The Laws of Music (Love is a Destination Book 1) Read online

  He stared directly into her eyes. “Why not? It’s the perfect place to sing about Jesus’ love. Most people who go there are looking for something. I believe it’s God’s love. They just don’t know it yet.”

  She shrugged. “I guess you’re right.”

  Max lifted up on his forearms. His face changed. “Hold really still,” he whispered.

  That freaked Katie out. She wanted to jump up and run with her arms flailing while she screamed back into the water. “What’s wrong?”

  “Just don’t move.” He got on his knees and leaned over her.

  “There’s something on me, isn’t there? Oh my goodness. I’m going to get bitten by a poisonous spider and end up dead.” Her bottom lip started to quiver. She really didn’t like spiders.

  “It’s going to be all right,” he said soothingly. “Please, don’t move and don’t freak out.”

  Katie held her breath and squeezed her eyes shut, but her heart still pounded inside her chest. “Okay, but hurry. I’m barely keeping it together.” She felt his hand brush against her back where she’d believed her ponytail had been. There was a noise in the foliage to her left.

  “Okay, you can move.” He hunched back on his legs.

  “What was it?” She shook, brushing her arms and legs, and back, glowering in the direction she believed he’d flung the offending creature.

  “The spider is gone,” he said. “It was big, but harmless.” Then he added, “I think.”

  “What’d it look like?” She hugged herself, but she was suddenly shivering.

  “It was black and yellow.”

  “Oh my goodness.” She peered into the foliage where she’d heard the noise, searching for the spider, but didn’t see anything.

  Max noticed her shivering. “You’re all right.” He came over to her blanket, plopping down beside her before wrapping an arm around her.

  His warm skin immediately warmed her, and she melted into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said, giving her a squeeze.

  Not long after the spider scare, the group gathered and they started back on the trail.

  “So, what about your brother? Are you and he close,” Max asked.

  “Not really,” she said, still unable to talk about Lance. “We were close as kids. In fact, we were practically inseparable. But once we got back to the U.S., things changed. I went to college and he found other friends.”

  “There’s more to it, though, isn’t there?” Max watched her, like he was looking for clues on a map.

  “Yes, there is, but I’d rather not talk about it right now.”

  “Katie, you can tell me anything.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate that.” She walked a little ahead, not ready to discuss her brother.

  They reached the lodge, returned their packs, and got on the bus. She and Max rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived back at the hotel, Max took her hand, pulling her to a stop before they went inside. “I’m sorry if you felt I was pressing you about your brother.”

  She nodded. “Thanks. I do want to tell you and I will, but it’s difficult, and I’m still not ready.”

  “I understand.” He grabbed her other hand. “Want to go snorkeling tomorrow? I saw that was on your list.”

  “That’s what I had planned. You can be my plus one.” She smiled shyly, hoping he would ask her to dinner as well. A voice in her head told her to ask him, but she didn’t.

  “What time?” he asked.

  “I’ll meet you here at eight in the morning.”

  “It’s a date,” he said, swinging her arms lightly.

  “Be sure to eat something,” Katie added, remembering their conversation in her hotel room the night before. And she remembered their kiss. She didn’t think she’d ever forget that.

  “Like what?” He obviously remembered their kiss too.

  “Blueberry muffins?”

  He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth, letting his soft lips linger on hers. “See you tomorrow,” he said, lifting his head.

  She didn’t think she’d ever tire of kissing Max. “See you.”

  Back in her room, she showered, then dressed in a tank and shorts before climbing into bed. Her plan was to order room service and watch a movie. Just take it easy. She checked her email and was disappointed to see two more rejection letters waiting in her inbox. Frustration overwhelmed her. She’d done everything right her whole life. And now, when she really needed something good, she couldn’t get a job. It hurt so much. Unable to face any more harsh reality, she pulled out her phone and immediately spotted a text from Birdy.

