Country Music Cowboy

by Sasha Summers

  Why the hell not? He’d rather dance with Loretta than get caught up in some long-over teen romance of his father’s or why the hell Sawyer looked ready to throw a few punches. Yep. Much rather be dancing.

  She stopped the moment she saw him coming, those eyes of hers flashing and suspicious.

  “I come in peace.” He grinned. “And hoping you’ll dance with me.”

  “I don’t really like dancing.”

  “Like you don’t like fried pickles?” He held his hand out.

  “You’re awfully cocky, Travis King.” She stared at his hand.

  “Nope.” He argued. “I’m feeling like a damn fool, holding his hand out in front of a room full of folk, all watching to see what happens next.”

  “You’re no fool.” She took his hand. “I am.”

  “How’s that?” He led her onto the dance floor.

  She shook her head, placing one hand on his shoulder and holding onto the other.

  He barely made it five seconds before he said, “I like the feel of you in my arms, Loretta Gram.”

  She shook her head, laughing. “Is that why you got me out here? To flatter me and sweet-talk me?”

  He pulled her a little closer than necessary, spinning her close. “So you’re saying I’m not supposed to tell you I think you’re beautiful? Or that my hands have been itching to touch you all day?” His voice lowered. “Or that—”

  “Stop,” she whispered. “Travis.” She glanced around the dance floor.

  He spun her again, taking care to dodge another couple on the floor. “All I’m doing is telling you how I feel.”

  She stared up at him, then, stiffening in his hold. “Don’t.”

  He frowned. “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t…don’t talk about feelings or try to charm me.” She swallowed. “Say it. What are you after? And don’t tell me nothing because I know that’s not true.”

  He slowed their pace and zeroed in on her. “Maybe I’m just after your smile, because your smile takes my breath away. Ever think of that?” He shrugged. “I won’t say I don’t want you, Loretta. I won’t lie. You are beautiful. I have thought about touching you a dozen or more times today. But right now, all I want is you, in my arms, smiling, while we share a dance.”

  She blinked, those topaz eyes so intent that they might as well be peering into his soul. Finally, she melted into him and smiled. And, damn, but the feelings that smile stirred up inside him. Beyond the thrum of hunger and the surge of possession was something more, something tender, rooted in his heart.

  Chapter 10

  Loretta sat on a blanket beneath a massive oak tree. She had her phone out, with Margot on FaceTime, so the two of them could watch the filming of the newest Three Kings music video together.

  “I can’t wrap my head around their budget,” Margot said. “This will be your life soon enough.”

  “I’ll be riding around on a horse in a flowing blue evening dress?” Loretta shook her head. “I’ll leave that to Emmy Lou. She looks gorgeous. Everyone would be able to tell I’m terrified of horses.”

  “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Travis King flopped down on the blanket beside her.

  “Where did you come from?” Loretta asked, inching farther away from him. “Shouldn’t you be over there, posing in front of the giant fan?” But it was too late. His gaze met hers and she was instantly, tingling-ly, aware of…him. “And not here.” With any luck, he hadn’t heard the desperation in her voice.

  He was studying her, spinning a long piece of dry grass between his fingers. “No.”

  Three night ago they’d gone to Schmitt’s Store and had a wonderful evening. At least, she thought they had. But, ever since then, things were different. For one, they both seemed intent on not being alone with each other. He was still teasing her, still talking to her, still too good-looking for any person to be, but there’d been some shift between them that she didn’t understand. Plus, he hadn’t touched her. Not the way she wanted or the way she dreamed about, anyway. She was the one who instituted the Just-One-Night rule. It was a good rule. At least, it had seemed like it at the time.

  It would help if she could remember how they were before they slept together. Was there the same sort of friction as they had now—all electric and dynamic and visceral? Had it been less? Had it been more? Not that it mattered. She couldn’t go back in time and change what had happened between them.

  “You’re welcome to share our blanket,” Margot said, interrupting her spiraling thoughts. “I’m not sure where Loretta’s manners are this afternoon.”

