Page 95 of Country Music Cowboy
Chapter 17
There was an odd sense of déjà vu when Loretta walked into the original Kings Music Studio. Now, of course, it belonged to Wheelhouse. But the walls were still lined with gold and silver and platinum records, tour posters, and framed photos of performers and industry bigshots. The only difference now was all the albums, posters, and photographs weren’t strictly Hank King or Three Kings. Now, it was a variety of Wheelhouse’s chart-toppers.
Just like that first day, she headed down the hall and into the recording booth.
But today wasn’t about rehearsing or recording a song. Today was about setting the record straight. Just her, Travis, Molly Harper, and several million viewers.
And when that was over, she was going to try this whole honesty, respect, and loyalty thing with Travis. She had some honesty to take care of. That didn’t mean he’d suddenly have feelings for her. It could be all about the sex—the sex was incredible. But if there was even the slightest chance the two of them could be more…well, she was willing to give it a try. Maybe it had been Emmy Lou’s comment about Brock making it easier for her to breathe. Or maybe it was Krystal saying she could face anything with Jace. But Loretta got it. It was big and scary and way outside her comfort zone, but the whole certainty thing was real. All of it. For her, that was Travis.
Margot walked with her, arm in arm. “You holding up?”
Loretta nodded. Which was worse? Her nerves over her interview or her nerves over taking a blind leap of faith and hoping Travis didn’t laugh in her face. No. He wouldn’t do that. Even if he wasn’t interested in her, he’d never laugh at her. He was too decent a guy.
“You haven’t said much all morning.” Margot patted her hand.
In a few minutes, she’d be expected to say a lot. “I guess I’m saving my energy.”
“Go get ’em,” Margot said, releasing her and taking a seat next to Hank against the far wall.
“Loretta.” Molly Harper shook her hand. “It’s so nice to see you again. I really appreciate you and Mr. King coming to me to set the record straight.”
“I appreciate the opportunity.” Did she? Did she really want to get on national television to do this? But if she didn’t, people would have no choice but to believe the lies he’d spread.
“You look a little green.” Travis smiled down at her. Was it her imagination or did he seem nervous? “Beautiful. But green.”
Molly laughed. “I’ll give you two a couple of minutes and then we’ll get you set up with mics.”
“You ready?” he asked.
For the interview? The sooner they started, the sooner it was over and done with. To tell him she loved him?No. But I’m doing it anyway.“Honestly? I’m a little queasy.” She tried to smile. “It’s different when you’re performing or doing a promotional interview. This is aboutme. My father.”
“I know. I’m damn sorry he’s put you in this situation.” His gaze swept over her face. “But you have the right to stand up for yourself, Loretta. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
The ferocity of his voice tugged at her heart. It sounded like he cared. Then again, she really,reallywanted him to care.
His voice dipped to almost a whisper. “I had lunch with my mother.”
“Oh?” Was that the appropriate response? She hoped so; it was about the only thing she could come up with. She felt confident insulting his mother wasn’t professional behavior.
“You came up in conversation.” His gaze narrowed. “I didn’t know she’d threatened you. Sawyer mentioned her leaving your dressing room?”
“Oh.” She’d decided leaving CiCi King out of it was for the best. “I told Sawyer it was nothing.”
“And he didn’t buy it. My mother has quite a history, you see. And Sawyer knows all about what she’s capable of.” He sounded bitter.
“Sawyer cares about you all.” She paused. “He’s more than just your bodyguard; he’s your best friend, isn’t he?”
“Best friend.” He nodded, the muscle in his jaw working. “And my brother.”
“What?” Loretta was openly staring now.
“We don’t have time for that right now. Just another chapter in the King family saga.” His crooked grin had a direct impact on her pulse. “That’s one thing you can count on. Drama. Though I’m doing my damndest to change that.” His gaze lingered on the curl resting over her shoulder. “You didn’t tell Sawyer what my mother had said. Why?”
“I…I panicked.” Which was true. “It was sort of a warning, for me to stay away from you.” She swallowed, watching the surprise on his face.
“To stay away from me?” he repeated.
“She said she had people watching.” Loretta shrugged. “At first, I thought she was teasing because—you know—youtease a lot in your family. But then I realized she was serious, and I didn’t know what to do. She was worried about you and, as far as she’s concerned, I’m trouble.”
