Page 10 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“So, a bit like Gene Autry?” Rod raised a brow.
“Gene, who?” I idolized the famous singing cowboy legend, but figured I would do more leg-pulling. I bit my bottom lip.
Rod puzzled for a second before pointing at me as his face broke into a smile. “The bottom lip thing is a dead giveaway, Marine. How did you ever play poker?”
I shook my head. “I’m not much of a poker player. In fact, I’m not much of a gambler. But back to Gene Autry, yes, I know of him. I don’t sing, at least not around anyone else. I like the mellow sound of a guitar. My six-string traveled with me all over the world. Playing relaxes me.”
“Do you play by ear?”
“Nah…I use my fingers.” I held up my hand, wiggled my fingers, and grinned.
Rod did the chuckle-groan thing and shook his head. “That joke is older than dirt.”
“I never learned to read music. I play what I hear, or I make something up.”
“Musical notation is like any language. Musicians learn to read music literally. The notes on the page translate into tones in their head. But reading music is unimportant as long as you enjoy playing.” Rod took a sip.
“I find it interesting coming from you. I expected you to be a purist, but you help students appreciate music.”
“Wyl, music is second nature to me. But whether my students like or appreciate classical music is not important. And not everyone wants to play an instrument. But if students figure out why they like what they like, I provided an insight they missed.”
The more I hung out with this guy, the more I liked him. I still drew a blank on his relationship status, but it didn’t matter. I kept relationships off my list, no matter how handsome he was. “You are one of a kind, Rod. And you have things to do, so I’ll head to the classroom.”
* * *
As class time rolled around, I sat at my back corner desk. Other students filed in, but several desks remained empty. The second class period of the semester, and students couldn’t drag their lazy butts out of bed on time.
During class, Rod discussed the next section of the textbook and played recordings of several musical examples. He explained things in a way that made music so fascinating. Before I signed up for this course, I mulled over three options for my Fine Arts elective: art, drama, or music. I couldn't draw a decent stick figure, so no Art. I never attended stage plays, so no Drama. I did have a little background in music with my guitar, but I figured the course would be over my head. Wrong. Of course, finding the professor attractive increased my enthusiasm for attending class. Hmph. What did I tell myself about not getting into a relationship?
“Class, next Friday night is the Big Spring Symphony Labor Day concert,” Rod said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to attend a live performance. If you want to go, give me your name after class.” As students rose to leave, Rod reminded us of the assignments and quizzes available on the course website.
Hmmm. An orchestra concert. I never attended one, and traveling with a group of students might allow me to get to know a few of them. To my surprise, I stood before him alone after class. “The orchestra performance in Big Spring sounds interesting.” I let my satchel fall to the floor and tossed my hat on a nearby desk. “I never attended a symphony concert.”
Rod stared at me like I had admitted to being from an alien world. “You traveled the world with the Marines and never attended a performance?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t venture out much.”
“You’ll enjoy the orchestra, Wyl.” Rod glanced around the empty classroom. “Since you’re the only student, we’ll take my truck and leave early enough to grab a bite before the concert. How does that sound?”
Dinner? With Rod? That’s an excellent first step to inviting him to the ranch for steaks. “Food beforehand sounds terrific.”
“Great. Meet me at the parking pavilion at 5:00 next Friday evening. I drive a dark gray Toyota pickup. The concert starts at 7:30. We’ll be back by 10:30 if you need to tell anyone at home.”
I couldn’t stop grinning. Dinner and a concert. It's almost like a date. A date I didn’t want, but did I? What was wrong with me? Danger! Danger, Wyl Sterling! I shook my head to clear my thoughts. “Walt and I are alone at the ranch, and he doesn’t monitor my hours.”
“I’m glad we don’t need to hurry.” Rod smiled back at me. “You’ll find the concert interesting, and we’ll have the ride home to cover any questions.”
“I’m looking forward to it. But I’ll be in class on Monday.” I flashed another smile and left the classroom. The butterflies in my stomach surprised me, but I found the guy attractive. On the trip to Big Spring, I would find out his family status. Not that I wanted a relationship, but still…
Chapter Eight
ROD
My eyes followed Wyl as he sauntered out after class. His sexy rancher strut and perfect ass hogged my field of vision. My insides trembled with thoughts of the upcoming trip to Big Spring. On the first day of class, we got along well. Our before-class coffee and the smile he flashed me today added to my delicious anticipation. I reminded myself not to become involved with a student. Besides, his friendliness may be nothing more than a need to bond with his instructor. His uncertainty about being a college student at his age made it understandable for him to appreciate a professor who helped ease his tension. I sighed and gathered my materials. If only he didn’t have the straight-guy appearance, and no college rule existed against dating students, and the sting of Patrick’s sudden departure didn’t still haunt me. I became an old pro at theif-onlymindset. But I can dream, can't I?
Back in my office, I overheard Stella answer the phone. I never paid much attention to her calls, but this one caught my ear. “Oh, hi, Mitzi.”
Mitzi. The one Wyl mentioned as Walt’s ex-wife. My gut clenched. I must defend Wyl against the person who made his brother miserable, and thus him. Nobody helped me when Patrick left me with a mess to clean up. But I want to be strong for Wyl and will do what I can to keep Stella from feeding information to Mitzi.
