Page 15

Fine, I can play.

Mirroring his movement, I let my fingers touch his jaw as I move my lips to his ear, letting them tickle his cheek. “I’ll try anything once. Twice if I like it.”

His chin drops, and his hot breath pours over me. “Atta, girl.”

Pushing himself up, he turns away and disappears in the direction of the bar.

The band finishes the face-paced song, and falls into a slower croon.

Char is practically bouncing in her seat. “This is so much fun! Happy birthday! Did you do anything special today?” She glances up as Dixon sets an icy glass of water in front of her.

He folds himself next to her and takes a long pull from a bottle as his narrowed eyes travel the room.

I bet he’s hating this.

“No, I had to work. Devon did volunteer to clean the machines for me.” I shrug. “So that was nice.”

I had insisted to Dad I didn’t need anything. He shouldn’t spend any money on me. Every available penny needs to go towards him getting better.

A fancy orange and red colored blended drink gets placed in front of me by Blue.

“Oh! It even has an umbrella!” I pluck it out and twirl it between my fingers as I wrap my mouth around the straw. Frozen sweetness floods me, with an after burn that makes my throat hot.

“Thank you.” I give him a wide smile. “It’s like a smoothie that bites.” I laugh through a cough.

Whew. It makes my head feel funny.

Blue lets out a deep chuckle. “I had Val make it stout. She said she’d try to stop by, but she’s short handed.” He turns and drops his elbow on the table towards Dixon. “She said Ford came back? Scott and Sawyer are out at the cabin?”

Dixon nods. “Long story, I’ll tell you later.” He idly waves his hand. “When I don’t have to yell.”

God, this drink tastes so yummy. I’m nearly done when Blue glances at me, then down at my emptying glass.

The corner of his mustache turns up and I catch the spark in his bright blue eyes.

Probably the lights.

My body feels like it’s tingling and my head is hovering above my shoulders like it’s not attached.

“What do you think, birthday girl? Want another?” His white teeth flash as he smiles.

He’s so damn cute.

“Yes, please. Wait, I was supposed to buy you one?” I start to fumble for the pocket of my coat, but my hands don’t seem to want to move as fluidly.

Everything feels like static electricity, yet I feel more alive than ever.

His rough palm covers my knuckles. “Nope, my treat.”

I focus on where he’s touching me. It’s like waves coursing through my body.

I remember telling Char that I’ve had boyfriends.

Yep, I’m a big ol’ liar.

Blue is the first man to ever set his hand on me in any form of affection.

And it burns so good.