A Cowboy's Song

by Megan Ryder

  *

  Piper had reconciled herself to a night of covers and second-rate music at the bar, and she was only sticking it out to hear Ty play. And when the band started playing, her fears were confirmed. They played one cover then another and another. The crowd didn’t seem to care, packing the dance floor and clapping enthusiastically at every song. Ty’s voice was amazing, bringing a great depth to some of the songs, even her brother’s song that Colt often sang a bit more twangy. Ty sang it more soulfully, and way more sexy, his eyes straying to her often during the verses until she felt like it was only the two of them in the bar. She squirmed in her seat, the sexy beat affecting her on a primal level. Or maybe it was the alcohol.

  Ty alternated singing with a couple of the other members, a woman and a guy, and they finished a set, before stepping down to take a break. Ty beelined across the dance floor, dragged a chair from another table, set it between her and Tara, and straddled it. He grabbed her beer and tipped it back, taking a long swallow.

  “Feel free to drink my beer.” She emphasized the word my, arching her eyebrow at him. “Shouldn’t you be drinking water or something?”

  “Yeah, water would be great. You have any?”

  She stiffened, about to give him a piece of her mind when a pitcher of water was slammed on the table along with two beers. Zane stalked away without another word. Ty smirked at her and poured a glass of water, drinking it down, his eyes crinkling at the corners as she glared at him. She rolled her eyes and craned her head to find the rest of the band gathered around another table close to the stage.

  “You guys are pretty good. Damned good, in fact.”

  He shrugged. “They play more often without me. They let me sing with them sometimes, and I fill in when they need another singer or guitar. But they’re good.”

  “So, they’re like your backup band.”

  Ty threw back his head and laughed. “Don’t tell them that, honey. They’ll spit you and roast you alive for that statement. It’s more a mutual benefit situation. I know their lead singer, Grant, and he wanted to sing here. Zane made the deal that they let me sing with them occasionally and they play here with and without me.”

  “Ahhh, so you’re the pity singer. I’m so sorry. Maybe someday you’ll find your place.” She patted his hand, stifled a smile.

  He glared at her and yanked his hand back. “I could find a band if I wanted one.”

  She laughed, earning stares from the rest of the table, then she looked over at the band again. “You have a great voice. And the band is great. Do they have a manager?”

  He shrugged. “I think they make their own gigs. Stay tuned for the next set. It’s going to be special. And if you want to join in for a sing-along, let me know.”

  He winked, finished his beer, and headed back to the stage. She sipped the new beer and watched them. Tara leaned over. “I know that look. What are you thinking?”

  “I’m not sure yet. We’ll see. Or rather hear.”

  Chapter Ten

  Ty barely had a few moments before they took the stage again. He knew Grant and the group wanted to sing some of their own music, so he was just playing backup guitar for this set. He’d have to wait until later to see if he could persuade Piper to sing with them. It shouldn’t take much to convince her. During the first set, he thought he saw her singing along, tapping her foot. Someone who loved music like she did couldn’t just turn it off. He understood that she didn’t like performing, but maybe, in the small venue, where she was having fun, maybe she’d relax enough to give it a shot, especially with him. He’d already spoken with Jenny and Grant, who’d approved of Piper singing if she wanted. Now to find a way to get her on stage.

  He gave Grant and Jenny a nod, and they started the next set. After a couple of songs, Jenny started coughing and stepped off the stage. Grant leaned into the mic.

  “Excuse Jenny. She’s coming off a spring cold and needs a break to rest her throat. I know ‘Cold Hands, Warm Heart’ is your favorite. Ty and I will try to do it justice, but two guys may not be the duet you all had in mind, unless someone else wants to step in.”

  Piper stared at Ty from her table, the rest of the girls all looking at her. That was her parents’ signature love song, the one she grew up on and knew better than any lullaby. He held his breath—had he pushed her too far? Tara laid a hand on her arm and leaned in as if to say something, but Piper shook her off, her eyes never leaving him. She had no expression on her face, at least none that he could read. It seemed like the whole bar paused, looking around to see what he was waiting for.

