Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  So he was her father. Well that’s at least good to know. Avery would be happy to know that.

  “Congratulations,” Lucas said, trying a little bit to sound genuine.

  “For?” Rodney frowned. “Oh! No, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’ve got connections in the music industry. I can get her band noticed. I didn’t want to say anything before. I wanted to find out for myself how much talent she has, and well, she’s blowing me away right now.”

  Yeah. Me too. In more ways than one.

  “Nice.” Lucas turned back to the stage. What else could he say? The man was trying. Or he was aiming to impress. Whatever the case was, it was no business of his.

  Avery had pulled up a stool, held a guitar and the spotlight shone on her. Locks of curls hung loosely down her shoulders, and she looked content. She started talking into the microphone about the song.

  “We’re going to slow it down a little. Hope you don’t mind.”

  When her sultry voice poured the emotions out, it melted Lucas like hot butter on bread. That voice! He couldn’t shake it from the first night he heard her. Hell, he couldn’t shake her. Lucas wanted Avery so badly.

  He couldn’t have her. He shouldn’t. But the desire was there, like it or not.

  Lucas swore under his breath, his gaze fixated on Avery. He’d fucking ruin her if she knew half of his secrets, if he allowed her to get close to him. The other night, he came so close to letting go and giving in, until something snapped inside and made him come to his senses. No doubt, Avery Callimer got under his skin and persistently stayed there.

  The show went on, each song so full of vibrant emotions. Lucas was more amazed as the time passed. Should he leave and not let her know he even came? No, that was a stupid thing to do. Why couldn’t he just face her like a man and talk it out?

  Because then you’d want to do something more.

  The lights brightened. Lucas realized then that Rodney was no longer next to him. He was probably already on his way to talk to Avery.

  Something about that guy sent a warning signal to Lucas.

  He was probably overreacting.

  He doubted that.

  Without any concrete idea why, saying anything to Avery would only make him the bad guy. So for now, he’d have to keep his suspicions to himself. That was the best option for the moment.

  You’ve been the bad guy before.

  He sure had. No doubt.

  He no longer wanted to be that bad guy, especially when it came to Avery.

  Blonde hair and a Stetson hat caught his attention. Avery. There she was, standing near the edge of the stage with her band, smiling and looking exceptionally radiant. The stage agreed with her. His heart sank when he noticed Rodney there, too.

  He’d approach her later. Right now, keeping his distance would be the smart move.

  *****

  “I’m so impressed! Avery, you have an amazing talent.” Rodney grinned from ear to ear as he hugged Avery again.

  Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she smiled. In fact, she couldn’t stop smiling. “Thank you.”

  “She is great, isn’t she?” Jameson said, slinging his arm around Avery in a friendly manner. “Great job tonight.”

  “You too, Jameson.” Avery shot a grin his way. What could make this night better? The show rocked. Tonight, there had been no tension between her and Jameson. That guilt slowly, but surely started to fade away.

  “I want to tell you something, Avery,” Rodney said, leaning close. “All of you guys.”

  What could it be that Rodney would want to tell the entire band?

  “I have some connections in the music business. If you’re willing, I’d love to have some of them meet with you all. I think you have some great promise here, and I’d love to see you go to the big leagues.”

  Several gasps rang out among the band.

  Avery’s jaw dropped as she stared at Rodney. “Are you serious? It’s not because-?”

  Rodney’s head shook from side to side. “No, Avery. This is real. I think you guys are great and want to help. It has nothing to do with who you are to me.”

  She went silent for a moment, taking the information in. Then Avery squealed and hugged Rodney. “Thank you! Thank you so much! That would be great!”

  “Wow! That’s great!” Jameson packed his guitar into his case. Excitement hung in the air. Could this really be the break to get them further into their music careers?

  Which meant Avery had to let go of her hesitation about leaving Texas.

  “I’m glad you all are in agreement. I worried some about overstepping my boundaries.” Rodney lowered his voice for the last part, but Avery heard it. She smiled reassuringly.

  “No, this is great. Thank you again.”

