Whole Latte Love by Rachelle Ayala

Author:Rachelle Ayala [Ayala, Rachelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: family relationships, steamy romance, opposites attract, new adult, rockstar romance, college age, berkeley california, investment banking, asian caucasian relationship, homelessness and poverty
Publisher: Rachelle Ayala
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Carina sat at her computer, finding it hard to concentrate on the numbers. Two weeks had gone by since she moved out of Dylan’s apartment and she hadn’t had any contact with him. No texts, emails or phone calls.

Van’s parents had given her a suite over their garage, the so-called in-law quarters that was more spacious than the cramped apartment she’d shared with Dylan.

Her parents had visited and had a grand time conspiring with Van’s parents on how to get them together as a couple. They also brought her violin which turned out to be a great stress reliever. She could get lost in her favorite music. The other day, she googled some Scottish fiddle tunes and learned “Loch Lomond.”

Carina rubbed her bleary eyes. What she wouldn’t give for a sound night’s sleep. She finished the report and hit ‘send,’ then brought up The Licked Blues’ website and stared at the video Sheila had posted. Turning off the volume, she focused on Dylan, the way his hands moved over the neck of his guitar, how he gyrated and tossed his hair, the shape of his lips while he sang. She could almost feel the words deep inside her heart.

Why was she grieving over a guy who’d never promised her a relationship? She’d no business being hurt, moping around and acting as if her life were over. If she was going to be so bent out of shape over a roommate, a temporary attraction, what would happen to her if she really lost her heart?

Someone tapped on the frame of her cubicle, and she quickly clicked on a spreadsheet.

“Rise and shine.” Rob propped himself on a file cabinet. “Some days it’s great to be a woman.”

“Come again?” Carina straightened her blazer.

“You’re about to get an invitation to the Mogul partners’ Fourth of July bash.” He seemed proud of himself as he swung his legs and loosened his tie. “I’ll let you go home and get ready. How about I pick you up at six? It’ll be fun.”

A chill scratched Carina’s scalp. Was Rob asking her on a date? She checked his ring finger. Bare.

He tapped her desktop. “Don’t take too long thinking about it. Text me your address if you’re going.”

“Sure, I’ll let you know.” She knew she had that dreaded deer-in-the-headlights look. It was probably a friendly invitation, an opportunity to meet the partners. Maybe Rob was proud of her work and wanted to reward her for all the hours she’d put in.

Carina slipped a bottle of Dolce & Gabbana No. 1 perfume from her purse and dabbed it behind her ears and on her neck. Then she texted Rob.

~ ~ ~

A few hours later, Carina walked with Rob around Berkeley Marina Park before heading for the dock. The entire city had turned out for a giant block party with live music on the bandstand, carnival rides, magic shows, dragon boat rides, and food vendors.

Even though it was July, temperatures in the Bay Area dropped in the evening and Carina shivered in her jacquard lace mini-dress.

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