Page 14 of Country Music Cowboy
“I can.” Gina’s glanced her way. “But I’m fine.”
That makes one of us.The longer it took for Loretta’s appearance to become “camera ready,” the further away she was from fine. Between the extra eyelashes, bright red lips, intricate half-up, half-down mass of curls the hairstylist had spent close to an hour executing, and the peacock dress that had been steamed smooth and was ready and waiting for her, Loretta regretted not bringing someone with her—even her father.No, no, that would only make things worse.
“What do you think?” The makeup artist—whose name Loretta couldn’t remember—stood aside so Loretta could see her reflection clearly.
What did she think? She didn’t normally wear much makeup so she wasn’t one to judge. But she was pretty sure that wasn’t the right answer and since five women were all waiting for her opinion, she opted for the truth. “I’m speechless.”
“Excellent.” The makeup artist sighed, her smile relieved. “If you don’t make the Best List tonight, it won’t be my fault.”
“She will.” Bree carried the peacock dress forward. “She will be at the very top.”
Putting on the dress was a production in and of itself. At least this part of the evening was done; she was officially one step closer to this night being over. Now all she had to do was smile her way through the evening. It wasn’t like this was her first awards show—she’d been to a dozen. But thiswasthe first time she was going solo.
No, that wasn’t exactly true. Walking the red carpet on her own wouldn’t be too trying since it was all about the photo ops and quick interviews lined up into the auditorium. Once she was inside, she’d be sitting next to the Kings. Lucky for her, she was seated by Hank King because the less time she spent with Travis King, the better.
***
Travis glanced at his sister, Krystal. She sat facing him in the rented black limousine, her arms crossed and a frown on her face. “What?”
Krystal pointed, indicating all of him. “Stop.”
“I’m going to need more to go on.” Travis tugged at the collar of his white dress shirt as if that would ease his anxiety.
“Stop getting in your head.” Krystal leaned forward. “You have nothing to worry about. It’s not like you can’t sing. Or fans don’t love you. Or you’ve suddenly stopped being the second-most attractive man on the planet.” She lowered her voice and leaned closer to her beau, Jace, to whisper, “Because you’re the most attractive man.”
“Pretty sure he picked up on that.” Travis shook his head. “He’s not just a pretty face.”
Jace chuckled and bent to kiss Krystal’s cheek. “I’m glad you think so.”
“I don’tthinkso,” she argued, all sass, “I know so.”
Travis groaned. “Please.” He turned his attention to the tourist-lined Las Vegas sidewalks outside, considering Krystal’s words. She was right about one thing—he was definitely his own worst enemy right now. But there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop the worry. Tonight wasn’t just about proving himself to Wheelhouse Records; he needed to do this for himself. Which would be a hell of a lot easier if he hadn’t been paired up with a woman who’d already written him off as a failure.
Krystal’s phone pinged. “Emmy Lou.” She shook her head, her fingers tapping out a response. “She said she’s worried about Daddy.” She frowned. “Have you noticed him coughing, Trav?”
“A little.” Travis shrugged. “He said he was fighting a cold.”
“Well, Emmy Lou thinks it’s something more.” She turned, looking out the window at the limo in front of them, where Emmy Lou was. “I wish we’d all ridden together.”
“We’d have been packed in like sardines.” Jace took her hand. “I think that’s what you said.”
“Your dress does take up a whole seat.” Travis glanced at her. “But you look beautiful so I guess it’s worth it.”
“Damn straight.” Jace smoothed a long, blond curl from her shoulder. “I’m a lucky bastard.”
“Yes, you are.” Travis agreed. He liked Jace Black, liked the way the man treated his sister. But if there was ever a time he thought Jace took his little sister for granted—Travis would make sure Jace would answer to him.
Krystal smiled at him. “You two clean up pretty well yourselves.” Krystal cocked her head, eyeing him. “I guess you and Sawyer living at the gym is what’s turning you into a muscle-man.”
Travis tugged at his shirt collar again. “Right.”
“Um, right.” Krystal rolled her green eyes, her tone dripping sarcasm. “Do you own a mirror?”
He had to laugh then.
The limo slowed as it pulled up in front of the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The traffic came to a stop a few feet from the red carpet. Limos, town cars, and larger SUVs were grouped together, being directed by the police who’d been tasked with managing tonight’s production. The carpet had metal control barriers running down both sides, additional security placed at regular intervals between the barriers. Not that the fans cared. They were bunched together, screaming and waving and craning their necks to see who was coming next.
“Is that Loretta?” Krystal asked. “Holy shit. I mean, seriously. Wow. She looks incredible.”
