Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
D ylan stood in her doorway in jeans and a lightweight blue sweater, holding book one of her series with the cover facing her. “Thought I’d drop by for an autograph.”
Mallory blinked. She hadn’t expected him to read her books. The sweetness along with his stunning masculine presence was overwhelming. “I could do that.” She sent him heart fingers.
He grinned. “Heard you signed Benoit. Congrats.”
“I’m really excited.” She blinked again. “I can’t believe you’re here.
Dylan arched a dark eyebrow. “I wanted to check out where my sister will be staying. If you have room for one more?”
Mallory nodded. It was surreal to see him here. Her heart pounded with a euphoria proportionate to the surprise. Which was probably why she stood there and hadn’t moved to invite him inside. She backed up, letting him in.
As if this were normal, Dylan stepped into her foyer carrying an overnight bag. “I could use a shower after the flight. Where am I staying?”
Mallory made a quick decision that didn’t really require thought. She led him to her room.
Dylan put his bag inside, taking in the feminine space, from the pink comforter to the crystal reading light. He tossed the book on the bed and her heart stopped.
This was too much, too exciting, too unexpected. She’d give him a moment alone so she could go and catch her breath. “The shower is through there. Make yourself at home.”
Mind reeling, Mallory went back to her spot on the couch and picked up the novel she was reading, though now she couldn’t concentrate. Dylan had really just shown up. Here . In Texas. He was in her shower.
“Who was at the door?” Jenny asked.
“Overseas shipment.” Mallory wanted to see Jenny’s face when their guest walked out.
Jenny dove onto the other end of the couch, snagged a pillow, and propped herself against Mallory’s shins. She held up her nails, painted pastel blue. “How great was that mani-pedi place?”
“Super fun.”
“We’ll go on the regular when I come back.”
“Absolutely.” Her mind was on Dylan, but the promise of spending time with Jenny was easy to make. Jenny was a bundle of enthusiasm and a pleasure to have around.
“I’m half-ready to go home tonight, but I’m excited about coming back. Thanks again for letting me stay extra days to sort everything. When I return, I’ll cook you an amazing meal.”
“Anytime. And bring your suitemates if they want a break from the dorms.”
“You’re the best.”
Dylan walked into the room wearing a t-shirt and jeans, with bare feet and shower-wet hair.
“No way.” Jenny sat up. “I thought you were joking about coming.” She grinned. “Texk let you off your chain?”
Dylan sank into the oversized armchair. “Something like that.”
Jenny checked the clock on her phone. “I leave in a few hours. Classic Texk to let you have enough time to see the campus and run.” Jenny looked torn between being pleased he was there and frustrated for him.
“Austin’s on our tour schedule. I’ll be back for two nights this summer.”
Mallory’s heart jolted at the news. “We’ll definitely get tickets.” How would that be, seeing him in his element as part of the crowd? It would probably provide an excellent perspective. She was one admirer among many, after all.
Dylan tapped something out on his phone, and her phone pinged in response.
A group pack of VIP tickets for two separate dates had arrived on her phone. Mallory flushed. “I meant we’d buy them.”
Jenny thumped a pillow against her legs. “Please.”
Mallory put her phone down and looked up at Dylan. “Thank you. I’m embarrassed to admit I haven’t been to one of your concerts.”
“Look forward to it.”
“I will.” Her mind flashed to the studio in Paris where Dylan’s brief performance had fiercely stirred up her fangirl feelings. Watching Dylan sing and perform for an extended length of time would be amazing.
“Perfect. I’ll set my return date home for after the concert.” Jenny winced. “The summer weather here will kill me, won’t it?”
Mallory winced. “It’ll be over a hundred.” She got up. “However, today it’s seventy and sunny. Let’s show Dylan the campus.”
They got a meal, showed Dylan around, and dropped Jenny at the airport before returning to her place late in the afternoon.
Then they were alone, just her and Dylan.