She swats at my chest. “You are drunk. A very cute drunk, I’ll say.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’re still thinking and this doesn’t help my case, huh?” I drop my head to her shoulder and inhale her sweet perfume.
The table carries on with their own conversation when I accidentally check out, getting lost in her when I glance to find her already looking me.
“I’m not thinking anymore.” She says softly. My heart picks up to a pace that seriously worries me.
“And?”
“I’ll tell you when I know you’ll remember.” She says tracing my jaw with a finger. My eyes close as I lean into her touch. My arm comes around her waist and tugs her closer.
“Wanna dance with me?”
“Right now?” She glances around with a grin.
“Yea, right now. This dress… is making me want to have a reason to spin you around.” I grip her hips before once again, reminding myself to behave.
“Oh, I wanna dance too.” Emalyn tugs Ronan to his feet. He goes eagerly and urges the other guys to go too. Fitz immediately escapes to the bar. Ripley awkwardly asks Paige and she stumbles after them. I stand with my arm still around Alli, nearly lifting her from the ground. I stop when I see my sister still at the table, glancing around.
“Ow, what the hell?” Ryan yelps when I smack the back of his head. Maybe a little too hard.
“Don’t be an ass. Ask my sister to dance, Rookie.” I scowl. He blanches.
“I-I... um, is this a test?” He stumbles glancing around the room, probably looking for one of our teammates.
“No, dumbass. But he a fucking gentleman or we will be having words.” I threaten with a pointed finger before grinning and sending my sister a wink. She just chuckles and waves me off.
“I can get my own dance. Besides, I don’t think therookiecould handle my dance moves.” She says pointedly.
I leave them to bicker, tugging Alli along by the hand, her laughter flowing behind me like musical notes floating through the air. I pull out my best moves, trying to show off a little for her.Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a hell of a dancer.
It’s nearly three am by the time I decide to call it a night. The rest of the team is still going strong, as if we won tonight instead of the hard loss we had. Alli is tucked under my arm, right where I want her as we head outside. The cool air feels good against my face. I stop suddenly and tilt my head back to enjoy it.
“This. This is how you feel, Alli.” I say, eyes still closed. She makes a little surprised noise. I open my eyes and look down at her. She’s staring at me with wide eyes. I tilt her chin up. “Close your eyes. Feel.”
She does. I can’t help but watch her face. The tiny muscles in her cheeks and forehead relax and her lips are parted slightly as she breathes. I want to press mine against hers so badly, but I won’t.
“It’s soothing.” She smiles softly, opening her eyes. The uber driver honks, effectively interrupting the moment. I open the door for her, and slide in next to her. She starts to lean against me, but I reach around her instead, clicking her seatbelt. I hold her hand the whole way to our houses, even as I lean my head back and sing some George Strait song.
“King of country. You ever listen to country music?” I ask.
“Sometimes. I like some of Morgan Wallen’s songs.”
“Oh no.” I groaned. “I meant the real stuff.”
“You mean the cowboy stuff?” She teases, “You’ll have to show me some on your guitar.”
“It’s a date.” I grin. I open the door and extend my hand to help her out of the car.
“Goodnight, Darlin’.” I kiss her cheek softly.
“Goodnight, Tate.” She bites her lip, eyes falling to my mouth. If I were a lesser man…
“Damn, where are they?” I pat my coat pockets and my back pockets for my keys. “Swear I just had them.”
She reaches into my front pocket and pulls them out, giving them a little jingle in front of my face.
“Oh. Thank you, Darlin’. Aren’t you just the perfect woman.” I say booping her nose softly. Yea, I think I’m still feeling those shots at the end there.
