Page 26 of Country Winds (King Creek Cowboys #9)

A couple of weeks after Ellie’s last trip alone, she and Tucker were finally traveling together.

After making it through airport security at Tucson International Airport, Ellie and Tucker stood in line to have their carry-on luggage scanned.

Behind them, raised voices caught Ellie’s attention, and she looked back to see some kind of commotion going on in the security line.

“Guess we made it through just in time.” Ellie looked back at Tucker. “Our plane is going to be boarding soon.”

He nodded and prepared to go through the scanner in his sock feet. He’d worn athletic shoes instead of boots to go through the airport—boots were a bear to take off and put back on in security.

They both walked through, grabbed their stuff, and put on their shoes. Once situated, they headed for their gate. A boarding call for their flight came over the loudspeaker, and they picked up their pace. Tucker still kept his strides shorter so she could keep up.

When they reached the gate, they checked in at the desk. The attendant looked at the ticket Ellie had printed out.

The young man furrowed his brow as he read her name, and he looked up. “I saw you on the Lee Daniels show. You’re the voice of Nyx in Myth Hunter. ” He grinned. “I’m so addicted to that game.”

Ellie smiled. It felt strange to be recognized by fans. It was one thing to be at a convention with rabid gamers and another to be recognized by the general public. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Awesome.” He looked at his screen, then up to her. “Tell you what, looks like we have a couple of seats in business class available. I’ll bump you up at no additional charge.” He leaned forward. “Because you rock.”

“Thank you.” Ellie felt delighted at his generous offer. She looked up at Tucker, who nodded, and she looked back at the attendant. “We appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” The young man gave them new tickets and gestured to the gate. “You’d better get going before they close the gate.”

Ellie gave him a smile and a little wave as she started for the gate. She and Tucker hurried, scanned their tickets, and headed down the gangway and onto the plane.

They found their seats, and Ellie was pleased no one else sat in their row.

Tucker settled in his seat, buckled his seatbelt, and stretched out his long legs. “Nice having the extra leg room.”

“And the seats are bigger and comfier.” Ellie settled in and secured her seatbelt. “I guess there are perks to fame, even when you’re not a big star.”

“You’re a rockstar in your field.” Tucker met her gaze and smiled. “Enjoy it.”

Ellie sighed. She still couldn’t believe that anyone would recognize her. She was just a voice actor, and the fame could be fleeting. However, if the right projects came along, she might also be recognized for those.

“I feel like we’re on an adventure together.” She put her hand over Tucker’s. “This has already been fun.”

“Yes.” He turned his hand over and linked his fingers with hers. “And here’s to many more adventures together.”

She smiled, the happiest she could ever remember being.

The plane landed at the San Diego International Airport in no time. Tucson and San Diego weren’t that far apart. They rented a car and then drove to the hotel near the convention center, where the huge event was being held.

The hotel was beautiful. Zephyr Game Labs booked and paid for her room, a great perk. Their room was on the twelfth floor, and Ellie used an app on her phone to open the door.

Ellie caught her breath when she took a step in. It wasn’t just a room, it was a gorgeous suite with a living area filled with ivory-colored furniture, two couches, and three armchairs.

“This is amazing.” She stepped completely in from the hallway onto the entryway's ceramic tile. A massive bouquet of brilliant exotic flowers, a basket filled with Godiva chocolates, and a bottle of champagne were on a mahogany table in the entryway.

Ellie walked onto the ceramic tile floor to the basket of champagne with chocolates and the bouquet. She felt Tucker’s presence as he moved behind her and closed the door.

She picked up an envelope with her name scrawled across it. The envelope was made of heavy ivory stationery, and she opened it. She pulled out a matching piece of paper and read it out loud.

“It says, ‘Enjoy the chocolates, flowers, and champagne as a special treat from Zephyr Game Labs. Myth Hunter wouldn’t be the same without your talent and contribution.” She looked up at Tucker, who was now standing beside her. “The company president signed it.”

“That’s a nice welcome,” Tucker said.

“This is all amazing.” Ellie kicked off her shoes and walked onto the deep, plush ivory carpeting. “This is the best carpet I’ve ever walked on.”

She turned to Tucker. “You have to take your shoes off and feel this.”

