Page 99 of Country Music Cowboy

“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.

“I don’t have the best track record with feelings.” Worry edged her voice.

“Me neither. Something else we’ve got in common, besides shitty parents.”

“Your dad—”

“Is excluded. Don’t change the subject.” He pulled her close.

“There are people watching,” she whispered.

“I’m fine letting them watch,” he whispered in return. “But, if you’re not, I can let you go.”

She shook her head, gripping the front of his shirt.

He smiled then, the panic and uncertainty fading. “I know how I feel but we can focus on honesty and respect and loyalty instead of feelings. If that makes it easier, we can start there. If you’re willing to try?”

She stared up at him. “What about love?” It was a whisper.

“You’ll never have to ask if I love you, Loretta. I do. I always will.” His heart hammered away.

“You do?”

“That song was for you, Loretta. From me, to you.” He swallowed. “I love your spirit and your smile and the music inside of you. I love that you accept me and believe in me as I am.”

A wavering sigh slipped between her lips, encouraging him to pull her a little closer.

“If you can find it in your heart to love a self-centered, spoiled pretty boy with fair to middling talent, a penchant for donuts and staring at your mouth, then I’m the one for you. I’m hoping you can because it’ll be one hell of a challenge to pretend like I’m not crazy in love with you every second of every day and every damn time I look at you.”

“You’re the one for me, Travis King.” She rested her hand against his chest. She stared up at him, the look on her face flooding him with love. “As long as you promise to always look at me like you’re crazy in love with me.”

“Do I have a choice?” he asked, resting his forehead against hers. “Look at you.”

She pressed her hand against his jaw. “Really? You with the model hair and the smile and the eyes.”

He grinned. “Don’t forget all the muscles I have from working out.”

“How can I forget?” She ran her fingers through his hair. “I love you.”

He was grinning like a damn fool. “You’re right. I won’t let you forget.” He pulled her close and kissed her softly. “About how fine you think I am or that you love me.” He kissed her again. “And since everyone here, including theGood Morning USAstaff, has been listening to the entire conversation, I have witnesses.” He looked up, doing a quick sweep of the room. “Yep, everyone.”

Loretta buried her face against his chest. “Everyone?” she whispered.

“Everyone.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “And while I appreciate the witnesses, this is about me and you. Me and you andfeelings.”

She looked up at him. “You do make me have all sort of feelings.” She laughed at the way he was now staring at her lips. “Feelings as in I love you.” She smoothed his curls. “I really love you, Travis King.”

He stared down at her, all too happy to stay just as they were—wrapped up in each other. And happy.So damn happy.“Then I’m the luckiest man alive.”

Fall in love with another country music cowboy fromUSA Todaybestselling author Sasha Summers’s Kings of Country series. Have you met…