  Finally, she stood and made her way across the dance floor and slowly walked up the stairs as if walking to her death. Her eyes were wide, filled with regret as she moved closer to him. He held out his hand and she took it, her hand ice cold.

  “You know I hate performing.”

  “You also hate sitting on the sidelines. Trust me.”

  She nodded and turned and gave the brilliant performer’s smile he hated to the crowd, who went wild. He doubted any of them recognized her, and he didn’t want to enlighten them.

  “This is Piper, a friend of Tara’s, and she’s going to help us out for a few songs. Don’t embarrass her or record or anything, okay? Just between friends, please?”

  She relaxed almost imperceptibly and looked for a mic. He stepped away from his mic. “You can use mine.”

  She shook her head. “I’ll only sing this one with you.”

  He froze and stared over her head at Grant, who bowed his head with a little smile. He gave a small nod, and Ty moved back to her side. “Change of plans. Piper and I will sing this. Together.”

  He nodded to the group. It didn’t take long for her to feel the music and get into the song. They sang, flawlessly shifting between the stanzas, as if they had practiced it a dozen times. They didn’t sound like her parents, but it was more earthy, sexy, almost like foreplay, and he was glad he had the guitar to hide his erection as her throaty voice sang as if just to him. So, he directed his words just to her, communicating the only way he’d always been able to—through his music.

  When the final chords sounded, it was like a bubble had burst and they both blinked, stunned that a crowd was around them, applause breaking out. She turned a dazed look toward him, and a slow smile broke out across her face.

  Grant poked his head around Ty’s shoulder. “Another song?”

  Piper nodded, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Sure. If you can keep up.”

  *

  Piper stayed on stage for several more songs, even singing some songs on her own. The crowd welcomed her, cheering and dancing. Piper slowly relaxed into the singing, even enjoying performing with the band in the more informal atmosphere, something he had hoped she would do. With any luck, she would forgive him for putting her on the spot like he did, especially when he only wanted to show her the joy of performing when she could control it. When they finally took a break, they grabbed a table next to the stage with a couple members of the group. Piper collapsed in a chair and drained a glass of water, then studied the members who joined her, a thoughtful look on her face.

  “You guys are really good. Where else do you play?”

  Jenny perched on Grant’s lap, sipping a beer. She shrugged. “We play all over the place but mostly small venues like this, sometimes at festivals and opening acts for larger groups at rodeos and bigger bars.”

  Piper tapped her fingernail on the side of the glass, a nail he wouldn’t mind feeling bite in his skin as they kissed—or more. “Do you have a manager?”

  Ty just shook his head. A manager. They were so far from Nashville and the music business. The group was like so many other bands, just scaring up money and playing, mostly for the love of music, though they’d love more from their passion.

  Grant laughed. “You’re looking at him. Well, all of us really. We all hustle for our gigs and decide on where we play together.”

  She shook her head. “No, you need someone out there finding
bigger opportunities for you. You’re better than this, especially with some of your original work. You could be expanding beyond this.”

  Jenny and Grant exchanged glances. “How? We work day jobs to support ourselves. We can’t just pick up and hit the road.”

  “A good manager can work around that. Do you have a demo tape with some of your original music on it? I might be able to make some calls, see what connections I could make for you. If you’re interested, of course. I’d never want to force you into anything you’re not comfortable with.” The last was said with a sideways glare at him. He tilted on the back legs of his chair, saluted her with his bottle, and drank his beer.

  The band members blinked, overwhelmed by her offer. After promising to keep in touch and send her their information, they headed to their friends who had stopped by for their evening, leaving Piper and Ty alone. Ty quirked a grin at her.

  “That was nice of you.”

  “They didn’t put me on the spot tonight. They were generous enough to let me sing with them, even though I didn’t want to.” Her tone implied she was still pissed with him. That was fine. She had smiled, genuinely smiled tonight and had fun on stage, once she got over her pique.