The corner of his mouth tipped up in an amused smile. “All right.” He toed off his athletic shoes and stepped onto the carpet. “I’d have to say you’re right.” He walked to the couches. “If I wanted carpeting in my house, it would have to be like this.”

Ellie plopped onto the couch. “Oh, this is so comfortable.”

Tucker joined her, his body against hers. He put his hand on her knee and squeezed. “If we didn’t have to leave soon to make it to the convention for your appearance, I’d say we should try out the bed.”

Ellie flashed a grin. “Who says we don’t have time?”

He looked at his phone and showed it to her.

Her eyes widened. “I guess we don’t have time.” She got to her feet and grabbed her carry-on, which was still in the entryway, and hurried to the door on the other side of the great room.

The bedroom was big and just as beautiful. She stripped out of her blouse and tossed it on the bed. Tucker moved behind her and pressed his body to hers.

She let out a breath as he reached around her, cupped her breasts, and rubbed her nipples with his thumbs.

Her body reacted instantly. “No time.” Her breathing came a little harder, and she turned in his arms and saw his smoky gaze.

“A hint of what’s to come after.” He gave her a sinful grin.

She playfully pushed him away. “Let me get dressed.”

He didn’t erotically tease her anymore, but her body still craved his touch. His plan was working—the rest of the afternoon and evening, she’d think about continuing where they left off.

She dressed in a ruby-colored silk jumpsuit that hugged her torso and flared at the legs. The neckline allowed for a little more cleavage than she was used to showing.

Ellie turned to face Tucker as she nervously brushed down the fabric at her hips. “What do you think?”

The hunger in his gaze answered her question. “Gorgeous. That outfit accents your natural beauty.” He moved closer to her and traced one finger down her breastbone to the deep V of the neckline. “Not so sure about this. The men are crazy about you already.”

“It’s for you.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I wore this for you.”

He took her in his arms and kissed her long and thoroughly. He raised his head. “Are you ready to go?”

“Five minutes.” She left his embrace and went into the bathroom with her toiletry case.

She touched up her makeup and brushed her hair so it fell over her shoulders.

She bit her lower lip as she checked her outfit in the mirror.

Tucker was right—she should probably be more conservative at these cons, considering how some men had responded to her at her first one.

Everything would be great, nothing to worry about. She stood straighter and took a deep breath. She turned to Tucker. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Tucker had never been one to handle disagreements or other problems physically. But as he watched men who leered at Ellie and propositioned her, he had the strong desire to punch each one.

When he had met Ellie, she was a vivacious country girl who happened to live in the city. She was energetic and handled her two careers well. At that time, life was at a slower pace. She’d gone out of town a couple of times for a few days, but things were different now.

Her life seemed hectic, and she was going a million miles an hour, despite having sold her business. She was away more often, and she continued to receive requests for auditions and outright job offers.

Things had changed dramatically, and he wasn’t used to anything in his life moving as fast as Ellie was.

He set his jaw as he watched another young man fawn over Ellie.

He forced himself to take a slow breath and let it out just as slowly.

Ellie handled the men well, better than he was.

She smiled and brushed their comments aside, keeping things low-key.

She distanced herself from these men after signing and taking selfies, not allowing them to touch her.

She would thank them and move on to the next fan.

She did the same with this young man. Tucker breathed easier when the guy was gone.

He was as surprised as Ellie when several fans gave her gifts. Some gave handmade items related to her game character, among other things.

Relief caused his muscles to relax as Ellie finished her session. She thanked Demi, the young lady who had assisted her. Demi gave Ellie a Myth Hunter fabric tote to hold gifts from her fans.

Tucker helped her and held the tote while Ellie gathered her purse and tucked away the zippered pouch with the cash fans had paid her for her autograph and selfies.

Ellie still seemed uncomfortable taking money from people for her signature and a photo, but she went with what was expected.

She had well over a hundred fans who had come to see her, and most wanted a selfie with her.

He hadn’t kept track, so it could have been a higher number.

When Ellie had wrapped things up and stood beside him, she looked exhausted but exhilarated. Her face was flushed, her eyes tired but sparkling. “What an insane four hours.”

He brought her into his arms and hugged her. “You did great.”