my neck. I grazed my hands over his shoulders and down his tight arms, resting them on his hips. He pulled me in tighter.

“Uh, mhmm?” A throat-cleansing cough pulled us apart.

I pulled away from my favorite reality to see Josh standing awkwardly in the doorway.

“Joshua,” I said teasingly, “what can we do for you?”

Bo laughed as he placed one last kiss on my neck and turned around.

“I was, uh, can I talk to you.” He shrugged as he walked toward me.

“Oh, sure, of course. Bo, could you give us a few?” Bo looked at me with a sarcastic smile. “I really do mean just a few.”

“Ha!” He brushed my hair over my shoulder. “Sure, I’ll go inside and play a few more songs.”

“Great!” Josh entered. “They’ll love it. Everyone’s bummed you’re leaving town.”

Just like that the wind left my sails. I was heading to Concord with Bo tomorrow, and would be there until at least Monday afternoon, but what would happen after that? I really hadn’t given much thought to “then what” until Josh spoke. Once again I was left with more questions than answers, but reminded myself that love was the answer I’d settled on during my walk.

“You OK Ember? You look pale,” Josh asked.

“Yeah, it’s just been a crazy couple of days.” I nudged Bo inside. He didn’t seem convinced by my answer, but his hand gave mine a quick hug before he headed inside.

Josh sat at one of the tables just off the deck, and I sat down next to him. He fidgeted with his hands. Although he’d asked me to talk, I gathered I was going to have to be the first one to speak.

“Where’s Monica?” I cracked the silence.

“She was still tired from last night. She headed home when she realized you were still walking, or thinking, or whatever. She said it was ok if I talked to you.” Josh’s nerves were audible above the surf.

“Josh, it’s OK, we’re friends. How’d your talk with Monica go?”

“Good. I was such an ass to back away from her because I was scared. Truth is, I didn’t back away from her because I thought she wasn’t my ‘thousand lifetimes’; I backed away because she is.” For the first time since he stepped outside, Josh’s eyes met mine. Holy shit, he’s serious.

“Well why did you - I’m sorry, what?” I looked at him as if he had just spoken in a foreign tongue.

“Yea, I know, total guy move, right? I was just so blown away by what Bo said he felt for you. He was, at least in part, describing how I felt for Monica and it freaked me out. I’ve never had any commitment issues, but I panicked.” Josh shook his head in disbelief as he heard his own words.

“I wish you would have at least said something to me before you turned her into a crying mess. I can’t begin to tell you how little I thought of you in that moment. Ha, well, it looks like I’m telling you how little I thought of you. I knew something was off with how quick and random it was; you didn’t even look her in the eyes Josh. Christ! Really, you should have talked to me first.” I narrowed my eyes, condemning the past he was trying to forget.

“No,” he shook his head, “I couldn’t. I’d have to tell you what Bo said, and that’s his business, not mine.”

“Ha. Now that is a total guy move,” I laughed as I stood and walked over to him. “So, I’m guessing you guys are OK?”

Josh stood and welcomed my hug. I loved Josh dearly, and the fact that he was my best friend’s boyfriend made the reunion that much sweeter.

“Yea, but she said if I pulled a stunt like that again she’d make out with Adrian Turner in front of me.”

I broke out in full-bellied laughter at the thought of Adrian, who makes every guy instantly insecure, kissing Monica to spite Josh.

“She’s not kidding, and he’d totally do it, too. Hey, where is Adrian anyway?” I was silently thrilled that I didn’t think of him from the time I left the deck until this very moment.

“He took off after he came inside. He told Mon he’d see you guys in Concord on Monday.” Josh shrugged.

Instantly I was irritated. He couldn’t even say goodbye to me after all the mess that took place outside? Noting the look on my face, Josh offered more.