  He shrugged. “You told Zane you’d sing for him. I just moved the pace along a bit. Made sure you got out of your head, so you didn’t overthink it.” He set the bottle on the table and grabbed her hand. “Come on, let’s dance.”

  She followed him onto the dance floor, where he finally pulled her into his arms, holding her close, using the excuse of the slow song to indulge his need to touch her, to feel her body against his. Surprisingly, she didn’t resist but relaxed against him, her arms twining behind his neck and tangling in his hair. He rested his chin on her shoulder, burying his nose in her hair, smelling the sweet scent of her shampoo and the scent he’d come to associate with her. They swayed gently to the music that played from the jukebox, and the crowd pressed around them, yet they seemed to be a bubble of their own making.

  Her body fit against his perfectly, tucked neatly under his chin. Her sweet curves were soft and relaxed as she moved, her eyes closed, and lips curved in a smile. She was lost in the moment, lost in the music, and, he hoped, lost in the moment with him. He glanced over and saw West holding Tara in his arms, Chase holding Hailey, and, in that moment, he got it. He understood the peace that had finally settled over his brothers in the months since they’d met their women, the other halves of their souls. Both Tara and Hailey brought something to his brothers, that missing piece they never knew they had. He and his brothers had been close, forging a bond that would never be broken, but that bond couldn’t fill this need inside.

  He had asked himself where he fit in on the ranch. Now Ty had to ask himself, what was his place in the family, with his brothers both starting their new lives with their wives? Chase had a wife and son now. West was getting married in a week. And yet again, Ty was standing still, watching, observing, not having a place anymore. He’d be Uncle Ty to their kids, babysitting when they needed it, living out in the cabin as the old bachelor uncle. God, that sounded pathetic.

  He dated. Lord knew he wasn’t a virgin or a man whore like Chase had been. But no one had revved his engine or fit him quite like Piper Raines. Too bad she was leaving in a week or so. She belonged somewhere else, very far away. Nashville and her life there were as far away from a ranch in Montana as it could be. There was no future for them beyond a few awkward encounters when and if she visited Tara after the wedding. He’d watch her on television, see news reports about her tours and rumors about her love life, listen to her songs on the radio. Was he really willing to risk it on a one-week affair, assuming she was even interested?

  “Hey, cowboy. You accuse me of overthinking, but I could swear I smelled smoke a few minutes ago.” Her voice was a little drowsy and husky, possibly from the singing. She looked up at him, a slow, sexy smile crossing her face. “What’s got you thinking so hard?”

  In that moment, he was lost. For a night, a week. He was going to risk it. No matter what, he was going to take the time he had with her and figure out the rest after she left. That would be a problem for another day. But now, he had to convince her to take a chance on him.

  He slid his hands down her back to her ass and pulled her closer. “Just planning the next set, if you’re up for it.”

  She dropped her head against his chest and groaned. “I don’t think I’m up for it. Besides, everyone came to hear them. They’re really good. And you.” She shoved his chest lightly, though he wasn’t letting her go. “You let me believe you weren’t any good at playing and singing, but you’re pretty damned good. What’s that about?”

  He shrugged, looking over her head at the stage, anything to avoid that conversation. But she just cocked her head and gave him that look, the same one Tara gave him when she wasn’t budging on a topic. He heaved a sigh. “I never said I couldn’t play or sing. You assumed that.”

  “From your bad attitude, yeah. Why don’t you play more with the band? Or go out solo?”

  “I have work at the ranch. I can’t always make their gigs, especially when they’re a few hours away. The ranch comes first, always. Music is second. I’m lucky that they let me play with them when they come to The Rock.”

  “They’re the lucky ones that you play with them. And music shouldn’t be second. You have a gift, a true talent for it. You could be doing so much more. Seriously, Ty.”

  Grant stopped by them in that moment. “We’re getting ready for the last set. You two joining us?”

