Perfect Song (Mason Creek Book 2) by Lauren Runow (christmas read aloud .txt) 📕

any plans for the rest of your day?” I ask.

“Not a thing. What about you?”

“We can go hang out on the boat again.”

To my surprise, she lifts her shirt to show me the swimsuit she has on underneath. Fuck me. It’s been weeks, and I’ve been on my best behavior. She’s smart, funny, and a hell of a dancer, but her body … men have gone to war and died for the love of a woman with curves like Justine Samson.

I try to hide all of those thoughts and grin as I say, “I was hoping you’d say that.” I raise my eyebrows in appreciation. “I knew I liked you for a reason.”

We hop on the road out of town and over the covered bridge to head toward the lake.

Since a commercial is on the radio, I lean over to switch it to another station. As I scan, “Hear Me Now” comes on, making me smile, so I sit back to enjoy it.

“You know this song?” Justine asks in surprise.

“Don’t be so surprised. I enjoy all kinds of music.” I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.

“But this is Devil’s Breed. I wouldn’t think it’s exactly your jam.”

“Is that supposed to be an old joke?” I playfully eye her.

“No. I didn’t say that.” She giggles. “But seriously, do you listen to their music?”

I nod, wondering if I should tell her my connection. “I’ve liked their stuff since the beginning.”

She sits back. “Wow, not the kind of music I thought you would listen to.”

She’s right. Their music is more hard rock, but I’ve learned to like all of their stuff. This new one though, it’s special.

“I’m actually going to do a piece on them for the magazine. I’m trying to at least. I have a call into their management.”

I turn to her while trying to keep my eyes on the road. “No shit?” I say, surprised she’d do such a thing.

“Yeah. I write for a national magazine, remember?” she teases.

“I know. It’s just … I wouldn’t think Devil’s Breed is for your kind of reader.”

“Just like I didn’t think you were their kind of listener,” she jabs back.

“Touché.”

“But no, I want to cover the girl, Sarah Russo. Her story is pretty cool, and I think it will resonate with my readers. I hear they are being kind of tight-lipped with her though.”

“Did they tell you they wouldn’t do the interview?”

She shrugs. “I have calls out. Now, I wait and see and hope for the best.”

I reach over and pick up my phone, not telling her what I am doing.

I scroll through my Contacts and hit the name I’m looking for, making the FaceTime call.

“Who are you calling?” She tries to see my screen.

I tilt it, so she can’t. “You’ll see.”

Two rings in, and the phone connects.

“Hey, Tucker. What’s up? How have you been?”

“Hey, Adam. I was just driving with my friend Justine, and your song came on the radio.” I glance at Justine, whose mouth is agape. “Say hi.”

I turn the screen toward her, and she straightens her appearance quickly.

“Hey, Justine. Nice to meet you,” Adam says.

Justine’s eyes dance from me to the phone and back to me.

I point the camera back to me. “I didn’t tell her I was calling you or that I even knew you, so she’s a little surprised right now.”

She grabs the phone from me. “Hi! Sorry. I was thrown off, is all. How do you two know each other?”

“My sister is his CASA. I’ll explain later,” I say, and Adam smiles.

“I owe his sister my life, so yeah, Tucker’s basically family. Even though we never get to see his ass.”

“Don’t lie. I’m sure with your busy schedule, you’re constantly thinking about how long it’s been since we’ve hung out,” I shout out, so Adam can hear me.

“Is that Uncle Tucker?” Cailin, his daughter, grabs the phone from him and stares into it.

“Hey, baby girl,” I say as Justine points the phone at me, so Cailin can see me.

“Hey, Tuck Tuck. Are you going to come see us? You have to meet Daddy’s new girlfriend.”

“I will soon, I promise. But actually, that’s why I’m calling. Hey, Adam.” Cailin points the phone back to Adam. “Justine here works for Living Now Magazine and has calls into your people to set up an interview.”

Adam lets out a hard laugh. “Are you trying to name-drop to get you a new girl?”

I glance in her direction. “Nope. I already got her.”

She leans over and playfully slaps my arm.

“I figured I’d help my girl out though.” I wink.

“Okay.” Adam nods. “I got you. Any friend of Tucker is a friend of mine. Get my number from Tucker and text me tomorrow. I’ll talk to Sarah and make sure it’s okay with her, and then we’ll set something up.”

She turns the camera back to her. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

“It will be fun. I’ve never been in Living Now.”

“Because your ugly ass isn’t fashion forward enough,” I tease, and Justine faces the camera back to me.

“Says the old man with gray hair,” Adam tosses right back.

“Miss you, dude.” I grin.

“Same here. Let’s talk soon.”

“Will do. Bye, Cailin,” I yell out, and Adam turns the camera back to her.

“Bye.” She waves.

Adam ends the call, and Justine positions her body, so she’s fully facing me.

“How in the world do you know Adam Jacobson?”

“His real name is Adam Tyler. He’s like a son to my sister, Linda. She could never have kids, so instead of adopting, she became a CASA—a Court Appointed Special Advocate. He was in the foster system as a kid and an absolute wreck. Linda didn’t give up though. They’re still very close, and she might as well be his mom now. It’s a pretty cool story actually.”

“Sounds like it. Thank you for calling him.”

“Do I get another kiss for that?” I give her a cheesy grin.

“Maybe a little more than a kiss. But not just because you called someone for me.”

“I’m liking the sound of that.” I run