  A familiar form moved closer. From the corner of Avery’s eye she caught a glimpse of him. Lucas? He made it.

  Sure enough, it was him. He hung back, watching her with an expression she didn’t understand. When her gaze connected with his, he curved his lips upward in a slight smile. He lifted his hand in a wave, but didn’t make any attempts to get closer.

  Avery’s heart raced. He’d made it after all. After last night, she wasn’t sure. She should clear the air with him. “Excuse me, guys. I’ll be back.” Avery maneuvered through the lingering crowed, straight toward Lucas. “Hi. Thanks for coming.”

  Damn, he looked good.

  “You put on a hell of a show.” Lucas lifted his cup to his lips.

  The detached Lucas was back.

  “Thank you. Rodney is going to get some people from Nashville to meet with us!”

  “Really? That’s great.” The lack of excitement was surprising. Not that she expected him to have any. Why would he? But something in voice, the way he responded irked her.

  “I um, also wanted to thank you. For the flowers.”

  “You’re welcome. I feel horrible. I don’t drink often, and there’s your reason why. I become a complete idiot.” Lucas set his cup down on the bar, and took Avery’s hand. His touch warmed her. Shocks of awareness went straight down to her gut, a fire burning.

  “You’re a man of mixed signals. I don’t know what to make of you, Lucas. I do know I’m intrigued by you. Attracted to you. But I don’t understand your games.”

  “Oh, Avery. There are no games.” Lucas lifted her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm. The smoldering look in his eyes was intense and alarming. “It’s just- there’s so much-”

  “There you are!” Rodney clapped a hand on her shoulder.

  Bad timing.

  “Yeah, sorry. I saw Lucas, and wanted to talk to him.” Avery noticed the scowl deepening on Lucas’s face.

  “I was hoping to treat y’all to a celebratory drink or something.”

  “I- Okay. That sounds nice. Thank you, again.” Her eyes lingered on Lucas.

  “We’ll talk later?” he asked, letting go of her hand. A wave of disappointment hit her. As much as she wanted to be with the band and talk more with Rodney, she really wanted to talk to Lucas, too.

  Avery swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “Yeah. Let’s do that.”

  While she sat around a table with everyone, Avery watched Lucas exit the bar, alone, and wondered about him. It’s like he had something to say, then when it came time, he balked.

  What’s your story, Lucas?

  Chapter Eleven

  The next morning, Laura and Avery were sprawled out across the living room floor of Laura’s apartment, working on wedding plans.

  “So, what do you have planned for my bachelorette party?” Laura teased, batting her eyelashes at Avery like that would help her get a hint.

  Avery giggled. “Uh, hello? That’s for me to know, and you not to find out until that night. Got it? Now, no more questions, and let’s focus here.”

  “Aww, but, but but,” Laura whined, shooting a grin at Avery.

  “No whining, young lady.” Avery and Laura burst into giggles.

  Avery’s phone dinged. She pulled i
t from her pocket and read the message.

  “What the hell?”

  “Avery? What’s wrong?” Laura asked, alarm filling her voice.

  Avery stared at the message, trying to understand the meaning. It was from a blocked number. How could that be? Did they allow anonymous texts now?

  Careful who you trust. He isn’t who you think.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Laura asked, her eyebrows raising in question.

  “I- I don’t know. I don’t even know who they mean.” Avery frowned. “That’s weird.”

  “Well, maybe it’s a wrong number. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Who sends texts like that anyway, I mean, really?”

  “You’re probably right.” That didn’t keep the nerves at bay. Something was off. She just- knew it. Felt it. “Thanks for the reassurance.”

  “Of course! That’s what I’m here for. Hey, sorry I didn’t make your show last night. I um- I was sick.”

  The way Laura said that had Avery snap her gaze to look at her friend. “Sick?”

  Laura’s cheeks turned red. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered.

  “Laura! That’s great! Or- is it?” From the look on her friend’s face, Avery wasn’t sure.

  “It wasn’t supposed to happen yet!” Laura wailed, tears flowing down her face. Avery reached for her friend to hug her.

