Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett Read Free Book Online

anyone. I want to make a career out of my music. In Nashville.” Avery’s tone took on a wistful manner.
    “So why don’t you?” Lucas asked. She did have dreams bigger than this town. A woman like Avery shouldn’t hold herself back. What did he know? He held himself back all time. What really stopped him from getting away from the life he disliked so much?
    “My parents. They’re getting up there in age. They’ve already lost so much. If I left, what would they have?” Avery asked, clasping her hands together.
    “What would they have? They’d have years of raising you. They’d have this inn, the town, and the good feeling of knowing they took someone in that didn’t have a home and gave them love. It’s only normal to move on, Avery. You can’t be bound to your hometown forever if you have dreams bigger than that. It’s what every parent wants. For their child to be happy and to achieve their goals, chase their dreams.”
    If only his parents had cared enough to want that, instead of the drugs, the endless fights, and the empty bottles of liquor after drinking themselves into a stupor until their deaths. He’d give anything to have parents that gave a shit. If things were different in his past, maybe he wouldn’t be owing so much to someone that took advantage way too often.
    Avery snapped her head up, her lips parted slightly and her eyes widened. “Well, it appears you have a lot to say on this subject. Wow. Umm, thank you.” She was definitely taken aback. Avery turned her head. What was she looking at? Maybe he’d gotten her thinking. She really did have an amazing talent. Lucas would almost bet that her adopted parents would support her one hundred percent if she chose to follow that dream. Was that all that really held her back? Or was it something more? Her personality off stage certainly differed greatly from her on stage presence. Last night, Avery took the stage with confidence, poise and style. Today, as the woman not putting on a show for a crowd, she seemed less confident, fearful, and unwilling to open her mind to possibilities.
    “Avery?”
    She met his glance again. “Yeah?”
    “Tell me something.”
    “I can tell you plenty of things. Are you asking for something specific?”
    Hell yeah. Where to start? The more time Lucas spent with her, the more he wanted to know. He didn’t understand how she could have the same reserved attitude he had. While they both had been left by the people that were supposed to love, take care, and keep them safe, Avery found a home. Lucas sensed she wanted more, and yet, didn’t jump to find out more.
    She hid herself in a shell. Lucas wished she’d come out of it.
    Why did he suddenly have the drive and inclination to uncover all of her feelings? Lucas had never wanted to know so much about someone before, not like this.
    She’s a lot like me.
    If Lucas had to be honest with himself, that scared him. He’d never connected on such a level with a woman before. Only physically. While he found Avery attractive, suddenly there was much more to his interest in her.
    Stop thinking about her. You’re not here to connect with her.
    Look at this place. Harmony’s Echo, while beautiful, serene, and peaceful, was practically invisible. The downtown courtyard consisted of a few picnic benches, such as the one they were perched on now, a few three or four story high buildings. He’d guess the population to be less than ten thousand.
    The muffled sound of a Carrie Underwood song broke the silence. Avery pulled her cell phone from her purse and answered it. Within seconds, her voice sounded distressed as she shot to her feet. “I hate to cut this short, Lucas, but I’ve got to go. My mom just fell.”

Chapter Five
    Avery knew something was wrong all day. She should have pushed harder for Mom to rest. It was more than the dark circles under her eyes. It was more than the spaced out moments she’d been having. Damn it, why didn’t she listen to her gut a