by Layne, Lyssa
and I'm losing all doubt
that it wouldn't work out
I never felt it this way
Until you oh, until you
my Montana girl
As he sang, he walked down the stairs toward Montana. When he reached her, he knelt on one knee and looked straight into her wide gray eyes. He sang from his heart, from his soul. For the woman he loved.
She stared at him like a deer in headlights, but love shone from the depths of her gray eyes.
His heart felt like exploding.
When the last note faded away, the crowd erupted, then hushed in expectation when he continued to kneel.
“As some of you may have heard, I went to Colorado—” he held up a hand to silence thunderous applause “—where I met a girl I fell in love with.” He reached in his pocket and withdrew a pear-shaped diamond that reminded him of the Colorado Mountains. “Will you marry me, Montana?”
She stared at him for a moment and his heart stuttered.
“Yes.” Tears filled her eyes. “Absolutely.”
He did what he’d wanted to do for the last three months and captured her mouth in a fast, hard kiss then slid the rock on her finger.
Applause rocked the building so hard he thought the roof might collapse.
“I’ll see you backstage,” he whispered in her ear.
“I’ll be there.”
Feeling like he owned the world, Johnny carried his guitar backstage. Had Montana just accepted his proposal?
Adrian had gone to get her and escort her through the throng, because they figured it would be easier to make it through the crowd than if Johnny went. He couldn’t wait to get Montana alone.
His cock lifted against his jeans.
Friends and acquaintances spoke to him, congratulated him, slapped him on the back, but he didn’t know if he responded. His heart pounded so hard he could hardly hear over its erratic beat.
Someone touched his elbow and his heart jumped. Montana?
“Hi, Cowboy.”
Teal.
“Hey.” His voice held little enthusiasm. But not even she could spoil his happiness. He had the woman he wanted. Where was she? Come on, Montana.
“Very romantic gesture out there,” she said. “A lot different than when you said, ‘Hey you want to get hitched?’ to me.”
He sighed. “What’s your point, Teal?”
She shrugged. “Just wanted to offer my congratulations.”
Right.
Hiding his skepticism, he simply said, “Thanks.”
She stepped back and spread her arms wide. “Aren’t you going to congratulate me back?”
For the first time, he noticed the way her turquoise dress stretched over her swollen belly. “Are you knocked up?”
“Yes. Can you believe it?”
“Congrats.” He forced a smile. “Keifer’s?”
Her face clouded. “Of course. No matter what you might think, I love him. I wish you’d forgive us.”
Hating them had cost him too much. Or maybe it was his newfound happiness that made them no longer matter. “How’s Keifer?”
“Wonderful! He’s talking to some executives at Atlanta Records about producing an album for us next year.”
“Great.” He tried to force enthusiasm into his voice. Keifer was a great singer and an even better guitar player. Anyone would be lucky to sign him. Teal’s voice wasn’t bad either. He made a lightning-fast decision. “You know what, Teal? I’m going to send you your CD. Call it a baby gift.”
Her face lit up, and with a delighted squeal, she launched herself into his arms and pressed her goo-covered lips to his. He pulled away, resisting the urge to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand.
Over Teal’s shoulder, he saw Montana staring at them.
Horror, then disappointment, flashed in her gray eyes. Almost an identical expression to the one she’d worn the last time they’d seen each other.
Obviously she’d jumped to the wrong conclusion. He had to fix this before she ran away. He gently moved Teal aside. “Excuse me. My lawyer will be in touch about the CD.”
He strode toward Montana with determined steps.
She gazed at him with wide eyes. “Johnny, was that her kissing you? Teal?”
Fuck! He had to fix this immediately.
“It was. She wanted to congratulate me for choosing the right woman.” He chuckled without humor. “For a moment there I thought she was going to accuse me of knocking her up. It’d be just like her to pull some shit like that, but she claims Keifer as the proud sperm donor.”
Montana flinched as though he’d hit her. She wet her lips. “Johnny—”
“Forget her, Montana. I have.”
She twisted the enormous diamond on her finger. “I need to talk to you...”
Let’s get out of here.” He paused. “Unless you want to meet everyone…?” He glanced around.” I saw Dillon and Shiloh somewhere. Maura, too.”
“Let’s leave.”
His heart did a few flips. “You sure?”
“I came here to see you. Nothing else matters.”
Her simple answer thrilled him. He took her hand. “Let’s boogie.”
When they exited the event center, the press and paparazzi crowded close, trying to get a picture or a quote, thrusting cameras and microphones in their faces. Bodyguards held the crowd back, but the bloodsuckers shoved and pushed to get close.
Montana turned her body in to his, letting him shield her from the onslaught.
His protective instincts came out. She wasn’t used to this shit. “Get the fuck back.”
Like rifle shots, questions fired at them.
“Who are you?” one reporter asked. “Was Cowboy’s song tonight about you?”
“Cowboy, is this your fiancée?”
“Is your new record going to be country?”
Someone shoved a camera into Montana’s face, the light blinding her, and she stumbled. Johnny tightened his hold on her and resisted the urge to punch the dickhead right in the face.
