Page 14 of Brands

Who knows?

“Just a little. Devon was driving me crazy.” It’s no secret my brother can be annoying.

Although he wasn’t really being that way.

Dixon snorts as he props his arm behind Char’s headrest to back the truck up. “Younger brothers have a knack. I could tell you stories about mine that would make your jaw drop.”

His mustache twitches from a grin to a frown.

I remember Char saying there was some bad blood between the McCulloughs.

One day I might ask. But bringing up a sour topic doesn’t sound that appealing on a night I’m supposed to be celebrating.

When we pull up to the well-lit bar, Dixon has to park at the far end because there’s so many cars.

“I haven’t seen it this packed in a while,” he grumbles before climbing out.

He helps Char slide out, and opens my door for me.

Music drifts through the frozen breeze. “I think they have a band! Oh, this is awesome!” I’m practically floating across the icy lot.

A blast of heat and sound hits me when I step inside.

Bodies move in rhythm on the dance floor, surrounded by tables filled with people. Nearly everyone is focused on the stage where an old man belts out classic rock covers with a red face.

My heart beats in time with the heavy bass, and I can feel the grin creep into my cheeks.

“Over here!” Blue’s lanky frame appears over the heads of the crowd, waving his dark hat near the stage.

Electricity flows through my limbs as I push through the bodies and weave around the full tables.

“Wow! This is a great spot! How did you snag this one?” I unzip my coat, but pause taking it off as Blue steps closer.

His head ducks and he lowers his ear towards my lips. “I can barely hear you in here, you’re gonna have to scream my name, birthday girl.”

Fire creeps up my throat as I lean in. “How’d you get the best table?” I can smell the hint of his aftershave.

His lopsided smile accentuates his dimple over his mustache. “I know the band. This is their spot and said I could use it.” He tugs out one of the wooden chairs for me to drape my jacket on.

I feel like a celebrity up front and center. We’re hugging the dance floor, but not tight enough to get trampled.

Dixon pulls out a seat for Char, then sheds his own heavy Carhartt to hang from the back.

“Can you believe this? How perfect!” Char claps her hands, then grips my arm excitedly. “I can’t remember the last time I saw a live performance.” Her big eyes reflect the bright lights of the stage.

“Do me the honor of letting me buy your first drink.” Blue’s broad brimmed hat shadows above his nose, but I can feel his gaze.

“Um, I don’t know. Is a beer the right thing?” It’s all I can think of.

I wish I knew of a cool sounding one. “Maybe something fruity? Not too bitter?”

His arm wraps behind me on the rail of my chair and he leans close again. “How about Sex on the Beach?” The words are a low rumble that melt against my skin.

Images of him and I tumbling over the sand on a warm day sends a flush of heat through me.

Char giggles. “Definitely get that, you’ll love it.”

Oh, he’s fucking with me?

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