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Cashea had had a love for singing for as long as she could remember. When she’d been a child, her father and grandfather would sit out in the yard around the fire pit singing old country songs. Her grandfather would play the banjo while her father loved his guitar. Those were fond memories she held near and dear to her heart. When her grandfather passed, she sang one of his favorite songs he’d taught her at his home going celebration.
She’d always had an ear for music. Cashea grew up singing in their local church, her schools choirs, and even in the glee team in high school. As much as she loved singing, too bad it didn’t pay the bills. After relocating to Ironhaven, she’d gotten a job as a receptionist for a local pediatrician’s office. She absolutely loved her job. It allowed her to connect with all of the families in town who had children, and her boss, Dr. Reddy, was an angel.
“Y’all know you know the words to this song. Help me out.” Cashea laughed as the women down front, who must be well into their cups, hollered the words of a popular Reba McEntire song.
There wasn’t much to do in Ironhaven, but they made the best of it. That was why Cashea had opted to settle here. She needed a change and she hadn’t regretted it one bit. Ironhaven was a small town where pretty much everyone knew everyone. She had been accepted with open arms when she’d moved into her home. The welcome wagon of the neighborhood had rolled in full force during her first week. She had received so many casserole dishes, desserts, and bottles of alcohol that she couldn’t even give them away. Her freezer was packed for months afterward.
Cashea had grown up in a town similar to Ironhaven, but she needed to make her own way away from her family. Even though she was thirty-five years old, her parents still tried to do everything for her. She loved them, she truly did, but she needed to spread her wings and fly. Their home had been one filled with love. Mom and Dad would be celebrating their forty-fifth anniversary next year. Cashea and her brother, Micah, had been the apples of their eyes. Micah, the eldest of the two, had been the best brother a girl could ask for. He’d entered the Marines after high school. She and her family couldn’t be more prouder of him. She wouldsend him so many care packages that he’d tell her to quit.
“Are you trying to make me fat with all these snacks?” his deep voice rumbled through the phone.
“I’m just trying to make sure you get a piece of home while you are away.” She laughed.
This deployment was to be for eighteen months. She missed him something fierce. She couldn’t wait for the day for him to come home and stay. Permanently.
“I appreciate it, but you’re making the guys jealous. Do you know how many have asked if you’re taken?” He chuckled. “I’m close to fighting every damn day to preserve your honor.”
Cashea wasn’t too surprised at that information. Her brother, who was three years older than her, had got into plenty of fights. He had a reputation of using his fists in school, but every single time was to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. That was just how honorable he was.
Six months later, her parents had gotten word that Micah had been killed in action.A part of Cashea had died the day she’d seen Micah in his casket. They were forever grateful to be able to have his body returned home so they could bury himnext to her grandfather. Their town had even named a road in Micah’s honor for his sacrifice.
That was another reason she’d had to leave home.
Shaking off the memories, she scanned the bar as the song came to an end. The next number was a little slower paced. Kim, their drummer, loved this song and had requested for Cashea to sing it. Cashea’s gaze landed on a familiar figure sitting at the bar. His dark hair looked as if he’d combed his fingers through it several times. He sat in the same spot every Friday and Saturday night with his attention glued on the television while he ate and had a few drinks.
Draven Harvey.
She had heard plenty about the town hero. He’d grown up in this town, and they were so excited to have him back when he’d moved home. A year ago, around the time she’d relocated, they’d welcomed him home with a parade through the middle of downtown. He didn’t look too happy then, but to think about it, she’d never seen him look happy. He always wore a scowl.
The dancers swayed to the music while she sang. Kim had chosen a great song for them to perform. Cashea added her own signature to eachsong. Her gaze went back to the bar, and she stood in shock.
He’d turned around.
She was too far away to see his eyes, but he was definitely facing her. He raised his glass and took a sip. She grew bold and tossed him a wink. Her heart thundered. Where did that come from? In the dark, smoky bar, she doubted he’d even seen it. He slowly swiveled back around, and once again, his back was to the stage.
Soon the song came to an end, and it was time for them to take their break. The crowd clapped, whistled, and cheered for them. Cashea grinned and took a bow. She placed the mic back in the stand and walked off the stage with her girls.
“Hey, I’m going to head to the bar,” she said.
There was a little room where they stored all of their things and used as a hangout during their breaks. Kim waited for her while Sara, Lilly, and Monica headed to the back. The DJ of the bar took over and started playing an upbeat song to keep the patrons happy.
“Want me to come with you?’ Kim asked.
“Nah. I’m going to grab a bottle of water. I won’t be long,” Cashea said.
Kim gave a nod and followed the other bandmembers. Cashea walked toward the bar. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She didn’t know why she was doing this, but something compelled her to go to the bar. She had a bottle of water in her bag in the back. She could have just drunk that, but instead, she found herself pulling into the empty space next to the grumpy cowboy.
“Hey, Danny.” Cashea smiled while trying to wave the bartender down.
Danny spun round at the call of his name. He pushed away from the customer he had been chatting with and came down her way. She was thankful no one could see how nervous she was to be standing next to Draven. He was much taller and wider than she’d thought. This was the closest she’d ever been to him. From the stage he didn’t appear to be this large. She certainly felt dainty beside him.
She felt his gaze on her, but she didn’t acknowledge him. Her tongue snuck out and slid along her suddenly dry lips. Now she was here, she was having doubts. Did he like what he saw when he was looking at her?
Who was she kidding?
She was hot. She knew it. Everyone knew it. She bit back a snort.
“Hey, Cashea. What can I do you for?” Dannyasked. The older bartender was always so nice when she and the girls came to the bar. He’d worked here practically since the place had opened.
