Stuck On You (20 page)

Willodean smiled. “Then let’s make it quick.”

KT
STEPPED OVER
Misty, who was sprawled across the door to Viva Las Vegas, at approximately twenty-two seconds after six. He’d stalled as long as he could in his room, but the elevator had been lightning quick. Damn it. He wanted to arrive late and leave early. He patted his jacket pocket. He did have one little project he needed some help with before he escaped to his room to pack.

He’d managed to avoid Laura by avoiding Viva Las Vegas until this very second. Mandy and Shane had been a big help. They’d fetched, toted, and run errands while he huddled under the shot of Beale Street in the RCA room and made notes, recorded interviews, and voice-overs as directed by Bob “So Nice I Said It Twice” Night.

But as soon as he stopped in the doorway, he saw her. His was drawn to her. She was nearly irresistible. She was wearing the damn tiny hat. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her close to get a shot of shampoo and warm woman. Then he wanted to kiss her so well the hat was lost in the effort. She approached cautiously. “Hey, come on. You can sit anywhere you like.” She smiled and he was glad to see it.

“Actually, I’m here to see . . .” He glanced around the bar and Willodean called out, “Over here, hot stuff!”

Laura looked from the table where Willodean and Holly sat, back to him. Her smile slipped a bit, but she nodded.

KT was happy to see the place was deserted. As he patted Willodean’s shoulder and smiled down at Holly, he pulled out a chair across from them.

Willodean called, “Marcy, can you handle the tables if I borrow Laura?”

Laura shook her head but Marcy nodded. “Yes, ma’am, Miss Willodean. I’ve got it under control.”

Willodean motioned Laura over and pointed imperiously at the empty seat. KT bit back a smile at the resignation on her face. He stood and held out her chair for her. Willodean was clapping as he sat back down. “Such a gentleman.” She patted the table next to Laura. “When I introduced Holly and KT, she mentioned she’d like to get an autograph, so I set up dinner. I knew you wouldn’t mind.”

Laura smiled. KT could tell she didn’t mean it. Surely, Willodean and Holly could tell too. Holly nervously cleared her throat as she slid a photo in front of him. “Uh, Mr. Masters, I would really appreciate it if you could sign this for me.”

Unless someone did something to break the tension at this table, they were all bound to choke to death on a French fry. He picked up the pen and waved it theatrically in the air. “But of course, my lady.” He scrawled across the right bottom corner and presented it to Holly.

She frowned as she read, “To Holly, my newest Memphis friend. TCB, KT Masters.” She smiled shyly. “Are you an Elvis fan too, Mr. Masters?”

He glanced from Laura to Willodean and then smiled at Holly. “I think I’m newly converted, Holly. I hate to leave this place.”

The silence stretched uncomfortably as three of the people at the table considered that answer and the fourth wondered just exactly what was really happening.

Laura cleared her throat. “Why don’t I get us something to drink? I can put our orders in too.”

Willodean smiled. “I feel like celebrating. I’ll have the Elvis.”

“Me too.” Holly grinned at her mother. To KT, it looked like this was a special treat, like normally she’d have had to wheedle, whine, and generally act up to get a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, but none of Laura’s usual lectures would work around Willodean and Holly knew how to take advantage of that. It must be hell to raise a smart kid.

Laura shook her head at her daughter and turned to KT. He sighed. “Well, my experience would be incomplete without one, so make it three.” He tried not to watch her swing and sway across the dining room but the damn hat was impossible to ignore. And the hat led to glossy brown curls piled on her head, strong shoulders, a beautiful bare back, and those hips. He might have moaned aloud but Holly said, “Uh, Mr. Masters? Would it be okay to get a picture?”

Willodean clapped. “What a great idea! Did you bring your camera?”

She nodded and glanced up at him through her eyelashes. KT’s heart lurched at the look. He could see Laura’s strength and intelligence and her natural reserve in Holly. She was going to be amazing when she grew up. Laura would make sure of that. He ignored the pang at the thought that he might like to see what she became someday.

He glanced around the dining room and stood as Laura returned with a tray of drinks.

“How about in front of the Viva Las Vegas sign?” He motioned at the neon monstrosity near the door. “Maybe Willodean will take it for us.”

Willodean waved. “Laura’s up. She’ll be happy to.”