Montana looked stricken, both hands pressed to her stomach.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.” She sounded shaken. He’d rarely seen her show fear, only when she’d almost fallen on the Hanging Bridge, but the press had rattled her. He wanted to kick his own ass for letting them get to her.
Finally they reached his limo and climbed into the back seat. Johnny motioned for the driver to go, wishing the guy would run over a few of the fucking slime on the way.
He couldn’t wait to get Montana alone.
His gaze hungrily roamed her body.
For the first time, he noticed the way her tits popped out of her gold dress. He didn’t remember them quite as big, but she probably had on one of those push-up numbers. His gaze lowered. Her hands were still folded over her stomach. It had been plank flat the last time he saw her. It seemed a little rounded.
Holy fuck!
The truth hit him like a landslide.
They hadn’t used condoms. Because he was used to chicks who knew the score, he’d automatically assumed she was on something. He’d never asked.
He should have.
He was going to be a father.
A sudden, inexplicable joy filled him.
After the way he’d just stuck his size eleven boot in his mouth, how was he going to make Montana believe his happiness was genuine? Damn. He scrubbed his face with both hands. He was a songwriter. Someone who knew how to use words.
“Montana-girl.” He edged closer. “Come here.”
She inched his way, her gaze on the floor of the limo.
He lifted her right hand and placed it on his thigh, then laid his palm where her hand had rested on her abdomen,.
“I’m a jackass sometimes, but if you’re carrying my kid like I’m guessing you are, then I’m the luckiest man alive.”
When she looked his way, he read the truth in her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered. “But I can’t say I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” With a
whoop, he gathered her in his arms. “This is the best news ever.”
“But you just said—”
He shut her up with a kiss.
~*~
Montana wandered out onto Johnny’s deck and rested her hands on the rail.
The moon shimmered on the waves of the Pacific. Beautiful. Foreign. Nothing like home.
A moonbeam bounced off the enormous diamond on her left hand. She touched the glossy surface, almost unable to believe the events of the night. Johnny had proposed to her on national TV. Had Shannon and Rose seen? They must be screaming their heads off right now. She’d call them tomorrow. Right now she had to let it sink in. Let everything become reality.
Johnny walked behind her and brushed the hair from her neck. His breath warmed her ear. “Is this real? Or am I dreaming again?”
A shiver skipped up and down her spine. “I’m real. Our baby is real.”
“I am so fucking lucky.” He circled her waist and placed his hands on her belly. “To have a woman like you. And a kid, too. Damn.”
“You mean it?”
He turned her around. “I’ve never meant anything more in my whole life.”
“Teal—”
“Is in the past. She’s happy. I’m happy. End of story. I had her in my life to know what I didn’t need. And to recognize what I did when I found it.”
“Am I what you want, Johnny?” Montana held her breath.
“I never wanted anyone more, baby.” He knelt in front of her and kissed her belly. “Him, too.”
“Him?” Laughter gurgled out of her. “It’s too soon to know the sex.”
“Him, her.” He kissed her slightly rounded stomach again. “Either. Both. I don’t care.”
The thought of twins swayed Montana. To go from no family to possibly having two babies to love rocked her.
Her laughter disappeared when he slid his hands down her hips to her legs. He spread his fingers and rested his thumbs on her inner thighs. She trembled, steadying herself by bracing her hands on his shoulders.
“Johnny,” she said on a sigh. “Make love to me.”
He stood and took her hand. “Come with me.”
“Okay.” She giggled. “But at least kiss me first.”
He shot her a shocked look. Then he laughed. “Smart ass.”
In Johnny’s bedroom, Montana caught a glimpse of dark blood-red bedspread and a mahogany headboard before his kisses made her forget everything else.
When he didn’t remove her dress fast enough to suit her, she reached around and slid down her zipper. She dragged the straps from her shoulders. Soft as a summer rain, the expensive garment fell to the floor.
Montana knew she should care, should pick it up. But right now all she wanted was Johnny inside her.
She squirmed, wanting him to make love to her all night long, forever.
He swept her up and deposited her on the bed as gently as if she were one of the many exquisite awards she’d seen scattered around the house when he’d taken her on a tour. His gaze roamed her, coming to rest on her slightly rounded belly. A smile curved his lips.
His clothes fell on the floor, landing with soft whispers.
The huge mattress dipped as he joined her.
He moved his body over hers, keeping his weight off her.
She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and pulled his mouth to hers. His lips seared hers in the kind of kiss she’d been craving—hot, intense and so sexy she instantly dampened between her legs.
When he broke away, she moaned in frustration.
He grabbed her hands and placed them above her head with their fingers intertwined. The soft hairs on his chest brushed her ultra-sensitive nipples and she gasped.
“Did I hurt you?” he sounded strained.
“The only way you can hurt me is by not making love to me.” She tossed her head in frustration. A sudden light dawned. “If you’re worried about hurting me or the baby, don’t. You won’t hurt us. Just love me like you did back home!”
