Page 16

He rises and moves away, pulling my gaze with him.

Why have I never noticed what a nice ass he has? Tight and round, filling the pockets of his Wranglers like they’re tailored.

“Well? What do you think?” Char says loudly from across the table.

That Blue is fine as hell?

“I can feel the alcohol,” I admit. It’s a strange, drifting sensation.

Char laughs, cupping her growing baby belly. “Maybe next year I’ll be able to drink with you. I bet Dixon would love babysitting both of us drunk. Would you?” She turns to her husband and curls her fingers into his collar, pulling him to her.

“Anything for you,” he growls, tugging her onto his lap to bury his nose against her neck.

The way he holds her, like she’s precious, it makes me want to cry with how sweet it is.

They’re so damn adorable. I hope I can find that one day.

Dad wants that too. He wants me to meet someone, have a family.

I think I want that too. One day.

“Y’all right?” Blue sets my fresh drink in front of me, and looks down with a tinge of concern tightening his eyes.

“Oh, yea. I was just thinking about stuff my dad was saying.” I didn’t realize I let an actual tear escape. I wipe it quickly away before I reach for the cold glass.

This one goes down easier, less burn.

“She didn’t put as much liquor in?” I look up to find Blue watching me.

“Ah, not exactly. She putmorein.” His hand brushes my shoulder when he puts it on the back of my chair. “It’s the danger of it. Each one goes down smoother than the last. Next thing you know, you’re waking up in a stranger’s bed wondering what the hell happened.” He winks and pulls away. “That’s why I’m here, to keep the boys at bay.”

My nose follows his tantalizing scent. “So, onlymenallowed?”

When his brows shoot up, I wrap my lips around my straw slowly, then smile as I suck more of the sweet juice.

I can’t feel the burn, but it makes my arms and legs feel almost…numb.

Maybe I’m flying.

The music thumping seems to echo inside my head.

“Come on, Lib. Let’s dance!” Char hops off Dixon’s lap.

He almost looks reluctant to let her up, but lets her lead him away from the table.

“Blue? You gonna show me how amandances?” I grin and stand.

Whoa.

My balance is off, and I find myself reaching out to catch myself on his muscular arm.

“Looks like you already have the moves down.” He grips my elbow and rises, towering over me.

Shit, I’m almost woozy.

No, I’m fucking doing it on my birthday.

I’m not sure if I pull or he does to get us out on the floor, but the next thing I know, I’m clinging to his chest as he spins me in a whirlwind in time to the fast paced beat.