Until we’re not apart.
When the music ended, it was the audience’s applause that jolted her back to the present. As in, on a stage, in front of hundreds of people, while being broadcast to millions of televisions worldwide.
Don’t freak out. No one noticed. It was nothing. Itisnothing.
She was the one who took his hand, smiling into the darkened auditorium, as they took their bow. Travis was the one who pulled her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek. It was just a kiss.On my cheek.The slight stubble of his cheek against hers. The tantalizing scent of mint and leather. The brush of his breath against her temple. The press of his hand against her back. None of those things should register. But they did. And all those unnerving and delightful things were still registering when they left the stage to follow one of the stage assistants to the press room. As performers, they had one final appearance. A recap and final questions moment. Inside the room, a large IMA step-and-repeat would serve as the backdrop. The two of them would pose for a few pictures, answer a couple of questions, and they’d be done. As in, she would never have to deal with Travis King again done.
If only it could be that easy. Since pictures were being taken, bright lighting in the press room was a priority. And, after they’d each had a handful of pictures taken, the first reporter got right to the point.
“Miss Gram, let’s talk style. Who dressed you this evening? First the blue dress was striking.” The woman gestured at Loretta, her eyes round and her eyebrows high. “Now, this one. You normally shy away from sparkles.”
Loretta wasn’t sure whether she should be offended or flattered that this was the first question for her. “Both dresses are originals by Juliette Rousseau that she selected for me.”
“You look incredible,” Travis sounded off.
Loretta glanced his way.Hilarious.
But he wasn’t teasing—and he wasn’t staring at her with his patented Travis King charm. He was looking at her. And, now, he was smiling at her. That dangerous, lung-emptying, it’s-pointless-to-resist smile she could not afford to get caught up in.
She stared blindly at the reporters, desperate to get this over and done with.
“Tonight’s performance was emotional for you both, I’m sure.” Another reporter jumped in. “How do you think Johnny would have felt about the win tonight?”
That lump was back, lodged in her throat and damn painful to swallow down. “He’d be pleased, of course. He said there was no greater compliment than having someone enjoy his music.”
“You two have chemistry on the stage. That was an unforgettable tribute. What are the chances of you two working again?” asked another reporter.
“Oh, no. I don’t see that happening,” she answered quickly. Maybe a little too quickly.
“I’d be honored to work with Loretta again.” Travis glanced down at her. “If the situation ever arose.”
Which was a far more professional answer. Her gaze darted his way. Beneath the fluorescent lights, his eyes were shockingly aquamarine.Which has zero relevance to what’s happening right now.
“How about we get a couple of pictures of you two together?” A photographer waved them closer.
With each new pose, her awareness of Travis King grew to an alarming level. Little details. The mole on the side of his neck. The scent of spearmint on his breath. One especially long curl that hung onto his forehead.Like a blond Superman.He had a slight bump in his nose. His hand was warm against her back. The gravel timbre of his voice. The more he smiled, the more she wanted to grab him and…Push him far, far away.
She didn’t exactly push him, but she made sure to put space between them just as soon as the pictures wrapped up. With a smile and a wave, she was out of the press room. She wasn’t exactly sure where she was going—only that she needed to get Travis out of her head.
She glanced at the sign on the wall, turned, and headed for the dressing rooms. If Bree was there, she’d change and attempt a quick exit.
“Loretta,” Travis called out.
No.At this point, there was nothing left to say.Don’t look back.
“Hold up.” He was getting closer—his voice was getting closer.
Pretend you don’t hear him.Keep moving. But she glanced back.What are you doing?
“Please.” The corner of his mouth kicked up. Now, he was going to be charming? Why?There is nothing left to say.“It won’t take long.”
Fine.In spite of her worst fears, he hadn’t let her down. If anything, he’d kept her on her own two feet. Even if his motivation was questionable, he had helped her do what needed to be done. A few more minutes wouldn’t hurt anything. She slowed, then came to a stop, waiting for him to reach her before she asked, “What?”
He chuckled. “I wanted to make sure you were…okay?”
It wasn’t an unreasonable question. Less than ten minutes ago, she’d nearly torn off the sleeve of his tuxedo. “I’m okay.” Easy enough. “So, we’re good?”
He shook his head. “No.”
