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Remi patted his shoulder, then let her hand slide down his chest. “I think we’ll remember.”

His body definitely remembered how to send off all the alarms whenever Remi touched him. Sparks fired off all over his chest, and his mouth watered. If they spent the evening dancing, he might spontaneously combust.

Remi talked the whole way to Barn Sour. She filled him in on everything that had happened in the week he’d been gone. More than half the stories had her laughing as she told them, so that was a good sign.

When they pulled up at Barn Sour, Remi checked the clock on her phone. “What time are we planning to leave?”

“We just got here, and you’re already planning to leave.”

“I’m not planning to leave now.”

“I think that’s exactly what you’re doing. Right now, you are planning when and how we will leave.”

She huffed as she slid out of Colt’s truck. He jogged a few steps to catch up to her, and she leaned into his side as he wrapped an arm around her.

“We’ll leave whenever you’re ready. Just give me the signal.”

She looked up at him and tugged on her earlobe. They’d had a secret signal for years. It was their silent call for help if one of them needed saving from a conversation, but they’d used it as a signal when they were ready to leave wherever they were without announcing it to everyone.

Half a dozen people greeted them as soon as they stepped inside. Ridge and Cheyenne waved from a booth on the left, and Camille and three other Hardings waved from a table closer to the stage. Asher and Hunter were checking equipment and talking to Grady in his typical overalls and work boots.

Remi slid into the empty seat across from Ridge and Cheyenne. “Is this seat taken?”

“Now it is.” Cheyenne scooted her water glass to the side. “We didn’t know y’all were coming.”

“We didn’t either until half an hour ago,” Remi said.

Colt punched Ridge’s shoulder and sat beside Remi. “I haven’t heard Asher and Hunter play in a while.”

“I’ve missed this,” Remi said. “I mean, I miss it, but I’m glad we have the kids. More than glad. They’re definitely better than hanging out at a bar. You know what I mean?”

Colt wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close. “We know what you mean. No need for all the rambling.”

“Yeah. Parents need time to have fun on their own every once in a while. Who’s keeping the kids?” Cheyenne asked.

“Stella,” Remi and Colt said in unison.

Cheyenne waved a hand. “Oh, well you might as well stay out all night. The kids are entertained and cared for.”

The waitress stopped at their table and propped her hands on the edge. “What can I get you?”

They both ordered water, and Colt stood to take off his coat. “You ready to get started?”

Remi laughed. “We just got here.”

“I know, and I plan to take advantage of every second. On your feet, woman.”

Remi scooted out of the bench seat and took off Colt’s flannel shirt. “Geez. No one told me husbands were so bossy.”

Colt picked up Remi’s hand and threaded his fingers with hers. “I’ve been away for a week. That’s seven whole days. Didn’t you miss me?”

She followed him for a few seconds before racing ahead, leading him toward the dance floor. The upbeat country song vibrated in his veins, but the tingle where his palm touched Remi’s overshadowed the sounds until all he heard was a dull roar.

As soon as she stepped onto the dance floor, she pulled him in, falling into a two-step. Apparently, dancing was like riding a bike because Remi hit every step he gave. The smile on her face grew until she laughed, throwing her head back and letting her hair tumble over her shoulders as they swayed. He pulled her closer with each song, and she didn’t pull away. He always wished for more between them, but for once, she wasn’t putting him in his place.

By the fifth song, she made the move and inched closer. If they kept this up, he’d burn alive before the night was over.

Chapter27