Page 7 of Paint Our Song

“You could play, too.” Miles mimics playing a guitar, using the menu as a prop. “It’ll be fun.”

“No, thank you.”

“Why? What are you doing Friday night?” And…shit.Why’d he ask that? He sounds like a dorky fan. A stalker, even.

“Why do you need to know?”

Miles clutches at his chest and pretends to be offended. He puts on the most convincing, hurt expression he can muster as he rallies for an excuse. “It’s my job to make sure you’re having a great stay at our inn. So, what are you up to? Want me to book a sailboat for you? There’s a great fishing spot about half an hour out.”

“I enjoy doing nothing. That’s what I like about this place.”

“You can’t possibly be doing nothing. What, do you coop up in your room all day when you’re in town?”

Holy fuck. What is wrong with him?Stop talking, you moron.

Calvin purses his lips in response. Miles almost thinks he’s going to tell him to fuck off, and honestly, maybe he needs to hear that.

Surprisingly, Calvin indulges him and actually answers the question.

“I go to the gym downtown.” That was news. He didn’t even know there was a gym downtown. “I watch shows, go to the bookstore, hang out by the lake.” Hesitating, and in a much lower voice, he mutters, “I write.”

“You write? Like, books?”

Calvin says, tone flat, “Lyrics.”

“Oh, wow, really?” Miles almost drops the menu. “You’re the lyricist? I thought that was all Theo Reid. He’s amazing, by the way. His singing is out of this world. Though, I had no idea it was you who wrote the lyrics of your songs.”

Calvin’s expression twists. “That’s—” He cuts himself off and sighs. “It’s a joint effort.”

“Cool,” he chirps.

“Yeah. Um. So, if you don’t mind, I’d love a coffee.”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” For some reason, Miles still doesn’t move. His brain needs to reboot.

“Miles!” Gabby’s voice calls. She strides up to him and hooks an arm around his. Thank fuck—a savior. “Are you bugging our VIP?”

Calvin’s eyes widen, and he looks between the two of them. “Your name is Miles? Are you the one who did the paintings in the lobby?”

“Huh?” Miles points a finger at himself. “Yeah. That’s me.”

Gabby grins wide. “He did your debut album’s cover, too, but he wasn’t sure you’d know his name.”

“I know—” Calvin stops himself and coughs, turning away. He seems annoyed at this news, which is confusing. And honestly, kind of offensive. “Um. Yeah. I know who you are.”

Miles gawks for a moment too long until Gabby prods him with an elbow.

“Okay. I’ll go get your coffee.” He turns away, trying to hide his bewilderment at that entire exchange. Behind him, he hears a chair being pulled out—and spots Gabby taking the seat across from Calvin. He seems unperturbed by her, even going so far as giving her a slight smile.

Well. He’s not rude toGabby, at least.

Cloverlily’s guitarist is a piece of work, and he shatters the image that Miles has had of the band for years.

Miles tells himself not to dwell on it too much.

Instead, he spends the rest of the night replaying everything that happened.

Chapter Three