Page 14 of All for You

“Travis, I don’t even have a fridge?—”

I’m cut off by my mom’s snort. “She’s still living like a college student in a studio apartment smaller than her bedroom back home.” Her tone is sharp and designed to cut.

And here I thought we’d gotten past her complaints for the night.

The harmony I’d been feeling evaporates instantly. She never misses an opportunity. I had thought Travis was winning her over, but now she’s back to her curt remarks.

I wince and feel Travis tense beside me, his jaw clenching. His gaze is dark; he clearly wants to step in but is holding back. I wish he’d tell her off, but I’m grateful he doesn’t make a scene.

“Let’s not worry about that now.” I grab another chunk of cheese, shoving it in my mouth to avoid saying something I will regret.

As we wander through the festival grounds, her jabs continue, and with each snide remark, I find myself inching closer to Travis. His presence is a comforting buffer with his hand resting on my lower back, warm and steady. It sends a rush of heat through me, and I find myself leaning into his side.

Is it wrong that I enjoy his attention? Is it bad that my heart seems to skip a beat every time he looks at me? And he looks at me often. Is it so terrible to crave his arms around me?

I’m playing a dangerous game, and I know it. Yet standing here, with Travis by my side, I can’t bring myself to care. Not tonight, anyway. Even with Mom being Mom.

“I never asked, how long have you and Travis been an item?”

My stomach clenches, the familiar tension creeping up my spine. Shit. We hadn’t discussed this part of our story. I smile casually, buying time as I scramble for a believable answer.

“Oh, you know,” I say, aiming for nonchalance. “It’s still new, I guess. We’ve been taking things slow.”

Her lips purse, her gaze sharp as a scalpel. “I’d expect my only daughter to remember such an important detail.”

I should’ve known better than to leave an opening for her to pounce. Travis’s deep voice rumbles from behind me before I fumble for a more specific response.

“It’s hasn’t been too long, Ma’am. But I’ve been sweet on Rachel since the day she drove into town, and I spotted her at the diner.”

I’m grateful for the save, but Mom is searching for cracks in our facade.

“Ya know, Karen…” His voice rolls like thunder, clear and calm over the hum of the festival. “I’d love to have you over at the ranch sometime. There’s plenty of space, and the sunsets are worth the trip alone.”

It was a smooth diversion, his offer drawing my mother’s hawkish attention away from the timeline she seems so eager to dissect. I watch her face, that eyebrow still cocked in suspicion, but she seems intrigued by the invitation.

“I might just take you up on that. On my next visit though. Unfortunately, I’m heading back home tomorrow.” She appraises Travis as if he’s a prize stallion. “I’ve never been on a ranch. It must take quite the finances to run something as large as you’ve described.”

I stifle a groan. Leave it to Mom to turn a friendly invitation into a fishing expedition.

Beside me, he chuckles, not missing a beat. It’s impossible not to admire his unflappable nature.

“Ma’am,” he replies with a tip of his hat, “I assure you, I can cover the expenses.”

Travis rocks back on his heels. “Well, I better get goin’, ladies. Us farmers get up early to feed the horses and tend the cattle.” His grin is devilish.

Before I can say a word, he cups my face with his rough hands and kisses me again. Really kisses me. His lips move against mine with a hunger that sends every nerve in my body dancing, sending a jolt to my toes. His mouth tastes like the spicy tang of barbecue and the sweet burn of whiskey—flavors of the festival, flavors of him. His strong arms encircle my waist, pulling me flush against him, and I melt into his embrace while my hands explore the firm planes of his chest. The kiss is everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more. It’s tender yet fierce, gentle yet demanding. It speaks of longing, desire, and a passion that I want to believe is not one-sided.

Too soon, he pulls back just when I’m starting to think he might not be pretending at all. His gaze holds mine, and I feel more than a little dizzy.

“Goodnight, Rachel. Nice to meet you, Karen. Safe travels back to New York.” He turns to leave, his silhouette blending with the shadows of the festival lights.

“Goodnight, Travis,” I whisper to the empty space he left behind, my lips tingling from his kiss.

I stand there and watch him walk away, knowing that whatever this is between us, it can’t end here. It simply can’t.

Chapter 4

Travis

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