Country Music Cowboy

by Sasha Summers

  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 about me. 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, really wanted 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—you tease 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.”

  “You? No.” He frowned. “I can’t say the same thing about her. Whatever her excuse was, she had no right to threaten your career.”

  “It wasn’t my career I was worried about.” She swallowed, meeting his gaze. “Everything’s changed, Travis. I have some things to apologize for.”

  Those blue-green eyes were intent now. The mix of mint and leather grew just the slightest bit stronger as he stepped closer. “You do?”

  “I lied to you,” she whispered.

  He was frowning now, a deep V marring his forehead. “Loretta—”

  “Wait, please wait. I’m not proud of it. I was wrong, I know it. But, at the time, I didn’t feel like I had a choice.” Say it. “Not without hurting the people I care about. I let fear kick in and cloud my judgment and for that, I’m so sorry.”

  His jaw muscle clenched.

  “Let’s get you ready for filming.” An especially perky film assistant approached, mic in hand. “Is it easier to thread this through? Or do you want to clip it on your waist?”

  Loretta was tempted to tell the assistant to wait but, with a film crew and Molly Harper standing by, she was the one who would have to wait.

  “We’ll talk? Afterward?” Travis asked, his expression and voice unreadable.

  She nodded again.

  One of Good Morning USA’s crew clipped a mic on the front of her pale-yellow sundress. They dusted powder on her nose, straightened the black choker necklace with the peacock-colored heart, and smoothed her hair with a light spray.

  Travis, on the other hand, was ready to go. Perfect hair. Devilish grin. Those eyes.

  It was no wonder Molly Harper was all smiles. Travis seemed to have that effect on people.

  “We’re not live so we can cut and edit this later,” Molly said, offering an encouraging smile. “Let’s get started?”

  Molly eased them into the interview. First they discussed the scope of the tour, then Molly asked some questions fans had sent in, before changing course and getting to the heart of the interview.

  “This tour has brought some big changes with it,” Molly said. “Loretta, you’ve always worked with Johnny. Travis, you’re a member of Three Kings. How has it been working together?”

  “After you,” Travis said, propping his elbow on the arm of his chair and smiling at Loretta.

  Loretta smiled. “As you can see, Travis is charming.”

  “I do see.” Molly laughed. “He does have a reputation for being quite the charmer. Some would even say he’s a lady’s man. Is there any truth to that?”

  “No.” Loretta shook her head. “I don’t mean he isn’t a lady’s man—just that I haven’t observed him in action.” Thankfully. “To answer your original question, I think we work well together. The music comes easily between us… That might sound weird.”

  “No.” Travis shook his head. “I’d say that about sums it up. We do work well together. I think it helps that we
both want this relationship to succeed. And, I like her.” He smiled at her, that eye-crinkling smile that had her gripping the arms of her chair. “We have a lot in common. We both value honesty and respect and loyalty. I think, if you have those things going for you, you can make it through just about anything.” He paused. “Right?”

  Loretta couldn’t help but stare at him then. He’s talking about TrueLove. He’s talking about work. But he said relationship… And, dammit, her fool heart was thumping like a drum. “Right.” She swallowed.

  “Then I guess the video released by Donnie Gram was difficult.” Molly Harper’s smile was sympathetic.

  “It was hard, yes,” Loretta agreed, ignoring the pang in her heart. “It’s hard to see someone you love struggle like that.”

  “Your father struggles with alcoholism?” Molly asked.

  Loretta nodded.

  “Is this a new development?” Molly asked, glancing back and forth between the two of them.

  “No.” Loretta took a deep breath. “It’s not new.” It was who he was. The only version of her father she could remember.

  “This is hard, Molly,” Travis said. “The guy we’re talking about is her father.” He glanced at Loretta. “She doesn’t want to speak ill of her father.”

  Loretta nodded. Her stomach hurt over all of this. He was her father. Not much of one, but the only one she had.

  “No, of course not.” Molly nodded.

