Jared Page and Joey Seever have a complicated relationship. They’re ex-lovers and former band members who still play together musically on occasion. Whenever Joey needs someone to fill in for a gig, Jared is the one he calls, despite their past history and the fact that Joey hadn’t wanted to take their relationship to the next level -- marriage -- and then cheated on him. Jared still has feelings for Joey even after all these years, though he’s become bitter and resentful.<br><br>The next time Jared fills in for a gig, he finds out that Joey has slept with a band member named Grady. Worse, Joey messed things up by cheating on Grady just like he had with Jared. In the fallout that follows, Jared says and does some things he instantly regrets.<br><br>He knows their friendship is worth saving, and he wants another chance at Joey’s heart, too. But there are things in Joey’s past that keep him running from commitment. Can they mend their relationship? Will Jared be able to convince Joey that love is nothing to fear, and marriage is just music to which to say, “I Do?”

Let the Music Say I Do

&ldquo;That it? You leaving or making something to eat?&rdquo; he asked, focused on his guitar and the complicated melody he played. It was something new, and hauntingly beautiful.


I moved forward and kneeled in front of him. He kept on playing. &ldquo;Joey, I&rsquo;m sorry.&rdquo; A pause in the melody, then he started to play again.


&ldquo;Sorry for what, Jared? If what you said was the truth, then there&rsquo;s no reason for you to be sorry, is there?&rdquo; He placed the guitar in the stand on other side of the chair away from the fire and stood, taking his beer with him.


I got up and turned to watch his progress to the kitchen. &ldquo;I was wrong, sowrong and, yes, I have every reason to be sorry. I hurt you, and I assumed you couldn&rsquo;t be hurt because you don&rsquo;t ever show it. It&rsquo;s not an excuse,&rdquo; I amended when he snorted in his beer.


Chapter 10