  Ty glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. She looked at the stage and shook her head. “I’d rather listen and enjoy. I rarely get to do that. Besides, I’m supposed to be spending time with Tara. Go, sing for me.”

  She headed back to the table where Tara sat with the other bridesmaids, hips swaying gently. Ty sighed and followed Grant to the stage.

  “She really Piper Raines?” Grant asked as they were getting their instruments ready. Ty nodded. Grant grunted. “Do you think she was serious about what she said to us?”

  Ty paused. “You guys are good. You won’t go anywhere stuck here in Montana, especially not in the smaller bars. If she says she’ll call someone, she will.”

  The other man sighed. “I’d love to get a demo tape together, but it’s hard to get time in a recording studio, you know? Then I have to corral all of these guys and their schedules, then head to the city. You should record with us, though. You make us better.”

  Ty shrugged. “You guys should make it happen. It’ll be worth it. But I can’t leave the ranch. I have too much going on here.”

  “But if this goes somewhere, it could be more.”

  “Or it could go nowhere.”

  “Damn, you’re depressing. Let’s go light this up!” Grant clapped him on the shoulder and headed up the steps to the stage.

  Ty followed more slowly, the idea festering in his mind.

  *

  The evening ended with Ty spending the last set with his brothers, watching over the women and their friends. Thankfully, it was a quiet evening with everyone dancing and enjoying the night. Even Piper seemed to let loose and not worry about who might be filming her or taking pictures or evaluating her singing. Instead, she was laughing and relaxed with everyone, not as reserved as she had been, or maybe she was drunk. He watched her head for the ladies’ room, and she wobbled a bit on her boots.

  West followed his gaze. “You going to take her home tonight, or should we?”

  “I got this. You worry about your own woman. She’s enough of a handful.”

  Tara sashayed across the floor and draped herself sideways across West’s lap, her arms around his neck. “Hello, honey. I’ve missed you.”

  She planted a big kiss right on his lips, though she was a little off-center. Ty stifled a smile and turned his attention to the bathroom area to keep an eye on Piper. Chase escorted Hailey to the bathroom, and she seemed a little steadier on her feet but as romantically in
clined as Tara was, judging by the way she caressed Chase’s ass.

  “You guys should ban them from fireball or whatever the hell they’re drinking. It’s like an aphrodisiac or something.”

  “Big words from a cowboy.” Tara grinned. “When are you going to kiss Piper?”

  West groaned and rolled his eyes. “She’s drunk, man. Ignore her.”

  But Ty could feel his face heat, and he kept watching the bathroom, even though Chase was propping up the wall, waiting for the women to come out. She was perfectly safe with his brother. But Tara was eying him suspiciously, as was West. She leaned forward, held securely by West, and punched him in the arm.

  “You dog. You already kissed her. Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

  Ty abruptly got to his feet, the chair skidding on the wood floor, almost toppling in his sudden movement. “I’ll check on Piper and get her home safely.”

  He walked away, their laughter following him. Zane stopped him halfway across the floor. “Thanks for singing tonight. You kind of put your friend on the spot there, but she did good. I didn’t think she’d go for it.”

  Ty shrugged. “She said she’d be willing to sing a few songs, just not officially. Don’t advertise or let anyone video her and you might get her back again.”

  “I’ll keep my eye out.” He straightened, and Ty felt a hand settle on his lower back. “Miss Raines. Thank you for singing tonight. My patrons loved it, and I kept a close eye on them for any funny business. I hope you’ll come back anytime, even if you don’t sing.”

  Piper gave him a sweet, gentle smile before she rose up on tiptoes and gave Zane a kiss on the cheek. “I enjoyed myself, more than I thought I would. If you don’t mind, I might sing a few songs with Ty the next time he sings. Nothing formal or anything, but I might like to try out a few things on your audience. And please call me Piper.”

  Ty was shocked to see Zane blush. “You’re welcome anytime, Piper.” He nodded and walked away, yelling at a couple of cowboys who were starting trouble at the bar.