  Hey, Kiki. How’s your honeymoon? Still spending time with Max Legend?

  She smiled, thankful for Birdy’s perfect timing. I’ve hung out with him a little, she texted back, playing coy even though she didn’t need to.

  You’ve kissed, haven’t you?

  What are you doing tonight? Katie changed the subject, not surprised Birdy could see right through her, even in text.

  Going out with a couple of friends. Don’t change the subject! Give me details.

  What are you going to wear? She smiled, knowing she was torturing her best friend.

  I don’t know. And you’re not here to help me decide. She added a frowning face. Come on, Kiki. Tell me what’s happening between you and Max.

  He’s kind, fun to talk to, and a great kisser, Katie texted.

  I knew it!!! Birdy texted back quickly.

  But it can’t go anywhere. He’s in a band. A lead singer, just like Lance. I just can’t do that. It’s like my biggest rule. Katie sighed at she typed the words.

  More like your biggest fear and you shouldn’t let that stop you from living life. I understand, but what’s Max like now? Is he arrogant? Is he still using? Does he drink?

  No, he doesn’t do any of those things. He believes in the lyrics he sings. But, I just don’t think I can be in a relationship with a man who’s so like my brother. I mean, every day would be a reminder of what happened. Katie thought about the last time she’d seen Lance. They’d fought because he was high and Katie caught him stealing some of their mom’s jewelry. She didn’t have a lot and what she did have was special. But he’d been desperate. Katie had yelled at him to leave and never come back. And he hadn’t.

  Max isn’t your brother. His choices won’t be like Lance’s.

  I know, but it’s hard. Did you know Max’s mom died in a car accident and that his dad blames him? Katie figured Birdy did know, especially since they’d been friends when they were younger. She continued, I don’t want to look at Max and have any sort of negative feelings toward him, to somehow put blame on him because of Lance. He’s had enough of that from his dad. Say we get together and I wake up one day resenting Max for what he is—that he is doing what Lance wanted and is living successfully. It sounds crazy, I know, but I’m scared that’ll happen. That’s why I swore never to date a musician. As she texted, tears filled her eyes. She didn’t want to resent Max. Ever.

  Oh, Kiki. I’m so sorry. I know your brother’s choices haunt you. Do what you think is best. I know you’ll make the right decision. I have to go. The car is here. Birdy added a big smiling face. Then added, Love you!

  Have fun, Birdy. Love you too. Katie dropped her phone on the bed and lay back, thinking about the situation she found herself in. When it came to her brother, the wound was still raw. Like a thorn in a hard to reach place, it continuously plagued her. But she knew Max wasn’t Lance. He was completely different. Strong and confidant, two traits her brother had fought to possess, but never really accomplished. Also, Max believed in what he was doing. He believed it so much he defied his father to do it. That said a lot about him.

  At that moment, she decided she wanted to see Max. The man had to eat. She’d find him, be brave, and ask him to dinner.

  Chapter 11

  Katie did her hair in natural waves, put on a little makeup, and dressed in
a floral off-the-shoulder maxi dress. Her shoes were flat sandals that laced up her calves.

  She walked the short distance to the front desk. If she’d learned one thing since meeting Max, it was that people were drawn to him. They did things for him because he brought out the best in them. But more than that, he had the “it” factor people talked about. Something that couldn’t be explained, but was a part of him.

  “Do you know where Max Legend might be eating dinner tonight?” Katie asked the woman behind the desk. The tag she wore on her vest said her name was Chloe.

  “I don’t know about eating, but he’s currently singing at the Sly Mongoose.” She winked. “Isn’t he gorgeous?”

  Katie ignored the last question. “Are you sure he’s singing? Without his band?” Would he do that?

  “Yeah, it’s just him and the piano. He’ll play until two or three in the morning. At least that’s what he did last night.” She leaned on the counter, resting her chin in her hand. “Isn’t he dreamy?”

