Page 87 of Take My Name

His fingers tighten on my waist, and I step closer until his boots cage mine. Our bodies sway together in smooth harmony, but when I bury my face in his neck and inhale his earthy cologne, his hands clasp above my ass. A small gasp releases from my throat and when my breasts press against him, I’m positive he can feel my heart pounding.

Just as Chris Stapleton sings about strawberry wine for the final time, Warren’s deep voice is in my ear again.

“Do you wanna get another drink?”

I lift my head so he can hear me over the music, but he moves his face toward me at the same time, bringing our lips an inch apart. His gaze drops to my mouth and I swallow hard, begging him with my eyes to put me out of my misery.

“Sure.”

But neither of us moves.

When my tongue swipes along my lower lip, his gaze tracks the movement, then flicks to my eyes as if to ask for permission. I confirm by tilting myhead closer.

“Hey, love birds!”

I nearly jump out of my skin at the voice before I realize it’s Colton. He’s definitely grown up since I’ve seen him last. A full face of facial hair and a too-tight shirt reveals how muscular he is.

“Colt,” Warren mutters between gritted teeth.

“We came early for y’all. Let’s get some drinks! Bodie and Ricky are at the bar already.”

I release my hold on Warren, stepping back to give Colton room to wrap his arms around us. “First round’s on me!”

Warren glances over, an apologetic expression on his face, and I smile at how annoyed he looks. He’s a good brother, though, and tolerates Colton’s eagerness to hang out with us.

He orders a round of shots for everyone, and I get another Mai Tai. While we drink at the bar, Bodie introduces me to Ricky and then I chat with Warren’s brothers and catch up with them.

I don’t know how many drinks deep I am, but the jumbled thoughts in my head are gone, so I’m relieved. We spend the next couple hours dancing and my ability to line dance drunk is proven wrong at me having two left feet.

“Maze, we should get you home,” Warren says in my ear from behind.

Colton and Bodie have been taking turns getting me drinks, and each time Warren glares at them and tells them no more.

But I can’t remember the last time I let myself have this much fun and let loose, so I’m taking advantage.

“Nooo…” I whine, spinning around to face him, but I trip over his boot and fall into him. He catches me, holding me up against his chest.

“You can’t drive home like this. You’re gonna have to sleep it off at myhouse,” he tells me.

“Ooh, like a sleepover?” I waggle my brows, but I’m disoriented, so my eyes twitch instead.

Warren stopped drinking a few hours ago, so he’s not having as much fun as the rest of us are. Which is a shame. Warren could use a night to let loose.

“Sure,” he deadpans. “Let’s say good night to my brothers and get outta here.”

He leads me off the dance floor to the game area where they went to play a game of drunken pool.

“We’re headin’ out. Y’all gonna sober up before you go?”

Ricky lifts his hand. “I stopped drinkin’ an hour ago and will get ’em home.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Then he points his finger at Colton and Bodie. “Don’t stay up too late.”

They both give him a mock salute and taunt him.

I snicker at them calling himdad.

“Bye, boys!” I go to wrap my arms around them, but Warren yanks me back and lifts me over his shoulder. “Hey! I was gonna hug ’em good night.”