Stud in Texas (Rugged and Risque 4)

Beside her, the hunky cowboy said, “A true testament of a woman’s moral fiber is what her friends, family—and yeah, horses—think of her.”

“No fair throwing my own words in my face.”

“Just sayin’.” He quoted Reese this time.

Sky grinned.

Gus said, “Honey, why don’t you come on up here and sing us a song.”

The crowd went crazy again.

Jack told her, “You know you’d hurt my feelings if you said no. This is my joint, after all.”

“Now why on Earth would I want to hurt your feelings? I hear you’ve got a spunky wife. She just might kick me in the shin if I refuse.”

Liza swooped in and gave her a hug. “Not a chance. I liked you the moment I met you. But if you’ll sing, I’ll make Jack throw in a couple shots of tequila. That’s how we ended up together, don’t you know?”

“Well, hell,” Sky said. “I’m sold.”

Everyone gathered around the bar clapped enthusiastically.

To Sam, she asked, “What’s your favorite song, cowboy?”

“A Storm’s Rollin’ In,” he said with another flirty wink. “By one very alluring Sky Travis.”

“Cute. You’re just full of it tonight.” She kissed him. Then she made her way to the stage.

Gus handed over his acoustic twelve-string guitar. “You’re gonna need this.”

“Thanks.”

“They know your songs,” he said of his band members. “So take your pick. And do as many as you want. I’m having a beer.”

“Make it quick. I’m just doin’ the one,” she said. “This isn’t my gig.”

“Oh hell, honey. These people listen to me all the damn time. You’re a fresh breeze blowing through this place.”

Gus left the stage and Sky gave her selection to the band. Then she stepped up to the microphone. She strummed a few chords to get used to Gus’ guitar before she addressed the patrons of Wade’s Saloon.

“Evening, folks.”

“Sky!” came a collective call.

Her throat tightened. She slid a glance toward the bar and Sam raised his beer mug. She smiled at him. Damn, he made her all warm and fuzzy inside.

Returning her attention to the crowd, she said, “This one’s for the sexy cowboy at the bar who saves horses and knows how to kiss a girl ’til her toes curl in her boots.”

Sam grinned and tipped his hat at her. Several people whistled.

Then she got serious. Sky strummed again, the song starting off slow and haunting. When she reached the chorus, her audience sang softly with her in a low, measured, staccato beat.

“A storm’s rollin’ in. I can feel it in my heart. I can hear it on the wind. There’s a storm rollin’ in.”

They left her to the next verse. When she picked up the tempo and reached the chorus again, she sang it an octave higher. So did they. Sky got caught up in the steadily increasing rhythm and pitch, the song showcasing her full register. By the time she reached the final chorus, those who weren’t on the dance floor were tapping their toes as they sat in their seats, slapping their hands against their thighs, cheering wildly.

She strummed faster and the band kept up with her. The song worked its way to a frenzied finish and the entire bar erupted with applause, everyone jumping to their feet.

Emotion and excitement welled in Sky’s throat. She’d forgotten how much she’d enjoyed eliciting such an overwhelming response from fans when she’d toured with Waylon.