Page 72 of Country Music Cowboy

“Because we’re having sex,” he added.

“Yes, fine.” She was laughing. “Because we’re having sex.”

“Amazing sex.” He pulled her into his arms. “I like it when you laugh.”

“You seem to have that effect on me.”

“Interesting.” He gave her a quick kiss, then let her go. “Now you’re saying Iamfunny. Maybe you’ll come ‘round and decide you like me after all.”

She shrugged into a Three Kings T-shirt. The shirt was on the tight side. Hugging her curves—accentuating her curves.

“You’re going to have to change.” He shook his head. “Otherwise, you’re being plain mean.”

She stared down at her chest. “This is one of my favorite shirts.”

“It’s now one of my favorite shirts.” He swallowed. “But I’d rather not share all of you with the rest of my family.”

“I’ll change.” She sighed. “Now, go.”

He finished dressing—minus a sock—and located his phone. Krystal’s text was short and to the point.Get your ass over here.

Yes, ma’am. Boots in hand, he headed toward the suite Krystal and Jace were sharing.

Jace sat, a guitar in his lap, a guitar pick tucked between his lips. He nodded in greeting.

“There you are.” Krystal looked up when she walked inside. “Where’s Loretta?”

He paused, glancing back and forth between his sisters. “I…I don’t know.”

“Emmy Lou’s been trying to call her. And text her.” Krystal frowned. “Think she’s okay?”

“I’m sure she’s fine.” He shrugged, flopping onto the couch beside Emmy Lou.

“Daddy called. No cancer,” Krystal said. “But they do want to do the vocal node surgery thing.”

“That’s a huge relief.” Travis leaned his head back against the couch. “When is it scheduled?”

“I told him he had to wait until we can all be there.” Krystal nodded.

“Good.” Until that moment, he hadn’t realized just how worried he’d been about his father. It’d suck if he lost his singing voice, but it couldn’t compare with Travis losing his father. “Best news in a while.” He smiled at his sisters.

Emmy Lou patted his leg. “How did your interview go?”

“Guy James?” Jace asked.

Travis nodded. “He’s decent.” He shrugged. “He asked. I answered.” Except for the video part—that part still bothered him. “I think the duet went well, though.”

“I can’t wait to see it.” Emmy Lou sat, curled up, in the corner of the hotel room couch.

Travis was up as soon as he heard the light knock on the door. “Hey, Loretta. Come on in.” He was relieved to see she’d found her pajama top. “I like your pajamas.”

“Emmy Lou said pajama party,” Loretta said, her hands clasped before her. “So…”

He stepped back. “Come on in.”

“We’re all here.” Krystal clapped her hands. “I know it’s late and you probably all had other stuff to do but I think—I hope—this song will be worth it.” She handed each of them a copy of her song.

“This was the muffin, pancake, cherry pie song?” Travis asked.