Page 69 of Country Music Cowboy
“Yes.” Loretta smiled. “Travis wrote it.”
“We wrote it together,” Travis argued.
“You wrote it. I only added—”
“It’s a joint collaboration,” Travis pushed, smiling at her.
“There you have it. The first single from the new duo, TrueLove.” Guy smiled, leaning forward to shake their hands.
Loretta and Travis made their way across the stage to the two stools. Travis picked up his Dreadnaught guitar, slid the straps around his shoulder, and faced her.
“Ready?” he asked.
It was the first time they’d performed this song for an audience. A song this hot and sexy was a risky choice but… It was a damn good song.
“I’m ready,” she said.
His fingers moved quickly, plucking the first notes forward as he sang.
You’ve got me where you want me.
I can’t say that I mind…
Don’t stare at him.Not his eyes or his hair or the way his mouth moved when he said things that made her think of how good it was to be intertwined with him. The ache in the pit of her stomach turned warm as he rounded out the chorus.
…you’ll want me close and deep.
Now that she knew this was true, the song felt different. More like a conversation between them. One whispered, in the pale light of morning, before life drew them apart.
She took a deep breath, her throat tight as she sang.
You tease me but you touch me…
She was aching. And, even though now was not the time to be thinking about it, she wanted his hands on her. His blue-green eyes blazed into hers, filled with the promise of a long night ahead. Her voice wobbled as she sang, but she made it through.
Travis played through the chorus again, his fingers sliding along the strings as his gaze shifted to her mouth. Together, the final lines were loaded with such longing, Loretta struggled to find her voice.
But you’ll miss me, baby, and I’ll haunt you in your sleep.
My hands, my mouth, you’ll want me close and deep.
The only thing keeping Loretta from launching herself at Travis was the roar of the audience. And knowing that, fifteen minutes from now, they’d be alone—heading for what she hoped would be a sleepless night in their hotel.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Guy James called out, clapping. “Loretta Gram and Travis King. Now known as TrueLove.” He fanned himself. “Anyone else needing some ice cold water? Or a cold shower? Is it hot in here?”
Loretta and Travis bowed and smiled and waved their goodbyes and headed backstage. Sawyer had their ride waiting, so they headed out through the studio side door and climbed into the backseat of the waiting black SUV.
“Good?” Sawyer asked, climbing into the driver seat.
Travis nodded, staring out the window.
Loretta was acutely aware of the way his hand lay, fisted, against his thigh. If she reached for him, would he lose all control? Was he craving her like she was craving him? Was that why he was staying so quiet and avoiding her gaze?
By the time Sawyer had pulled up to their hotel, Loretta was doubting every look and signal he’d seemed to be giving off.
Sawyer handed off the keys to the additional security the label had hired for the tour, then led them through the back hallways to a clearance-required elevator.
Loretta risked a glance at Travis.