  Katie blanched. Max hadn’t mentioned anything about singing, but they hadn’t really talked about his band much. She tried to avoid all things that reminded her of that part of his life. “What is the Sly Mongoose?”

  “It’s a bar not too far from here. Want me to order you a ride?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “I’ll make a call. If you’d like to have a seat in the lobby, I’ll let you know when your ride is here.”

  “Actually, I’m going to run back to my room and grab my pocketbook.” She went back, added some lip-gloss, probably because she was nervous, then made her way back to the lobby. Her ride was already waiting.

  It wasn’t long before she was dropped off at the bar. Before she even opened the door, she could hear Max singing and paused, listening. His voice was rich and deep, each word filled with emotion. It was obvious he sang from the heart and meant every word.

  Katie went in, sitting at the bar out of Max’s line of sight.

  “What’ll you have?” a plump young waitress asked.

  “Sparkling water with lemon, if you’ve got it.”

  “Right away, sweetheart.” She noticed Katie looking at Max. “Oh, you’ve heard about him already?” She shook her head, scanning the bar. Katie noticed it was filled with women, young and old. “The man’s as sexy as they get. Too bad he’s a good guy.” She winked before heading back to the bar.

  A good guy, Katie’s mind whispered. She knew instinctively the girl was right. Max was good. Innately good. There was no doubt about it. So why had he chosen to come to a bar and sing? While she pondered the question, Max’s song ended. Everyone clapped.

  “Thank you very much,” Max said, swiveling around so that he could make eye contact with everyone. It was still early, so the bar wasn’t at capacity yet. When Max’s eyes landed on Katie, she sucked in a breath.

  He was surprised. She could tell by his expression, though he covered it up quickly by ducking his head to speak into the microphone. “Looks like I have a forever friend in the audience tonight. This next song is a cover and is dedicated to Kiki.” Max gave her his megawatt smile before turning back to the piano. He played a few chords and she immediately knew the song. The ballad had been written for one of her favorite books-turned-into-a-movie.

  As he played, something changed in her. It wasn’t about Max, or his feelings for her and vice versa. It was about her career.

  Did she want to be a lawyer?

  Despite her years of commitment and dedication, she didn’t know whether she was still passionate about it. At least not the way Max was passionate about what he did. That knowledge bothered her more than she was willing to admit. What would she do, if not become a lawyer? It was all she knew. But in that moment, she decided she wanted to figure it out.

  Fear, stronger than anything she’d ever felt before, gripped her heart. For the first time in her life she didn’t have a plan. She felt alone, with no direction, no idea where to go next. Then she looked up at Max, watched as his fingers caressed the keys while he played. Watched the joy and ache that crossed his expression as he sang. It felt as though she could read his thoughts. That brought her up short. We barely know each other.

  A quick mental search verified she had solid feelings for Max. Not love, but definitely a lot of like. For once, the thought of like-liking him didn’t terrify her. By the time Max finished the first stanza, peace filled her heart.

  Her phone buzzed. She hoped it was Birdy. She wanted to tell her best friend everything she’d just realized. It was Birdy, but the text scared her. Call me. It’s urgent.

  Katie threw some money on the bar before heading outside. She dialed Birdy’s number. “What’s wrong?” she asked when Birdy answered.

  “It’s Bentley.” Birdy’s voice sounded funny, strained.

  “What?” She didn’t know why, but she was frightened. “What did he do?”

  “Nothing. Katie, he’s dead. Someone killed him.”

  It felt like the ground tilted. She leaned against the wall, unable to keep herself upright. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

  “I’m serious.” Birdy’s voice was an anxious whisper. “I’m standing in front of him right this second and he’s dead.”

  “How can you be sure?” Birdy wasn’t a doctor. Plus, she was afraid of blood.

  “I’m still at his apartment. Katie, it’s bad. So bad. He’s been shot. Between the eyes.”

  Katie thought she might be sick. “Have you called the police?”

