Page 98 of Country Music Cowboy
He gave himself permission to look at her, to study her—to sing just for her.
What I’m saying, baby, is let’s break all the rules.
Let’s hold on to each other and act like damn fools.
All I’m asking, baby, is trust what’s in your heart.
Let’s face this world together and never be apart.
Those topaz eyes were blazing now, drawing him in. But he couldn’t get lost yet. He still had things to say. He pulled his gaze from hers to finish the song.
Loving you is breathing and sleeping at your side.
Loving you is freedom with nothing left to hide.
And loving you is gravity that holds me on the ground.
Love me too and, baby, we’ll be heaven-bound.
His fingers moved quickly, letting each note take shape before moving on to the next. It was a ballad. Not as melancholy as one Krystal would write, but it wasn’t meant to be melancholy. He was reaching out to Loretta—reaching out with hope. The last note still hung in the air when he opened his eyes.
The studio was quiet.
Beyond the camera man, his father was watching. His father, Hank King, was proud. And, dammit all, it got him choked up.
“That was some song,” Molly said, her hand pressed to her chest.
But Travis wasn’t worried about Molly’s reaction or the camera crew or Margot. He’d poured his heart out for Loretta. Hell, she was his heart. He hadn’t expected tears. She wasn’t crying; she was fighting against them. But she’d heard his song and, from the looks of it, she’d felt it too.
Damn but I hope so.He tore his gaze from hers. There were things to say, but first they had to get through the rest of the interview.
“How did you come up with this song?” Molly asked, ever the professional.
She’s sitting right beside me.Travis almost chuckled. “Every song is different.”
Molly nodded, asking about other songs and how his writing process differed from his sisters’. In time, Loretta snapped out of it too, answering questions and laughing at a photo Emmy Lou had posted of Travis with Watson and Clementine sleeping on top of him.
“She has no respect for privacy.” Travis smiled.
“It’s an adorable picture, Travis,” Loretta argued. “There should be more adorable stuff on the internet. It makes people happy.”
“Are we talking about Watson or Clementine?” He smiled. “Or me?”
Loretta’s smile was a thing of beauty. “Watson and Clementine, of course.”
By the time the interview had wrapped up, Travis was out of patience. Loretta was right here, so close he could take her hand if he wanted. And he wanted to. But he still didn’t know how she felt.
Even if she did love him, Loretta was gun-shy about feelings. There was no way she’d open herself up to him in front of an audience. Like it or not, he’d have to wait until they were home and there was no audience. Once the camera was turned off, they handed back their mics and stepped out of the way for the crew to clean up, but Loretta grabbed his hand.
“Thank you.” Her eyes searched his. “Thank you for knowing I wasn’t capable of that. With my father and the video, I mean. It means a lot, Travis.”
“I know.” He cradled her hand in his. “I felt the same way when I heard you were so damn confident I hadn’t fallen off the wagon.” He smiled. “Krystal and Emmy Lou made sure I knew all about it.”
She stared at their hands.
“You, believing in me, means something.” He cleared his throat. “Youmean something to me.”
“Travis…” She broke off, her voice lowering. “I know how important honesty is and I lied.” She took a deep breath. “I was mean, more than mean, to hurt you. I was so scared and I thought, if I did, things would end between us and CiCi wouldn’t pay my dad to cause problems for you and your family and me—”
