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“It’s not true. The story. It’s bullshit.”
“Oh, sure. You’re innocent. I remember your ‘no comment’ when the reporters tracked you down. What was it you said to that one guy? Right – that you were framed, and yet no one believed it then either.” If her voice hadn’t wobbled with sudden concern, he might have thought it didn’t matter to her. But the unexpected emotional reaction caught his attention. He stared into her face, his eyes searching hers until she was lost.
His head bent slowly toward hers and she didn’t move… couldn’t move. “I am innocent.” Then like a drop of butter sizzling on a hot pan, she was lost, waiting for his lips to capture hers.
When she felt the pressure of his hot mouth taking hers with such a force of desire, her knees weakened, and her body ignited. Reaching for him to steady herself, she met his lips with the same kind of hunger he revealed.
Until sanity punched it’s way in and caught her in its grip. What the fuck are you doing, girl? Getting in line to be his next groupie? Give your head a shake and stop this madness.
Yanking herself from his hold, she pushed her way to the door and ran.
Chapter Fifteen
For the next while, Honey fought against her instinct to escape. But she’d promised Mel she’d keep her company that night, and she felt trapped. Unfortunately, no matter how many times she refused to answer, Mel pelted her with questions about her being in the bar’s small room with Luke.
“What happened, Honey. That sexy eye-stopper followed you in there. I saw him. Then you come out looking like you’ve just been kissed. Give it up, my friend. What happened?”
“Nothing.” She saw the sarcastic sneer on Mel’s face and added, “Nothing I want to talk about. Drop it, please.”
“Oh-kay, girlfriend. But there’s a lot of women here glaring at you… just so you know.”
“Ignore them. Want another drink?”
The second round settled the argument and left Honey to think about her safe world blowing up. Blasted hell, the man knew how to kiss. Forcing herself to ignore what had happened, she tried to concentrate on the atmosphere surrounding her. Glancing around, she saw all the people laughing and dancing, having the time of their lives.
Suddenly, a ruckus began near the stage. She watched as Luke helped a black man climb up and give him a welcoming hug. Then, one of the band members next to Luke reached over to get another stool to place near his mic and stepped back. The female in the group traded her guitar for her violin and handed over her now idle instrument to the newcomer.
Meanwhile, many of the customers were going crazy, clapping and whistling, welcoming the older man. He seemed to take all the attention in stride, as if used to folks being happy to see him.
Before he had a chance to settle, the chant began. “Dueling guitars, dueling guitars.” The crowd went crazy after hearing the old man start playing the first chords. When Luke settled on the stool next to him and followed on his instrument, Honey understood why everyone had suddenly become quiet. When one listened to perfection, you needed to pay attention. She couldn’t believe the concert they gave their audience. The crowd went wild both inside and those listening outside the bar Mel screamed in her ear, “They should have been on an award show getting an ACM trophy.” She had to agree.
Thereafter followed an hour of the best music she’d ever heard being played at any of the Honky-Tonks on Broadway. The place was jammed, and the musicians hummed with the joy of performing at such a level.
Eventually, the older man seemed to flag, and he disappeared in the same way he’d arrived – hugged Luke and stepped off the stage. Boney, the drummer, walked him safely to the door, and he disappeared.
To quiet the gang still hyped, Luke walked to the mic and began singing. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t shut her ears and not hear the smooth silky tones of a voice that made love to every word. And strangely, it sounded as if he sang the song just for her.
Dammit, she was losing her mind. She needed to settle down. Hard to do when a girl just wanted to storm the stage and attack the singer. It became harder when she tried to control her urges and ignore the musician.
Unfortunately, most of the following country ballads he sang rang true for what she was feeling, but when he began singing her all-time favorite song, she almost lost it. The lyrics to Lonestar’s Amazed had always brought tears to her eyes. In lonely moments, she’d listen to the song and pray for a day when someone would come along and make those words come true for her… for both of them.
Hearing Luke sing those lyrics, had her eyes flying to meet his. She could have sworn he was sending a message just for her. It was one of the most thrilling yet disturbing moments of her life. When the song ended, he jumped off the stage and began to stride her way.
He’d almost reached her when the same stinky-perfumed female who’d almost run her down earlier jumped up and caught him, wrapping her arms around his neck. While swaying, she kissed him on the mouth with her body glued to his. Dancing to the music the band now played… a beautiful slow, sexy waltz, the couple looked lost in lust.
Right. That does it. I’m outta here. “Mel. I love you dearly, but I need to leave. Now.”
Melanie took one look at her friend’s face and her own expression underwent a change from total enjoyment to sympathy. “Of course you do. Let’s go. Jess will come to my apartment later. He promised.”
Chapter Sixteen
Son of a bitch! How could his luck get any worse? Luke couldn’t push the skunky perfumed clinger away like he yearned to do. She had information he needed in order to get the job done. And in all these years of his work taking first place, he had to fight against the inclination that right now, he just didn’t care. Honey mattered. Her beautiful welcoming face meant everything… well, that is until he saw the anger slide over her devasted expression.
Then she left. Just like that. Up and gone with her friend beside her. Dammit, the woman had no give in her. He broke away from the grasping arms. “Give me a moment, sugar. I just need to say goodbye to an old friend. I’ll be right back.”
He ran out to the sidewalk and caught up with Melanie and Honey. “Hey, wait. I want to talk with you for a minute.”
Honey ignored him and kept walking, but Melanie stopped. “I’m sorry, Luke. Honey’s not feeling well. She’s in a hurry.”
