Forever Summer Read Online Free Page A

only that he felt the loss deep in his soul and was desperate to get it back.  He frowned as he asked himself for the thousandth time if he was unhappy because he’d lost his music, or if being unhappy had caused him to lose his music.  He smiled ruefully as he considered yet again the puzzle of his own version of what came first, the chicken or the egg.
     
    The plane arrived in London in the wee hours of the morning, and a caravan of vehicles took everyone to the hotel.  It was barely light when Summer fell into bed and slept a good three or four hours before waking and calling room service.  When she asked for the bill, she was told that her boss had requested that everything she ordered be put on his tab.  It rankled, but she chalked it up to being one of the perks of her new job.  Heaven knew her boss could afford it.
     
    After showering, she headed out to check out her surroundings and to gather up some tourist information to plan the next day with Marisol.  She took her time, lingering in several shops and making several purchases in a locally owned bookstore.  She had lunch at a quaint sidewalk café and finally made her way back to the hotel in the late afternoon.  She was just heading for the elevator when a swarm of women nearly ran her over, screaming loudly as they were escorted by security to the outer doors.  She resumed her path to the elevator door and was just entering when she collided with a solid wall in the form of a tall, dark, and handsome man.
     
    “ Perdón, Señorita , oh it’s you, Señorita Alvarez.  Please forgive the collision.  I’m afraid I was in a hurry to avoid a scene and wasn’t watching where I was going.  Lo siento .”
     
    “I assume you mean the legion of fans that nearly ran me over trying to reach you?”
     
    “The very same,” he smiled.  She didn’t smile back.  “Have you been sightseeing?”
     
    “Not really.  A little shopping and I picked up some information on some places I was thinking of taking Marisol to see tomorrow.  Were you rehearsing?”
     
    “Yes.  I have performed here many times, but it’s been awhile.  I’m afraid I’m somewhat of a perfectionist, and I schedule enough days in between concerts so that I can take my time traveling as well as rehearse beforehand.”
     
    “Um.  Doesn’t it get boring singing the same songs over and over again?”
     
    Caught off guard, Gabe had to smile.  “As a matter of fact, it does sometimes, although I’m not sure anyone has ever asked me that question.  Most think I live a charmed life.”
     
    “Don’t you?  I’m guessing you get tired of traveling from time to time, but you’re so successful at this point in your life that I’m sure you could quit if it wasn’t to your liking, couldn’t you?”
     
    “Yes, I suppose I could.  But then what would I do with all my time?  I’m only thirty four years old.  A little young for a rocking chair, don’t you think?”
     
    “You could always spend the time raising your daughter.  Ah, this is my floor.  Goodnight, Señor Rodrigo.  If you see Marisol, please tell her I’m looking forward to seeing her tomorrow.”  Summer left him without a backwards glance.
     
    For the life of him, Gabe could not figure out what he’d done to warrant such obvious dislike from the woman.  Most women liked him.  Hell, the lobby had been filled with them, for Christ’s sake.  And why would he even care one way or another whether or not Summer Alvarez liked him?  She was an employee.  She was intriguing.  Yes, the lobby was full of women who wanted him, or at least who they believed him to be.  Rich, famous, a playboy.  None of them knew him or really even wanted to.  Not that it mattered.  He’d been married before, and once was one time too many, as far as he was concerned.
     
    Gabe replayed Summer’s question about being bored singing the same songs over and over.  He was bored and had been for some time now.  His latest