Ruby Tuesday Read Free Page B

wanted me to ask if you were still coming to teach the music class tomorrow.”
    “Of course I am,” Teagan replied. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
    “Music class?” he asked.
    Mrs. Tibbs looked at him briefly. “Teagan teaches music at my daughter Bev’s preschool every Wednesday.”
    Sky pictured Teagan surrounded by small children. The thought lucky kids drifted through his mind as Mrs. Tibbs turned back to her. “I’m afraid my husband and I are leaving early tonight. His arthritis is bothering him again. Darn cold weather.”
    “Oh no. Tell him I hope he feels better soon. Good night,” Teagan replied.
    “Good night, dear.” The older woman walked to the front door, where her husband waited to help her into her coat before they left together.
    “Apparently Mrs. Tibbs doesn’t listen to The Universe either. I can’t begin to tell you what this evening has done for my ego,” he joked.
    Teagan laughed and he reveled in the genuineness of the sound. After years spent around women who giggled like schoolgirls or offered him husky laughter meant to sound sexy, he enjoyed the true humor behind Teagan’s. His cock moved again and he forced himself to think of something other than what she would look like with that ridiculous skirt hitched up around her waist and him kneeling behind her.
    17
    Mari Carr
    “Believe me, Riley will more than make up for Mrs. Tibbs and me. Although I can’t understand where she is. Even for her, this is an excessive amount of time spent primping. Maybe I should go check on her.”
    “Actually,” Sky said, taking her hand quickly to keep her from rising. “I was hoping to talk to you about that last song you sang.”
    “ Maybe Tomorrow ?” she asked.
    He nodded, and then decided to grab the bull by the horns. “It’s a terrific song, Teagan. I’d like to record it.”
    “Record it?”
    “I’m in Baltimore for the next month, working on songs I hope to record on my debut solo album.” He wasn’t sure why he felt compelled to tell her about his plans, but the moment the words flew from his lips, he knew his decision to break away from The Universe was finally made for good. No more waffling back and forth—starting tonight, his new direction was set.
    “Solo album? You’re leaving The Universe?”
    “I’m been toying with the idea for months, but yes,” he said more assuredly, “I’m leaving the band.” He’d have to break the news to Marty soon, but the fact was his contract with The Universe was about to expire and in a few short weeks, he’d be a free agent. The record company had been hounding him to extend his contract but he’d managed to hedge, claiming personal problems as the holdup. It was the only time his breakup with Holly had come in handy.
    “My song isn’t for sale,” Teagan said, and the optimistic feeling he’d been enjoying crashed and burned.
    “What do you mean it’s not for sale? You said yourself you’re a songwriter. Isn’t it your goal to sell songs?” he asked.
    “Yes…no…I mean, I’ve never really thought about it.”
    “Never thought about it?”
    18
    Ruby Tuesday
    “I don’t write music to make money, Sky. I write songs to make people happy. To share them with my family and friends.”
    “What kind of Rainbow Brite philosophy is that?” Her lack of drive astounded.
    Didn’t she know how far she could go with her talent?
    “‘Rainbow Brite philosophy’?” He could tell from her tone he’d pissed her off, but the woman needed a wake-up call. “You pompous ass. There’s no reason to insult me.
    Hasn’t anyone ever said no to you before?”
    “No one with common sense. I’m offering you a chance to hear one of your songs on the radio, maybe see it hit the Billboard list. This could launch your career.”
    “I have a career,” she said.
    “Singing in your family’s bar in front of a handful of old men. Teaching music to a bunch of kids one day a week. That’s your idea of a career?” he