  “There, it’s all right. You guys are happy about it, right?” Avery patted Laura’s back.

  “I am- I mean, I think I am. I’m scared. We had plans, and a baby wasn’t part of it yet. God, I’m hormonal and emotional already.” Laura reached for a tissue and wiped her face. “Ray seems happy, but what if he really isn’t? And what if I start to get bigger and not fit into my wedding dress?” The tears flowed again.

  Avery comforted Laura. She pushed back some of Laura’s auburn hair to get a better look at her. “Honey, it’ll all work out. You’ve got a great team helping with the wedding. And I know Ray, he’s always loved kids. So you got pregnant before planned. That happens. You’ll work it out and be fine. I bet you anything. So, let’s not worry too much, okay?”

  Laura sniffed and smiled. “You’re the best.” Laura hiccuped.

  Avery grinned. “I try.”

  “No, really. You’re always calming me down when I get crazy. What would I do without you?”

  “Go crazy, as I would without you. How many times have you calmed me down, especially lately?”

  “So, anyway, tell me about last night.” Laura changed the subject quickly.

  “Oh, the show was awesome. Rodney wants to hook us up with some music reps, and Lucas showed up. And I have this feeling he and Rodney don’t care for one another. Oh yeah, and did I mention the flowers Lucas sent?” Avery sighed, leaning back. “Can we say confused much? I don’t want to be so drawn to him, but I can’t help it. It’s more than attraction. I just don’t know how to describe it.”

  Laura giggled. “I’ve seen Lucas. He’s hot.”

  “Laura!” Avery exclaimed, laughing. “Yes, he is. But he’s confusing. One minute he wants me to make him feel, the next he’s pushing me away. I don’t know what to make of him. Hell, I don’t even know why he’s here.”

  “But you like him. Want him.”

  Avery sighed. “Yeah, I do. Is that bad? I still feel a tad guilty.”

  “Why? Because of Jameson?”

  Avery nodded.

  “From what you’ve said, and what I’ve noticed, you and Jameson are going to be fine as friends. Don’t feel guilty for moving on. I’ve told you once, and I’ll keep saying it. Sometimes, you can’t help or understand what you feel. You just feel it. Stop letting your guilt get the better of you.”

  “I’ll make a deal with you. Don’t feel guilty about being pregnant now, and I won’t feel guilty for moving on.”

  Laura’s mouth fell open and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Touche. You suck, by the way.” She stuck her lower lip out in a pout. The look didn’t last long. Laura chuckled again.

  Avery laughed. “No, I proved a point. You just hate that I’m right.”

  “I hate you!”

  “Nope. You don’t. You’ve already admitted the opposite earlier.”

  Laura growled, though she did it with a smile. “I’m pregnant. I can change my mind as often as I want.”

  Avery groaned. “Oh no, you’re not going to play that card. Too early!” Both women burst into giggles.

  Avery checked the time. “Shoot, I need to go soon. I’ve got a shift at the inn in about an hour.” She started to gather everything and toss it in her bag.

  “Thanks for coming to help.” Laura got to her feet to help Avery clean up the notebooks, folders and photo albums they had been looking at all morning.

  “But of course. Well, with your news, I have a few adjustments to make to your party.” Avery winked, loving that she had the means to torment Laura a little bit about her bachelorette party.

  Laura stuck her tongue out at her. “Have I mentioned you suck?” Laura stacked the books in a neat pile on the coffee table.

  Avery reached for her keys from her purse. “Umm, yeah, you kinda did. But that’s what best friends are for.”

  “I can’t wait until you’re getting married. Payback. That’s all I have to say. Karma, my friend.” Laura raised her eyebrows.

  “Not afraid!” Avery waved. “See you later.”

  On the way home, an ambulance passed her truck, sirens wailing. It didn’t take long for her to register that the ambulance appeared to be on the way to the inn. She drove a little faster, pushing just past the speed limit to find out what was happening. Dread pushed up from her gut. Her heart pounded louder, blood roared in her ears as the ambulance parked right near the entrance to the inn.

