Ruthless (Wolf Ranch #6) - Renee Rose Page 0,51

and wore jeans and a black t-shirt that had a drawing of a cake in gold on the front.

“Hey Rand!” She called but kept her eyes on me. “The real Natalie Sheffield. Love your dress.”

I was used to wearing black pants or skirt and a white shirt for concerts, but this was Montana, and if the Barn Cats were playing, the wedding wasn’t formal. I’d chosen a long, flowy dress in dark green. Simple but a little bit dressy. I put my hair up, so it didn’t get in my way.

“So glad to finally meet you. I’m Marina.”

I nodded at her as I was hugging my violin case. “You, too.”

“Thanks so much for coming. I’ll introduce you to—” At the sound of men’s voices, she spun about. “Oh, well, nevermind. The guys can introduce themselves.”

Three men, all of whom I recognized from Cody’s, came my way. “You look like your uncle,” one of them said, a smile on his face. He was big, like a bear with gray hair. “I’m Kurt. This is Sam and Joe.”

“Hi,” I said. “I think I remember seeing you guys play once when I was little. And the other night, too, at Cody’s.”

“That right? Well, your uncle played with us until the arthritis in his hands forced him to stop.”

My eyes widened. “Really?” I had no idea Uncle Adam played in a band. I looked to Rand, who shrugged.

“Heard you’ve got some skills,” Joe said. He had a mop of white hair that stuck up in a way that reminded me of Doc from Back To The Future.

Marina had said Audrey had told her that I played. She had no idea if I was good or not. That meant—I looked again at Rand. “You told them about me?”

He set a hand on my back, gently stroked up and down my spine then winked. “Told them you’re a natural fiddler.”

“I haven’t done it all that much, but I’ll try my best,” I shared. I’d never fiddled for an audience before and definitely not in a band.

Kurt patted me on the arm. “You’re going to be great. I know it.”

How, I had no idea.

“Since you heard us the other night, you know how we roll. It’s time to set up and get started,” he added, and everyone went down the path to the reception.

I leaned up and kissed Rand. “Thank you,” I said.

He smiled. “Darlin’, I won’t ever turn down one of your kisses, but what was the thank you for?”

“For believing in me.”

His eyes went all soft. “Always. Now get up there and show everyone how amazing my woman is.”

I stuck my case under my arm, so I could hold his hand. As we went to join the others, I realized he hadn’t said my mate. No, he’d said my woman. He was trying to do human stuff, to not let his wolf out so much.

I loved him. I did. And this just proved it.

Ten minutes later, the Barn Cats started their first song. I had my violin up under my chin and listened for a few seconds, then tapped my toe to the beat. Kurt looked to me, and I started in, adding a layer to the melody. I played simply and in the background for another minute. Then Joe gave me a grin, and I picked it up, getting into the song. Letting it all out. I got into the groove, let the music flow over me. I watched each of the guys, and we found our rhythm. The bride and groom began to dance, others soon joined. Rand pulled Marina—who must’ve been invited to stay since she made the cake—into his arms and did a few expert spins and turns.

Everyone was clapping and stomping, having a great time. I was having a great time, too. Kurt signaled the song to end. A round of applause kicked up. “Having fun?” Kurt asked me.

I couldn’t help but grin. “So much fun.”

“You got a way with that thing,” Joe said. “Might have to make a spot for you in the band.”

I shook my head. “I’m sure Tom will be feeling better soon.”

“He will, but you’re joining us. Welcome to the band.”

It felt good to be wanted like this. No resume. No interview. Nothing fancy. Just acceptance. Kind of like Rand. He’d just known. So had these guys.

“I’m not sure—”

“Time to get back to it,” Kurt said, cutting me off. I looked out at the guests who were eager for more.

I looked to Rand, whose gaze was