  “I appreciate that.” Travis lay back, propped on one elbow, and tossed the blade of grass over his shoulder.

  Loretta did her best not to stare. But, really? How could she not stare?

  Up close, he was even more devastatingly manly than he’d been when the giant fan had his curls bouncing and his shirt blown flat against his rock-hard chest. It wasn’t like he was wearing anything special. A thin white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up. Faded blue jeans that accented some of his best features to perfection. Her head-to-toe inspection came to a halt at his feet. Until now, she hadn’t noticed his footwear. Rather, his lack of footwear.

  “Where are your shoes?” Loretta asked. Was it possible to have handsome feet? No. They’re feet. Albeit, Travis King’s feet. But feet all the same.

  “For the video.” Travis wiggled his toes. “No boots or shoes. Some artsy thing, I guess.”

  “It was all very whimsical looking. Emmy Lou looks like part of the sky.” Margot’s voice was a bit muffled. “At least she was when I wasn’t staring at the blanket.”

  “Sorry.” Loretta adjusted the phone stand and made sure the phone was stable. “Better?”

  “Yep.” Margot’s voice was loud and clear. And now that she was facing the video production, she couldn’t see what Travis was doing. Or how he was staring at her ankles.

  “What?” she whispered, pulling her legs up and tucking her ankles beneath her skirt.

  He looked up at her and smiled.

  If he knew the effect his smile had on her, would he still do that? Still smile at her as if he was oh-so-happy to see her? Now that her insides were all wobbly and her heart was in her throat, she was on edge more than ever.

  Stop looking at him.

  She focused on the scene before them. Emmy Lou in an ethereal blue dress. Her long hair in silky smooth ringlets. “She looks like a princess.” Loretta smiled. “More than usual.”

  Travis chuckled.

  “I mean that in the nicest way possible,” Loretta hurried to explain—without looking at him. “I don’t want you to think I was being snide or catty. I honestly think she’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen. Krystal too, obviously.”

  “I know.” Travis sounded amused. “When it comes to my family, I think the only one you’ve ever been snide or catty about is me.”

  “Do tell,” Margot—who Loretta was fairly certain they’d both forgotten about—said. “What did you do? What did she say? When was this and why didn’t I know about it?”

  “It didn’t happen.” Loretta glared at him.

  “I think it was our first rehearsal.” Travis was enjoying the way she squirmed. “I think that’s right. It was the same day she told me she didn’t like me.”

  “Lori-girl,” Margot sounded horrified. “You did not?”

  Loretta wasn’t sure which was greater: the urge to tell him off or the urge to push him back onto the blanket and pretend they were the only two people in this field. She swallowed, tore her gaze from his, and picked up the phone. “Margot, he’s picking on me. Travis loves to pick on people.”

  “It’s how I show I care,” Travis interrupted, leaning in so he was also on camera. “Hey, Margot.”

  “Hey, handsome.” Margot giggled. “You two are fun. I t
hink I’ll leave you two alone so there will be even more to tell when Lori calls me later.”

  “There is nothing to tell,” Loretta was quick to assure her manager.

  “Uh-huh.” Margot waved. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.” She disconnected.

  “I’m thinking you might not want to tell her all about it.” Since Travis hadn’t moved back, he was far too close. “There are some things I’d like to keep between us.” His gaze wandered to her mouth.

  Her already stretched taut nerves were reaching their breaking point. “You are—”

  “Thinking about how good we were.” He nodded. “I am.”

  “No. That’s not. You have to stop teasing—”

  “Or you’ll throw me back on the blanket and remind me why I can’t help but stare at your mouth.” He swallowed, his eyes slowly traveling over her face. “And remember how sweet you taste.”

  She was speechless then. Speechless and breathless and mindless with need for him.

  He was staring right back at her.

  “Travis?” a voice called out. “Travis?” A woman’s voice.

  “Fuck.” Travis ran a hand over his face. “Fuck fuck fuck.”

