She takes it, and I help lift her in, then close the door once she’s settled. Then I jog around to my side and climb in.
“Oh, do you want me to put the top back on the Jeep, since your hair is down?”
“No, I came prepared,” she says, pulling a hair clip from her bag.
She spends about fifteen seconds clipping her hair back and gives me the okay that she’s ready. I pull away from the house and head toward the bar we all agreed on earlier this week. Honestly, I’m really just hoping to have a good time, a chill time. Being designated to drive means I’ll be doing a lot of people watching. And looking after my companions who overdo it. The responsibility doesn’t begin and end behind the wheel.
I want Lyric to have a good time, I really do. But I’d be a damn liar if I said I really hope no one hits on her.
CHAPTER 19
LYRIC
It’squiet on the drive to the bar. Neither of us is saying much of anything, and I’m trying not to look over at him, because heaven help me, this is the finest man. His new hat is a rich chestnut brown color, which he paired with deep blue jeans, a white V-neck T-shirt, and a leather belt the same color as his hat. And boots for that matter. He’s crisp. And he smells as good as he looks.
As suspected, his forearm is right in my face. Every time it flexes, I have to squeeze my legs together. That sun-kissed canvas, those tattoos, the veins… it’s more than I can handle in this confined space. But if I don’t look directly at it, I’m fifty percent less horny. Horny for a damned forearm is an all-new low.
We pull up and I rush to open my door and jump out. I can’t give him the opportunity to be chivalrous and open my door too. I’m not superhuman. I’ll fold like a cheap suit.
My phone buzzes and, as suspected, it’s Darcy in the group chat.
DARCY
We’re here at a table in the back.
ME
Just arrived.
DARCY
I know, I was stalking your location.
ME
Creep.
We head inside, Waylon walking just ahead of me to open the door. He reaches back and grabs my hand, leading me through the crowd with precision. His tall and broad stature naturally causes the crowds to part and step back. It’s oddly comforting.
“Lyric!” Darcy’s voice booms above the music for a second, capturing our attention from the left.
Waylon changes directions, cutting through the last group standing between us and the rest of our party. They’ve already started drinking.
I run up to Darcy and give her a big hug. “Damn, girl, you look hot for someone who just got engaged to an old guy.”
“I told Ridge we’re getting married in four months, so tonight is about celebrating that news!” Darcy says. “Naturally, I had to dress up.”
She’s decked out in this silky white halter top that she paired with a black flowy skirt and strappy shoes. It’s got a slit in it that runs all the way up near her hip.
“It was the only logical thing to do,” I say with a laugh. “Now, I just need a drink.”
“I’ll grab it,” Waylon says. “It’s packed in here. I’ll be faster.”
I would argue with him on principle, but there’s no denying he’s right, and I don’t feel like giving him a hard time when he’s trying to help me.
“Thank you.”
He nods and disappears into the crowd toward the bar. I turn back to my friend and Killian, who’s the only other person at the table. “Where’s Ridge and Banks?”
