Hillbilly Rockstar (Blacktop Cowboys 6)

Devin had about ten seconds to prepare himself before she reached him. Good thing he had his sunglasses on—maybe they’d keep his eyes from popping out of his head.

That’s when his gaze landed on not one but two bruisers behind her. One guy carried two suitcases; the other guy hefted an enormous cooler. Given the sheer size of the first guy, he could’ve been a Broncos linebacker or a WWE wrestler. The second guy was a mirror image of the first.

Liberty offered a quick smile. “Sorry I’m late. I had to grab a few last-minute things.” She set down her duffel bags. “Which bus is ours?”

Devin pointed to the forward bus.

“Sweet upgrade. Guys . . . do you mind?”

Immediately, Hulk #1 and Hulk #2 carted the suitcases and cooler aboard the bus. Then they were back, awaiting Liberty’s instructions.

She stood on tiptoe to get in Hulk #1’s face. “You’ll make sure she’s protected? No matter what?”

“Baby girl, don’t worry. I promise I’ll take as good care of her as you do, okay?”

“Okay.” She smiled and pressed something into his hand.

Then the guy picked her up off the ground and spun her around, giving everyone his massive back so no one could see if he was laying a big steamy kiss good-bye on her or copping a feel or what. Then he tossed her to Hulk #2, where she received the same treatment, except Hulk #2 slapped her ass and whispered in her ear before he set her down and lumbered back to the car.

It was surprising the King Kong twins fit into the front seats.

She didn’t turn around until the car was out of view. “Sorry. I have separation anxiety.”

“At bein’ away from them?” Devin asked sharply.

Liberty gave him a you’re-an-idiot look. “No. From my car.”

“That’s your car?”

Another you’re stupid, Captain Obvious look from G.I. Jane.

Crash said, “Happy to have you with us, Liberty.”

Odette rejoined them. “And who are you exactly?”

“Liberty Masterson. I’m Devin’s personal assistant.”

A beat passed, and then she laughed in Liberty’s face. “Right. So how long have you been personally assisting him? Since you met him in the bar last night?”

Liberty didn’t respond. She merely stared at Odette until she backed down.

Devin stepped forward, taking his life in his hands when he draped an arm over Liberty’s shoulder. Not only did she look good; she smelled good. “Liberty is handling the venue logistics, my promotional appearances, and all that stuff I hate doin’ and Crash is too busy to deal with since I’m headlining this time. So to keep everything streamlined, she’s traveling on my bus.”

Looks were exchanged, eyebrows were lifted and Odette nudged Tay and muttered, “Personal assistant, my ass.”

Then Devin introduced Liberty to his band.

“Nice to meet all of you. But if you’ll excuse me, I have to get the rest of my shit on the bus so we have an on-time departure—since keeping Devin on schedule is part of my job.”

Her bright smile was totally fake; Devin choked back a snort.

She reached for the straps on her bags and Devin moved to help her. The damn woman was so stubborn that they played tug-of-war until he shouldered her aside. “Now, sweetheart,” he said from gritted teeth, “what kind of a man would I be if I stood by and watched you struggle with your luggage by yourself?”

She smiled—the devious one that made his stomach drop. “You’d be like every other man on the planet.” She picked up the smaller bag and hoofed it to the bus.

Devin was so focused on the mesmerizing way her butt jiggled that he didn’t budge until Crash elbowed him.

“Quit standing there and move it. I’m right behind you.”

He snagged the handles and let out a grunt. Had she packed cannonballs in here? He trailed behind her, trying like hell—and failing miserably—to keep his eyes off her ass. So he nearly plowed into her when they entered the bus.

“Holy friggin’ hell.” Liberty had stopped in the living area and was gawking.

“Keep movin’. I’ve gotta get these bricks unloaded,” he grumbled.

“Funny. Which bunk is mine?”

“Both. Since you’re the only other passenger.”

“Sweet. I wondered where I’d put everything.”

Devin dragged the duffel bag the last few feet. “I figured you’d be the type to pack light, not drag four bags along.”

“Guns and ammo take up a lot of room.”

She had to be joking.

But the look on her face said she wasn’t.

Devin pointed to the area below the first bunk. “There are locking drawers for all your firepower.”

“Thanks.” Liberty didn’t ask for help hoisting her bags.

“All right. See you guys in Salt Lake because I don’t plan on stopping.”

Liberty looked at Crash. “You’re on the other bus?”

“I’m driving the other bus.” He grinned. “How do you think I got my name?”

“I’m thanking the universe I’m not riding with you.”

After Crash departed, Devin stood there like a dumb-ass, staring at her.

Of course she caught him staring. “What?”

“You look . . . different.”

Her gaze sharpened. “You told me to look different, remember?”