Crazy in Love (Blue Lake #3)(11)

“Well you’re in luck. My concert is as real as you’re going to get it.”

As if on cue, fireworks went off from each end of the stage. The explosions were overwhelming, popping and booming as cannons shot one round after another. Either something went wrong, or the people in the front rows were going to be deaf from the racket. Gasping, Rachael covered her ears and ducked.

Out of instinct, he covered his hands over her head and hollered at Bronx. “Shut ‘em off!”

Gold fireworks continued to spew from the cannons. The sound was deafening, crackling and shooting, howling into the cold morning air.

“Bronx! Kill it!”

Finally, a few ear-piercing seconds later, the fireworks ended and the thundering quieted.

Rachael straightened, eyeing Cole’s hands that hovered protectively over her shoulders. Her eyes went wide, as if she hadn’t expected him to shield her, to protect her. Hell, he didn’t expect it either. Over something as stupid as fireworks? Lame with another helping of numbskull, please!

“Fireworks?” She winced. “Let me guess…you’re going to have a smoke machine, too.”

“Fog machine,” Rita interrupted before Cole could argue. “It’s not legal to have smoke on the stage anymore, though we would have it if we could get away with it.”

“Excellent.” Rachael smiled, her lips forming a tight line. “Can’t wait for the show!”


As she walked down the final stairs and in front of the stage, Rita said, “Great, see you then!”

“She was being sarcastic.” Cole couldn’t take his eyes off Rachael as she talked to a group of winery staff. “Even if she had no other plans and we gave her free tickets, that woman still wouldn’t come.”

It bothered him to hell and back.

“Who? Oh.” Rita squinted, and then waved in Rachael’s direction. “Don’t let the innkeeper tie you up. You need to focus so you don’t have a repeat of Houston.”

“Thanks for reminding me.”

How could he move on and forget about that disaster if Rita kept bringing it up? She wanted him to stay in Blue Lake for a few days to recoup, to rest up, to recharge and regain focus before heading to Lake Tahoe. To do that, he had to forget the Houston tour stop ever happened.

“Cole Turner?” someone said from behind him.

He spun around. The woman who’d approached him was petite, with short, curly red hair and green eyes. Her skin was pale, and freckles dotted her cheeks. She was Lucille Ball and Shirley Temple’s love child…if they could’ve had one.

“I’m Lucy Stone, owner of StoneMill Winery,” she said, smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She put her hand over her heart, and blushed. “I’m a huge fan. I mean, huge. I think I have a 6’0’’ cardboard cutout of you at home. What am I talking about, I don’t think I do, I know so.” She shook her head. “I’m not a stalker, don’t worry; I won it as a gift at a bachelorette party. I don’t know why I’m rambling, this isn’t normally like me. I’m sorry, what were you saying?”

Now this was the reaction he’d been wanting from his sexy innkeeper.

“Nice to meet you, Lucy.” He took her hand in his. It was cold and starting to tremble. “Thanks for allowing me to play here.”

“Are you kidding?” She giggled. “The pleasure’s all mine.”

“Now Lucy,” Rita said, using her business voice, “the grass over here will be for the higher-priced tickets, is that correct? I’d like you to show me where the heaters are going to be placed around the venue.”