Page 64 of Country Music Cowboy
It was like a mini family reunion. Travis scooped her up and spun her around, Heather “oohed” over Krystal’s black stripe in her hair, and Jace listed off of Heather’s current academic successes. Loretta smiled when Hank took her arm, instantly including her.
She and Hank headed toward their table, trailing behind the others, when CiCi approached.
“Look at you two.” She was all smiles, leaning in to give Hank a kiss on the cheek, then Loretta. “Loretta, you look lovely. All sweet and young. But not too young, I guess? Isn’t that right, Hank.” Her large blue eyes bounced between the two of them.
Her implication wasn’t the least bit subtle. But, she couldn’t be serious, could she? Travis was always teasing—so was Krystal. Maybe they’d picked up the habit from CiCi?
The idea of her and Hank… Well, it was tabloid fodder. A joke. Hank was a gentleman—a married gentleman. While CiCi had no problem behaving as if she and Hank were no longer married, Hank would never disgrace himself or his family that way. If she knew that, surely CiCi did too?
Hank’s voice sounded weak. “CiCi—”
“No, no. You don’t owe me any explanation.” CiCi sighed. “I guess the no date rule only applied to Kegan and me. But that makes sense, I suppose, since Loretta is already living with you.”
Loretta didn’t blame Hank for the clenched jaw or the tightening of his mouth. She was having a hard time biting back her temper—but she’d never cause a scene.
“Silly old me thought you were after Travis.” CiCi turned the full force of her glare on Loretta. “Boy, did I underestimate you.”
After Travis? Like she’d devised some intricate plan to catch one of the Kings? Why? Because she needed the Kings to keep her career? Hadn’t she said as much to Travis last night? He’d been quick to dismiss her fears but with CiCi throwing them in her face, Loretta’s deep-seated insecurity clashed with her anger.
Hank cleared his throat. “Enjoy yourself,” he managed, but the words were raspy. Hank steered Loretta around CiCi and toward their table.
“I’m sorry,” Loretta whispered. “If I thought coming here would cause problems—”
“Don’t worry.” He coughed. “CiCi’s being…CiCi.” Hank shook his head, taking a glass from a passing waiter. He downed it and said, “I see the way my son’s looking at you. You should be here.” Hank patted her arm, clearing his throat. “That look, right there.” His chuckle ended on a cough.
Traviswaslooking at her. And it was some look. The sort of look that threatened the walls she’d spent years building around her heart. The sort of look that made her wish she could let down her guard and let Travis in. But she couldn’t. She wouldn’t do that to him.
***
Travis was going out of his mind. Every night for the last week, he’d followed where Loretta led. When he said he’d let her set the rules, he meant it. After Emmy Lou’s wedding, he’d driven her home and taken her to bed. The following day, they’d rehearsed and eaten donuts and as soon as the house was asleep—she’d turned up outside his bedroom door. Six nights of getting more caught up in Loretta and wishing there were no rules between them.
“Good morning, Romeo.” Krystal greeted him as soon as he pushed through the kitchen door.
Their father sat in his chair at the kitchen table, coffee in hand, laughing.
Romeo? Did she know something? Or was she fishing for information? “Good morning?” Travis said, doing his best not to overreact. He ran his fingers through his hair and did a somewhat covert sweep of the room. No Loretta. Not yet.
“Good morning,” Jace said, waving his fork. “Radio thing this morning. She’s been laughing about it all morning.”
“You laughed too.” Krystal smiled, her green eyes a little too curious. “I made some scrambled eggs and bacon and pancakes.”
“And blueberry muffins,” Jace added, shooting Travis a look. “And cinnamon rolls.”
“You’re welcome.” Krystal was chewing on the inside of her lip.Never a good sign.“You look a little worn out, big brother.”
He tried not to squirm as Jace and his father turned to see for themselves.
“I’m fine.” Travis headed to the stovetop where the food was staying warm. “Thank you.” He grabbed a plate and served himself a large breakfast before heading to the table. “This is a hell lot of food.”
“I was restless.” She shrugged. “And, I’ve got a song bouncing around and there’s nothing like cooking to help—”
“You finish it.” Travis nodded. Ever since he could remember, Krystal cooking meant a new song was coming. And since she was pulling together ingredients for who-knows-what, she hadn’t quite worked the song out yet. “What are we making now?”
“Cherry pie,” Krystal said, without looking up. “Sawyer’s favorite.”
He exchanged a look with Jace, then sighed. “I was going to stop you but…cherry pie sounds really good.”
Krystal was smiling again. “How did I know you were going to say that?” She glanced his way then. “You and Sawyer aren’t working out together anymore?”
