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As they moved to the music, Carson’s body warmed at the feel of Evie’s curves against him. She was beautiful on the outside, but he loved everything about her, even when she was holding back some sort of emotion from him. It only made him more protective of her. And he would wait until she was ready to tell him, trusted him enough to confide.
“Thank you,” Evie whispered against his neck.
“For what?”
“For . . . taking me away from them,” she said. “Those girls were the popular group in school.”
“Not your friends?”
“Heavens, no.” Evie moved a tad closer.
Carson waited, but she didn’t say anything else. Then the music shifted again, and seconds later, someone spoke into the mic on stage.
“Welcome to Racoons, folks,” a heavyset man with an impressive mustache said. “We’ve got an exciting night for you.”
Cheers and whistles went up from those around them, and Carson released Evie from his hold, keeping her hand in his, so they could turn and watch.
The man announced the first band, and two guys took their places. Both had guitars, and they began to plunk out a discordant tune. Carson tried not to wince, tried to stay open-minded. He was no music connoisseur, but how were the others enjoying this? Looking around, plenty of people were swaying or dancing to the music.
“You new around here?” a guy next to them asked. He was probably in his thirties, and his paisley shirt was purple and yellow—definitely a standout. His black cowboy hat had seen better days.
“I’m Carson Hunt,” he said, holding out his hand.
The guy shook his hand. “Ah, you’re ole man Hunt’s grandson. I’m Briggs. Welcome to Prosper.”
“Thanks,” Carson said, but Briggs was no longer looking at him.
Briggs was staring at Evie with wide eyes. “Well, I’ll be roped like a calf. If it isn’t little Evie Prosper.”
“Hi, Briggs,” she said in a flat tone. “I saw you at Christmas, remember?”
“Oh, yeah, I do remember,” Briggs said, looking her up and down with appreciation. “But you were hiding under a big sweater.”
Carson frowned. Was this guy coming onto Evie?
She smirked. “You say the same thing to me every time you see me. Aren’t you in the lineup tonight?”
“Sure am, sunshine.” He grinned. “Y’all gonna vote for me?”
“If you’re the best,” Evie was quick to say.
Briggs chuckled. “Fair enough.” He slapped Carson on the shoulder. “Well, you consider voting for me? Only if you think I’m the best.” He winked and stepped away.
“What do you think?” a woman asked, sidling up to him.
Carson was surprised to see that Barb and Jana were back. No sign of Patsy.
“I’m hoping the talent gets better from here on out,” Carson said.
Barb and Jana both laughed.
“Wait until you hear Briggs,” Jana said, her smile wide and aimed in his direction.
“Is he good?”
Jana laughed, and Barb joined in. Apparently, everything Carson said was amusing.
“You might want to have a beer or two before he starts,” Jana said, raising a hand to his arm. Again.