  Loretta glanced in the direction of the voice. “Is that…”

  “My mother?” He groaned, pushing himself off the blanket and dusting himself off. “I’ll try to keep her away from you.”

  “From your mother?” She shielded her eyes and glanced up at him. “I think I can handle myself.”

  He shook his head, but he was smiling. “You know, you’re right. Okay, then, you’re on your own.”

  She frowned. “Watch out for cactus. Or scorpions. Or goat head stickers. Or—”

  “Anything else that can damage my poor naked feet?” He nodded. “I got it. Thanks.” With another look her way, he sighed and headed across the waving grass toward CiCi King.

  Loretta wasn’t one to run away, but one long steel-eyed look from CiCi King made her consider packing up the blanket and heading back to the house. Emmy Lou and Krystal had both wanted her there though neither of them said why. Still, it was better than sitting inside by herself…with far too much time to think about she and Travis in her big, comfy bed.

  Not the best time for this. Especially now that Travis and CiCi were done talking and yes, dammit, CiCi was headed this way.

  “Yoo-hoo.” CiCi King was waving. “Can I steal some of your shade?”

  No. “Of course.” Loretta was practically sitting on the edge of the blanket now.

  “You are a pretty thing.” CiCi paused, hands on hips, to give her an uncomfortably thorough once-over. “So sweet and natural.” She knelt on the blanket, looking perfectly at ease in her designer jeans and bright pink wrap-around top. Like she belonged. “Have you ever seen such a spectacle? I can’t think of how many of these things they’ve made, but it never fails to amaze me—the work and talent and time this all takes for something that lasts four or five minutes tops.” She smiled at Loretta. “But then you know all about that. Singing is the same I guess.”

  Loretta had nothing to say to that so she smiled.

  CiCi’s phone rang. “Oops.” She held up a finger. “One sec.” She winked. “Hi, darlin’. I’m out at the house. Three Kings are shooting the video for ‘Blue Skies.’” There was a pause. “Yes, Emmy’s song.” She sighed. “Yes, the one she wrote for her fiancé.” There was distinct edge to the word “fiancé.” “I know. He’s good. He’s good. I’m proud of him too.” Another pause and a laugh a little too brittle to be real. “I think he’s turned over a new leaf.” This time the pause was longer. CiCi glanced Loretta’s way and rolled her eyes—like she was including her. “I’m glad he’s staying single. The last thing he needs is to get caught up by some pretty little thing, needing rescue, who will knock him off the wagon.” She broke off, nodded, and said, “Yes, you’re right. He’s all kinds of vulnerable right now, even if he’s acting all strong. A mother knows these things.” She laughed. “I know, I know. Lunch next week. Yes. Looking forward to it. Bye now.” CiCi hung up and placed her phone on the blanket beside them. “One of my bunco friends.”

  I’ve got nothing. “That’s nice,” Loretta said, hoping it was a suitable response.

  “We’ve been friends for eons.” CiCi ran a hand over her platinum blond hair. “They love my kids, especially Travis. That boy could charm the dew off a honeysuckle. Well, I’m sure you’ve noticed.” CiCi was watching her now.

  Loretta couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t just being watched, she was being catalogued. Mentally dissected and compartmentalized. But it might only feel that way because of the coldness in CiCi’s brilliant blue eyes. “He is charming.”

  “Good thing you’re a levelheaded girl. And since you’re staying out here, maybe you could do me a teensy little favor?” She paused but didn’t wait for an answer. “If you could keep an eye on Travis for me? Most men don’t know what’s best for them, after all. They need to be kept in line.” She laughed.

  Loretta glanced toward the cameras and people and commotion and wished there was some way she could find a reason to go there. Now. Immediately.

  “I appreciate that.” CiCi patted her hand. “I wanted to congratulate you. It’s not every day someone gets this sort of opportunity. A new duo, touring with Three Kings, and a record too?”

