Page 20 of Cowboy's Melody
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“I wantyou to promise you’ll tell me if you start feeling bad,” I tell Logan for probably the millionth time. “If you get a headache or feel dizzy, tell me and we’ll go right back home.”
“Dad,” Logan whines, adding an eye roll for emphasis. “I’m fine. Now, let’s go find Teddi.”
“Whoa, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say, placing a firm hand on her shoulder.
Truthfully, I’m more scared of facing Linda than Teddi. I messed with her pride and joy, the Paulson Cherry Festival. Logan, however, is fearless. She latches onto my hand and drags me through the crowd right to the side of the stage.
“Hey Bill,” she says to the burly security guard standing watch. “My dad is in love with Teddi Wilde and he needs to talk to her really bad.”
I glance down at my daughter who apparently is eight going on eighteen. “No more Disney Channel.”
“No one’s getting back here without Linda’s approval,” Bill says tersely.
“It’s okay, Bill. Let ‘em back.” Logan and I look up at the same time. Linda’s stern face is staring right back at us. Bill steps aside and lets us pass but Linda reaches out and stops Logan. “Hold on there, sweet pea. Your dad has to do this alone.”
“I’m sorry for almost ruining the concert, Linda,” I offer.
“Save your apologies for Teddi, Brooks,” she says before leading Logan away.
I wind my way through the backstage area, my eyes scanning every corner for a glimpse of Teddi.
When I finally see her, she doesn’t notice me right away which is probably a good thing. She’s breathtakingly beautiful and I need a moment to gather my thoughts.
“Sure you want to wear that?” She turns quickly when she hears my voice.
“What are you doing here?”
“Making sure another man doesn’t steal you before I’ve had the chance to apologize.” I give her another once over. She’s wearing a tiny white tank top and a pair of skin-tight red metallic pants that show off every one of her curves. “I hope I’m not too late.”
“You might be,” she says, lifting her chin slightly.
I take a tentative step forward and when she doesn’t back away or tell me to get lost, I take another before I’m right in front of her, sliding my hands around her waist. “I wasn’t trying to fall in love with you, Teddi. In fact, I wasn’t trying to fall in love with anyone, but you made it so easy for me. Beautiful, talented, and sweet, how could you not steal my heart?”
Her eyes start to water. “You were so cruel the other night.”
“I know you were hurt and it’s my fault. I’m so sorry for what I said but truthfully, I’m scared to give my heart away to anyone who isn’t my daughter. You don’t have to give me a second chance, but I hope you do.”
“Why should I, Brooks? What’s changed since then?”
“I realized I’m in love with you.”
“You want a second chance?” She narrows her brown eyes in my direction.
“More than anything, Teddi. Tell me what I have to do, and I’ll do it.”
“Sing with me.”
“What?”
She licks her cherry red lips and smiles wickedly. “Get up on that stage and sing with me.”
I hold up my hands. “No way, Teddi. I can’t get out there and sing in front of the entire town.”
She shrugs casually. “I understand. Well, it was fun while it lasted.” As she starts to walk past me, she kisses me on the cheek. I turn and watch her slowly saunter toward the stage.
“Okay!” I call out. “Okay, I’ll sing with you.”
She grins like she knew I’d give in all along. Lord help me, I’m going to have my hands full with her and Logan.
“Brooks,” she murmurs right before she steps out in front of the crowd. “I’m in love with you too.”
