Page 4 of Backup Cowboy
“My view was perfect.” Nash winks at his wife, rubbing the back of her neck. “Definitely going back for an anniversary. Already miss the turquoise water.”
We discuss the benefits of island life for a beat before I turn to Alex. “How did you get into the record business?”
Her blue-green gaze turns my way appreciatively. “No one’s asked me that in a long time.” She blushes slightly, fiddling with the napkin in her lap. “I grew up in L.A. where my dad produced indie records. When I was in high school, I worked after school running errands there. I loved everything about it, so I majored in business at USC and interned at Magnum Records. My goal was to earn an MBA, but by the time I graduated with my bachelors, Magnum made me an offer I couldn’t pass up.”
Impressed at her drive, I ask, “Did you ever get the MBA?”
She takes a deep, contented breath, settling back against the booth, her shoulder brushing mine. “As a matter of fact I did. It wasn’t easy. I earned it on evenings and weekends and it took a long time, but it was important to me.”
A wide grin stretches across my face at her grit. “Good for you.” Our eyes catch and linger. Without thinking, I shift closer, closing the small distance between us, my gaze falling on her full lips.
I bet they’d taste incredible.
“Hi, guys!” A woman’s sing-song voice carries across the courtyard as she strolls in holding hands with her husband. She stops next to Nash’s wife. “How’s married life?”
Ryder Bannon is a buddy of mine. “Decided you’ve had enough of my cousin yet?” he asks, hugging Rebecca before smacking Nash’s back.
Nash rolls his eyes as he greets the couple. “You’re one to talk, man. You should be kissing the ground this woman walks on for forgiving your ass and remarrying you.”
I Didn’t know about that. Vanessa doesn’t bat an eye, though. She just leans over and kisses her husband’s cheek before settling in and smiling sweetly at the country singer. “Ryder and I were far too young back then, Nashy.” She’s got that tone women use when they’re being polite but are actually telling you to shut the fuck up, kinda like honey mixed with fire ants.
Nash’s mouth snaps closed, making Rebecca snort with laughter. Nash and Ryder are tight, which makes their wives tight, too. I know Ryder mostly from his side hustle running fitness classes at the park. As a firefighter, he needs to keep up his strength and endurance, something I need as a cattleman.
A server appears to fill their water glasses just as the rest of the group joins us. First, Zane and his wife Capri walk in, talking and laughing. You’d never know that the guy’s a billionaire. It’s the bodyguard who follows behind the couple that’s the tell. Since he married a social media influencer, they now take safety precautions whenever they’re in public.
Right behind the Wyatts is a guy I’ve never met. Silver at his temples and Italian leather shoes that probably cost more than most people’s rent, the guy looks like he stepped off the pages of GQ. I’m a little surprised to see Taryn Murphy, one of the hottest female country artists in country radio. I knew she’d be in townto open the festival, but I didn’t expect to see any of the artists until next week.
More water is poured as introductions are made. The guy’s gaze eventually settles on me with the kind of smile that says he’s good people. “I’m Cage Winters. I work with Alex at Magnum Records.”
Alex is every inch the polished executive at this moment, her posture perfect, shoulders back, chin level.
Nash lets out a huff. “Don’t let Cage yank your chain, everyone. He’s the president of the label and the A&R rep who first signed me.” Nash’s shoulders relax, and he dips his head in a subtle nod of gratitude.
From the corner of my eye, I can see Alex bite back a smile at her boss’s omission. I’m sure it was meant to put us at ease.
“Glad you could join us, Caspian. Nash tells me you’ve done amazing work prepping the artist area at the ranch.”
“I appreciate that, man. Water is in, electricity has been run, and permits are secured.” Ice clinks against glass as servers move efficiently between the booths. “It’s been a team effort, but we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Taryn Rivers chimes in, her blonde curls bouncing along with the diamond bling in her ears. “You shouldn’t have had to go to all this fuss.” She snorts. “I told my manager I would sleep in a tent with a sleeping bag, but he wouldn’t have it. You can tell that man’s never spent a day of his life outdoors.”
I chuckle along with everyone else, and when Alex turns toward me, her eyebrows crinkle together just a touch before the professional smile she wears like armor wavers a bit. I lean toward her, placing my elbow an inch from hers, and speak low. “You good?”
“Of course.” She licks her lips before taking a sip of water, her eyes glancing around the table. The simple swipe of her tonguehas my body reacting like every wall I’ve built around myself just cracked wide open.
She doesn’t even realize how seductive that action is, how it makes me want to taste that sip right off her.
When Alex’s eyes flick back to mine, we hold there as if nobody else is around. My senses wake up from a dormant sleep as if they’ve been waiting for this moment. Her eyes are a bluish-green color, a striking contrast to the coppery hues of her outfit. Her eyes drop to my mouth, and she takes a deep breath before turning abruptly away.
She can’t be feeling what I’m feeling. Right?
Chapter 3
Alexandra
My body is heated as Caspian holds my gaze like nobody else is around. He’s seated so close, the heat from his body radiating toward me, it makes me want to reach out and brush the strong hand that’s resting on the table inches from mine.
Our server brings out an array of complimentary appetizers, courtesy of the owner, who turns out to be an old friend of Nash and Zane’s. As we enjoy the spread before us, Taryn Murphy laughs at something Caspian says, and a flash of anger rages through me.