Holly bounced out of her chair and grabbed her mother’s hand to tow her over to the sign. KT felt like he should apologize for the photo, the dinner, the awkwardness, maybe even for ever landing in Memphis or being born when he saw the tense look on Laura’s face, but she put on a grim smile when Holly handed her the camera. He wrapped an arm around Holly’s thin shoulders and felt the fine tremors shaking her. He squeezed to reassure her and she smiled up at him just as Laura snapped the photo. “Aw, Mom, I’m pretty sure I had a stupid expression on my face. Take one more.”

Lauran nodded. “One, two, three . . . cheese!” The camera flashed and Holly darted over to check both photos. “They’re both pretty good. Thanks, Mr. Masters.”

He nodded. “If I give you my e-mail, will you send me one? And please, call me KT.”

Holly shot a glance over her shoulder at her mother, who’d gone to the pass to check on their sandwiches. “Yes, I’ll be happy to e-mail you and I promise I won’t do anything bad with your address. But I think I better stick with Mr. Masters.” She shrugged a shoulder. “My mom’s kinda . . .”

KT nodded. He knew exactly what she meant. He glanced at Laura. She was loading a tray. “If we get a chance, can you help me with a project after dinner? I’m going to ask Willodean to help too. I want to take a few photos around the hotel. You could take one of Miss Willodean and me.”

She held up her camera. “We could do it now. I’ll e-mail those too.”

He shook his head. “I have a phone I want to load them in. It’ll just be easier to use it to take the photos, but it’s kind of a surprise for your mother. Can you keep it quiet?”

“You got my mother a phone?” He’d been hoping she’d miss that part.

He nodded and pulled at the neck of his T-shirt. “She was such a help with the show I wanted to get her something. It seemed like a good idea.”

“Cool.” And just like that, he could see the calculating glint light her eyes. Holly hadn’t seen a whole lot of the world, but she’d obviously seen a few romantic comedies. She was building the happy ending in her mind right now. She bounced back across the dining room as Laura set the plates on the table. KT sighed and took his spot.

Laura did her best to hold up her end of the conversation about the sights and wonders of Nashville but it didn’t take a lot to keep things moving. Willodean and Holly chatted and giggled like teenage girls. Laura methodically worked through her sandwich. And he did his best to memorize every second. He really was going to miss the place.

When the chatter wound down, Laura said, “I probably ought to give Marcy a break. Holly, I know you have homework. I’d like to see your photos so go ahead and get started. When I get home, we’ll crash on the couch and flip through them, okay?”

“Aw, Mom, it’s just a stupid Spanish test. You know how much I hate that class. Besides, it isn’t every day I have a chance to sit down with a superstar. Some people want to have fun, you know?” Holly blushed a little as she shot a look in his direction.

Laura pursed her lips and tilted her head a fraction.

“I’m sorry. Okay. I’m going.” Holly flopped back against her chair. Wherever she was going, she wasn’t getting there very fast. KT did his best to come up with a diversion.

Willodean came to the rescue. “Wait! Laura, we haven’t celebrated your good news. Have you told Holly yet?” She waved at Marcy. “Hey, Marcy, hon, could you take a picture of the four of us?”

Marcy snapped a photo with Holly’s camera and KT’s phone before she said, “Did someone say something about news?”

Laura nodded and she and Holly high-fived each other. It was damn cute. Holly’s pout was gone like morning fog burning away in the sunshine and Laura’s annoyance disappeared in a flash.

“C’mon, tell us the news!” KT wanted to be included in the celebration. Laura turned. “Willodean offered me an assistant manager job for the hotel today. I’m going to start tomorrow part-time, learning the ropes. And next week, I’ll be hanging up the showgirl uniform for good.”

It was a knife to the heart, the idea she’d never wear that hat again. “That’s great.” He grinned at Willodean. “I’ll totally vouch for her organizational abilities. She’ll have everything systemized and streamlined in no time.”

Laura waved a hand. “Tony’s already got a handle on that. I don’t think anyone could manage people and resources better than he can.”

And there was another knife to the heart. This time it was jealousy. Of course, she’d be working with Ortega. How that must thrill him.

Willodean tilted her head and considered him carefully.

“Well, I know you’ll do great.” That was the best he could come up with. He grabbed his Coke and took a deep drink.

Willodean nodded. “Yes, she’ll take over some areas. And the hotel’s going to be expanding. I hope I can count on you to come back to visit, KT. You’ll always be welcome. You’re like family now.”