  “Yes, they’re coming up now.” It sounded like her teeth were chattering. “I’m scared. So scared.”

  “It’s going to be okay, B—” Her phone went dead. “Birdy!” When her friend didn’t pick up the phone when she called back, Katie didn’t think. A couple got out of a cab in front of the bar. Before the driver could pull away, Katie jumped in. “Can you take me to the Four Seasons?” she asked the driver.

  He glanced back at her in the mirror. “Why not?”

  It was only as she was on her way back to the hotel that she thought about what she’d done. She’d left in the middle of a song Max had been singing for her. That wouldn’t look good. In fact, he might think the worst. She felt terrible about it and would fix it the first chance she got. All she could focus on now was getting back to New York. She called the airlines and booked the next available flight, which would leave in less than two hours. If she hurried, she might just make it. There would be a connecting flight in San Francisco, but it was still the fastest way back to New York.

  Back in her hotel room, she packed like it was on fire, throwing things in her suitcase without worrying about how they went in there. The same woman who’d scheduled her a cab to the bar also hooked her up with a car to the airport.

  It wasn’t until she was seated on the plane that she really had time to think. She’d tried to call Birdy back several times, but her friend hadn’t answered. That she was worried was an understatement.

  She did send Max a quick text on her way to the airport. On my way back to New York. Something’s happened. I’ll explain when I know more. Sorry I ran out, but you’re amazing.

  He’d texted back, but she didn’t get a chance to look at it until she was through Security. She barely made her flight. Are you okay?

  Yes, just scared. Birdy… Tears filled her eyes. Max really moved her. She hadn’t realized she could feel so much for a person in such a short amount of time. But I’m okay, she texted so he wouldn’t worry.

  She couldn’t board the plane fast enough. All she wanted was to make sure her best friend was okay.

  “You need to shut off your cell phone, miss. We’re about to take off,” the flight attendant said, eyeing her phone like it was the plague.

  “Got it.” Katie shut it off, noticing how her hands shook. Her emotions were all over the place. She needed to get home.

  Chapter 12

  When the plane finally landed at JFK, Katie tried Birdy’s phone again. And she got her voice mail again. Ugh
. Against her better judgment, she called Bird’s dad, Jonathon. She’d never done that before and wondered if he would actually answer.

  “Jonathon Bird’s phone,” a woman answered.

  “Uh, yes, hi. This is Katie Green. I’m trying to reach Pamela, Mr. Bird’s daughter, but she isn’t answering. I wondered if he knew where she was.”

  “Please hold.”

  “Okay,” Katie said, but no one was there. She waited for several minutes, forcing her face to remain calm as she walked to baggage claim. Finally, the woman came back on the line. “Mr. Bird advised me to tell you that you shouldn’t worry about Pamela. Everything is being handled and will be resolved as quickly as possible.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?” Katie wanted to hit something. How could this even be happening? And why wouldn’t anyone give her any answers? “What is going on!” she shouted. Her suitcases arrived and holding the phone to her ear with her shoulder, she collected them and went out to the curb.

  “Please hold.”

  Katie gritted her teeth, completely aggravated. She hailed a cab and gave the driver directions to their brownstone. The man kept looking at her in his rearview mirror like she might spontaneously combust at any second.

  The woman on the phone finally returned. “Mr. Bird said that’s all you need to know. Have a good afternoon.” She hung up.

  Katie stared at her phone. Disbelief raged through her veins. She thought her head might explode. This was Birdy, her best friend. Katie wouldn’t give up until she got to the bottom of the situation. She searched through her contact list, calling or texting everyone she could think of who might have more information.

  When she reached home, she still had no answers. No one seemed to know more than what Birdy’s dad had already shared and he wasn’t sharing anything. Exhausted and frustrated beyond belief, Katie lugged her suitcases up the stairs, making two trips, before she collapsed on her bed. She was too antsy to stay there for long, so she showered, then changed into jeans and a tee shirt.