  How did she know this? As far as Loretta knew, the details of the contract weren’t common knowledge.

  “After everything with poor Johnny and all that trouble with your father, it’s about time something good happened for you.” CiCi was smiling again—but there was no warmth there. “Ethan Powell has high hopes for you. He’s a smart judge of character so, take it from me, you do what you need to stay in his good graces. He is a man, after all. He needs to be kept in line just like the rest of them. Once you figure out how to do that, there will be nothing stopping you.” She turned, giving Loretta another head-to-toe sweep. With a nod, she said, “You just stay focused and keep your eye on the prize and you’ll go far, Loretta Gram.”

  Was she truly offering Loretta career advice? Or was this about something else altogether? And how the hell was she supposed to say anything?

  CiCi’s phone started ringing again. “Oh, I have to take this one.” She picked up her phone and pushed herself up and off the blanket. “I enjoyed our little chat, Loretta. We girls have to stick together now, don’t we? I’ll see you at the wedding? Take care.” She waved, then answered her phone, walking back through the tall grass to the camera crew.

  Loretta’s phone vibrated.

  You lose a limb? Bleeding out? The text read.

  Loretta frowned.

  You look a little shell-shocked. She has that effect on people. The three little dots kept scrolling. Who was texting her?

  Loretta glanced up, her gaze scanning the people gathered round the audio and video equipment. Emmy Lou? Krystal? They had her number.

  It’s the King you don’t like. The one you slept with.

  Once the shock wore off, she was smiling. Talk about gall.

  Not that there was much sleeping.

  Really? Like she didn’t know. She knew. And every time she crawled into that big empty bed, he was all she could think about. Him. And that sleepless night. And how, just thinking about it, made her ache. Your teasing thing is going a little too far, Travis King. She shook her head and set the phone facedown on the blanket.

  But a series of pings had her reaching for the phone and staring at the texts roll in. Each text. One. Word.

  We. Should. Talk. About. One. More. Night. Three dots bounced and bounced. Soon.

  Loretta stared at the screen, her heart thundering against her ribcage. What? If this was a joke, it wasn’t funny. If it wasn’t a joke, it was a terrible idea. Terrible. She turned her phone off.

  “We ready?” the director called out.
“Places. Cue the music. The fan.”

  It was quite a production. Emmy Lou walking, her dress blowing out behind her, two white horses trailing behind her. She was singing.

  One hope, rising inside me, that you’ll hear my song.

  Each night, I close my eyes, and hope I wasn’t wrong.

  Cuz losing you, still wanting you, won’t leave my mind.

  And losing you, yes, loving you has left me color-blind.

  The cameras pivoted to Travis, standing barefoot on a massive rock formation. He was playing a sky-blue guitar, his curls swaying in the fan-engineered wind.

  At the top of the rock was Krystal. Her dark blue dress was just as gauzy and ethereal as Emmy Lou’s, her long blond locks—plus her signature black stripe—swirling around her as she looked up into the sky. Together, they sang the chorus. Loretta found herself singing along too.

  All I see is you… All I see is blue.

  Blue skies for miles,

  Blue birds flying high,

  Bright blue like your eyes.

  Don’t you know oo-hoo—I’m blue when you’re gone.

  “Cut!” the director yelled. “Let’s reset.”

  A flurry of activity was happening, but Loretta only saw Travis. He was typing on his phone, then looking her way. It took effort, but she didn’t turn on her phone—even if the damn thing felt like it was burning a hole in her pocket. As much as she wanted to deny it, she liked Travis. Liking him and wanting him, together, had the potential to be dangerous all around. And cold smile aside, CiCi King had a point. Travis was vulnerable. Letting things go on with Travis—no matter how much she ached for him—couldn’t happen. She couldn’t let it.

  ***

  “This is perfect,” Emmy Lou said, cutting into the apple pie Krystal had made. “All of it.” She smiled at them both. “I know nothing’s going to change but—”

  “You’ll be married,” Travis interrupted. “That’s a change.”