Instead of the reaction she expected, he spoke. “From the moment I saw you standing in that bar, you stole my heart. How tough you were in the mountains, the way you never gave in or backed down. Everything just made me admire you even more. I’ve never met a woman like you.”
She sucked in a breath when he continued.
“I love you, Montana-girl.”
Montana’s heart and soul soared higher than an eagle. “I love you. I love you.” She pulled him close. “Show me.”
~*~
Montana lay across Johnny’s bare chest, stretched out on one of his deck chairs. He’d brought her outside to watch the sunrise. They’d made love most of the night and she was sated, tired and incredibly happy.
“I need coffee,” she said. “And a shower.”
He tightened his hold on her. “I’ll order Starbucks.”
She lifted her head. “One of those frothy-vanilla-double-caramel-things?”
His chuckle warmed her heart. “Exactly.”
“With a shot of Baileys to top it off?”
“I quit drinking.”
Montana stared at him for signs of a joke. “Seriously?”
“Yup. I got off that shit.” He smoothed a hand over her belly. “This guy needs a sober daddy.”
“That’s wonderful.” Montana pressed her lips to his.
“I want you and him—” his fingers splayed over her baby bump “—to be proud of me.”
“We are incredibly proud of you,” Montana said shyly. “I loved your song last night. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“Loved it,” she said again. “So did the crowd.”
“This CD is going to set us on fire,” he said. “Bring us back to where we need to be.”
“I know it will,” she said loyally.
“Let me order coffee while you shower,” he said. “Then we’ll make plans.”
Half an hour later, wearing one of Johnny’s T-shirts that covered more than her abandoned dress had, she met him on the deck. He indicated two tall cups. “Your coffee is here. I ordered muffins, too.”
She sat on the chaise next to him and reached for the coffee and a banana-nut muffin. “Thank you.”
The sun had come up and a warm breeze drifted off the ocean. A lady wearing little more than strings strolled by, leading a Great Dane on a leash. This place was so foreign and strange.
Montana sipped the too-sweet concoction. It wasn’t coffee. More like a drinkable dessert. She pushed it away and nibbled the muffin. Okay, but nothing like Shannon’s homemade blueberry muffins.
Home suddenly seemed very far away.
Johnny eyed her. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” She forced a smile. “Just a little queasy.”
“Should I call a doctor?” He reached for his phone.
Montana put her hand over his. “If you’re going to call a doctor every time I feel icky, you’ll have him here every half hour.”
“It’s that bad?” He sounded so guilty she had to smile.
“Yeah.”
He lay back, pulling her with him. He smoothed his lips over her forehead. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“Not your fault.” She chuckled. “Well, it kinda is…”
“I’d do it for you if I could.”
She smoothed her hand over his chest. “What would your fans think if they knew tough old Cowboy was all soft and gooey on the inside?”
“Probably kick my ass.”
“It’ll be our little secret.” Sudden fear gripped her. “Johnny? Do you want to keep this pregnancy between us?”
“What?” He sounded astounded. “Fuck, no. Why would you say that?”
“Your fans might not like it.”
“I’m a singer, not a priest.” He placed a finger under her chin and lifted until her gaze met his. “I want to shout this news from the rooftops. If I’d known last night, I would have sung it to the world.”
“Really?” Her voice
quivered. Damn hormones for making her so emotional.
He placed his hands on her cheeks and looked deep into her eyes. “I’m so fucking happy right now it’s all I can do to keep from blowing the amps out of the studio screaming my good news.”
He kissed her and within moments they were in bed.
~*~
Late in the afternoon they rose, no longer able to ignore hunger pangs. Montana couldn’t believe Johnny didn’t have food in his house and readily agreed to his suggestion of delivery of pasta.
She stared at the array he’d ordered. Expecting spaghetti, she couldn’t believe the spread across the kitchen counter. Some of the selections she’d never heard of.
“So much?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t know what would sound good to you, so I got a variety.”
“If you keep this up I’ll be fat in no time.”
Waggling his brows he said, “I can’t wait.”
She snorted. “Right. Just what every rock star wants—a fat pregnant wife. The groupies—”
“Are immaterial.” He set down his plate and walked to her side. “Listen to me, Montana-girl. Fans—groupies—are always going to be around. But that doesn’t mean I have to sleep with them. I have what I want right here.”
She blinked hard. “Really?”
He nodded. “I never cheated on Teal when we were married. Not once. I can keep my dick in my pants. I can actually control myself. Can you trust me to stay faithful?”
“Yes,” she whispered. She believed him. Johnny had never lied to her.
“I love you,” he said.
If he said it a million times she would never tire of hearing it. She smiled tremulously. “I love you, rock star.”
He kissed her, but she pulled away before they ended up in bed again.
When they settled at his enormous dining room table, he set down his fork, walked around the table and hugged her tight.
“I’ll never give you a reason not to believe me,” he said. “I promise you that.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck as joyful laughter gurgled out of her. Mirth vanished when he planted a kiss on her. Within moments the kiss turned into something more than celebration.
“If we don’t stop we’ll spend the rest of the day in bed,” she warned him.
“What’s wrong with that?”