For some reason, those words lit a small glow in his chest. All three women were watching him, waiting for his reaction. Willodean was calculating. Holly was hopeful. And Laura was cautious.

He nodded. “I think I will have to. Maybe when I get the final shows wrapped up, I can come back and actually make it across the street to Graceland.”

Willodean patted his hand. “Excellent idea. I’ll hold you to it.”

Holly bounced in her seat. “Mr. Masters, please come back. I’d be happy to show you Graceland. I’ve taken the tour a few times. I could tell you what I know.” And then she glanced around the table, realized she was the center of attention, and decided to play it cool. She tilted her chin up. “I mean, if you want me to.”

Laura ducked her head and then smiled at them all. She murmured, “Holly, we’ll just have to see. If he comes back, maybe we’ll all take the tour together, okay?” She stacked up their plates. “KT, I hope you have a safe trip home. Holly, homework. Willodean . . .”

Willodean waved. “Of course, dear. You and Tony will work it all out. I have no doubt.”

Laura nodded and darted a glance up to meet KT’s before she left. She busied herself behind the bar.

Holly leaned forward. “Now, KT?”

Willodean looked intrigued. “Now what, KT?”

He laughed. “I got Laura a gift. Can you guys follow me to the RCA room? I need a little help getting it ready.”

They nodded and followed him down to the conference room. He pulled the phone out of his pocket and watched Holly’s eyes light up. “I just don’t think anyone, let alone a single mom, should go without a cell phone, so I got her one and prepaid the service. She did such a great job.”

Willodean smiled sweetly. “Very thoughtful, KT.”

Holly bounced. “Let’s take some photos.” She waved him and Willodean closer and said, “Smile.” Then she took one of Willodean alone and of KT alone. She handed the phone to Willodean and showed her how to take a picture. She leaned her head on his shoulder and Willodean snapped the photo. Then KT took one of Holly clowning in front of the life-size photo of Elvis. He hugged them both and said, “Thanks. I’m going to give it to her tomorrow. Maybe she won’t have a chance to argue. Keep it a secret, okay?”

Holly turned the imaginary key in the lock of her lips and tossed it over her shoulder. Willodean muttered, “Good luck with that.”

KT laughed. “It’s worth a try.” He flipped through the photos and nodded. “These are good. Now, Holly, go do your homework. Willodean, stay out of trouble. And I’ll see you around.”

Willodean hugged him again. “I’ll certainly do my best and I expect the same of you. Now, Holly and I are going to brush up on her Spanish verbs.”

Holly groaned. “I mean, what’s the point? I have to study English and Spanish! It isn’t fair. And I make As in everything else. What’s the big deal about a B?”

Willodean laughed. “The big deal is that you can have an A. Laura only wants you to do your best.” She was talking to Holly but the look in her eyes said maybe KT ought to think about her words too.

And then they both waved as they headed down to the door that led out to the pool area and the staff quarters. KT slowly crossed the lobby and jumped as the elevator dinged. Ortega stepped out, gave him a long, mean look, and walked away.

KT shook his head as he stepped in and punched the button for his floor. He programmed his phone number, e-mail address, and photo into her contacts. He smiled as he set his own ringtone. He had no idea whether she’d keep the phone, but if she did, she’d have a hard time forgetting him.

Chapter Eleven

L
AURA WAS WORKING
with Tony at the front desk when KT came down to check out. Of course. She’d hoped to get the hurt and tears all over at once. But he kept turning up. She tried to work up some irritation or annoyance but she couldn’t forget that this was it, the absolute last time it would happen. He was about to get on a plane. And eventually she’d stop looking over her shoulder and searching the crowd for him.

Instead of letting her handle his checkout as she’d been doing all morning, Tony shifted her out of the way. “Good morning, Mr. Masters. I hope everything was satisfactory during your stay at the Rock’n’Rolla and that you’ll complete our customer satisfaction survey to provide us with any feedback that will help us improve the experience.”

Laura admired Tony’s ability to speak volumes through a deadpan expression and a flat voice. Clearly, Tony Ortega didn’t care if KT Masters fell off the face of the earth. A little eye contact would have been Customer Service 101 and Tony had been doing his best to give her the graduate course in manning the front desk all morning. The fact that he didn’t even pretend to care told her that he and KT wouldn’t be swapping Christmas cards.