  The next few motions were all a blur to Avery. She followed the paramedics inside to see what was wrong. Lucas emerged from behind the crowd of people and paramedics.

  “What happened?” Avery’s knees went weak, buckling beneath her.

  “Avery! I was about to call you.” He grabbed her shoulders to steady her.

  “Lucas? What’s- what’s going on?” The room was spinning. This couldn’t be good. Mom or Dad? Rodney?

  “Your mom, she fainted. I was coming back from grabbing a bite to eat when I saw her.”

  “Fainted? Mom? Where is she? I’ve got to-” Avery couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. She tried to push past Lucas to see. “Where’s my dad? Is he with her?”

  “Honey, she’s okay. She’s a little shook up, and your dad is insisting she go to the hospital. She might have hit her head, and they’re trying to make sure she didn’t break anything and that there’s no concussion.” Lucas kept a firm grip on her. “Here, come on. Be careful, let’s not get in their way. Let’s get you over to see her so you can put your mind at ease.”

  Avery allowed Lucas to lead her. She didn’t realize how hard she gripped his hand until hers actually hurt from squeezing so hard. Oops. She loosened her grip. She just wanted to see her mother.

  There she was. The paramedics had her on a stretcher, but Lucas was right. Mom sat up, awake, alert and looking unhappy to be on the stretcher.

  “Mom!” Avery released Lucas’s hand and rushed to her. “Are you okay?”

  “Avery, of course I’m okay. Your father again, insists I go to the hospital. As do these fine young men,” Mom said crossly.

  “I’m going to have to agree with them, Mom. You don’t just faint for no reason,” Avery said gently, touching her mother’s cheek.

  “You’re supposed to be on my side,” her mother grumbled, but she cracked a smile. “Are you going to be able to hold down the fort for awhile?”

  “I- I can try. I’d like to go with you, but I know things need to be taken care of here.” There wasn’t time to call anyone in. Even if she called Alice, or anyone else, it could take up to an hour before someone arrived. Who knew how long the hospital trip would be?

  It was better to handle things here.

/>   “I’ll make sure you’re as updated as possible,” her father said, kissing Avery on the top of her head. “Hey, be happy. You won’t have to hear her grumble.”

  “Ha ha, darling.” Mom swatted Dad’s backside.

  “I’d appreciate that. I won’t be able to concentrate otherwise,” Avery said.

  “I know. I’m sorry you’ll be stuck here. I know you just want to be with Mom and I. But we’ll be back soon, okay? I just want to get her looked over,” Dad reassured her.

  “I’ll be glad to keep you company, Avery,” Lucas commented. He still held her hand, and at that moment, the gesture felt so good. Comforting.

  Avery swallowed, suddenly not feeling so well. But she kept her composure. She caught her lip between her teeth, then released it. “Okay. But please, let me know everything when you can. I love you both.” She kissed her mother’s cheek, then her dad’s.

  Dad nodded, as Mom grumbled again. Avery stepped back to allow the paramedics to roll her out. Avery stared at their retreating backs, helpless.

  “Hey. It’ll be okay.” Lucas tipped her chin up so that she could see his face. He expressed such concern for her.

  With little warning, Avery’s eyes welled up with tears. “I know that. I’m just ... I’m a wreck. There’s so much going on. I think it’s all just hitting me hard.” Avery sniffled. She had to get a grip! Right now was not the best time to fall apart. She had a job to do, especially in her parents absence. Crying was not on the agenda.

  Lucas wrapped his arms around her, gathering Avery in a warm and comforting hug. She rested her head on his chest for a moment, losing herself in his embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “For what?” Lucas asked, his hand resting in her hair.

  “For not running the other way when I burst into tears. For being here. For- Just for being so great.”

  “I’m not that great, Avery. But you’re welcome.”

  Avery sighed. “I didn’t even get a chance to change, or anything. I saw that ambulance, had a bad feeling and rushed immediately over here. And my shift is going to start in a half hour.”

  It was going to be a long night.

  The desk phone rang. Avery stared at it, cleared her throat and then reached for it to answer. A few seconds later, she frowned, hung up the phone, and sighed heavily.