  “But I can’t stand by and see Loretta torn apart by headlines.” Travis shrugged. “I feel for Donnie Gram, I do. I know how hard it is to stop drinking and stick with it. But if there was ever a reason to try, with every damn thing you had, it would be for her.”

  Loretta turned to stare then. What had he said? Could they hear her heart racing with the mic clipped to the front of her dress?

  “For his daughter?” Molly clarified, leaning forward for his answer.

  “Sure.” Travis smiled. “If he’s smart enough to figure out how to get paid to show up, cause a scene, get arrested, and cause another scene, he’s smart enough to stick to a recovery program. But the motivation isn’t there. He won’t get paid to get sober. He’ll get paid to keep throwing dirt on his daughter’s name.”

  “Paid by who?” Molly asked.

  “The highest bidder, I imagine.” He shook his head. “I know it’s hard to imagine, but not all news outlets are as ethical as you and Good Morning USA, Molly.”

  “It’s not just for money. I mean it is, but it isn’t.” Loretta scrambled to explain. “He has a gambling problem; when he needs money, he needs it right away.” Which didn’t make her father sound as sympathetic as she’d hoped. Why was she still trying to get him sympathy? Because that’s what she’d grown up doing. Making excuses for him.

  Molly blinked. “Interestingly enough, we received a video this morning. An unedited version of the video TNM released. It paints a slightly different story about the events of that evening.”

  Which was news to Loretta.

  “The truth has a way of coming out.” Travis nodded.

  Why didn’t Travis seem surprised? But she knew… Deep down she knew. Travis had done this. Why?

  “Considering everything that had come to light this morning, is there something you’d like to say to your father, Loretta?” Molly asked.

  “I’m not sure.” Where to start? In the end, whatever she said or didn’t say wouldn’t matter. He only heard what he wanted to hear. “I want to say I’d never turn my back on my father. I worry about him every day. I hope he’ll find the strength to take care of himself and get healthy.” She swallowed. “I’ve sent him money before but I always worry I’m supporting his habits—the drinking and the gambling. It’s terrifying to think I could be sending him what he needs to keep making himself sick. And if I stop? He finds someone else to send him the money—at my expense.”

  Travis held her hand. “Damned if you do and damned, publicly, if you don’t.”

  Molly shook her head. “That’s quite a dilemma.”

  “But I can’t do it anymore.” Loretta sighed. “I can’t keep worrying about what he’ll do next or what skeleton he’ll pull out or what he’ll make up to get money. I’m not going to live in fear anymore.” She glanced at Travis then.

  “People think being a celebrity is all fame and money and parties.” Travis shook his head. “That’s not bad but there’s a darker side to it all. Everyone wants a piece of you. You don’t know who’s after what or what they’re willing to do to get it. Until you find out and get your legs knocked out from under you. Even then, it’s not over—not if the press gets a hold of it.” He glanced her way. “Really it’s about finding the people who help keep you grounded. The ones who believe in you, no matter what.”

  Loretta couldn’t look away. His words resonated. I believe in you.

  “On that note, Travis, you said you had a new song you wanted to share?” Molly asked.

  Travis nodded, taking the guitar one of the assistants handed him. “I do.”

  “You do?” Loretta asked, smiling. “You’re full of surprises.”

  Travis winked. “Always.”

  ***

  His heart was in his throat, but he sang through.

  I heard your heart is guarded, that you’re cold as ice.

  But one look told me different, I think I’ll roll the dice.

  One night is what you offered, I said yes to your rules.

  But now I want forever, it’s up to you to choose.

  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. “You mean 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—”

  “Back up.” His hold tightened. “What were you scared of?”

  Her gaze fell.

  “Don’t shut down on me now, Loretta.”

  “Travis…” She tried to tug her hand from his. “This isn’t easy for me—”

  “I get that.” He shook his head. “You’re not the only one who doesn’t do feelings. I’ve spent my whole life toying with them. You’ve done your damndest to avoid having them. But here we are. Having feelings.” He smiled.