Page 55 of Country Music Cowboy
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 aboutfeelingsor 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.
