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He took the long way downtown. Emily pressed herself against him while they sped down Hillsboro Pike on their way to the karaoke bar. He was taking her to Noteworthy, where he’d make her sing her little heart out. He’d admitted as much to Mia when she’d texted him—who knew what sneaky tricks she’d used to procure his number. Either way, it was best to start out small with this one and work their way up.
Like everything that they did.
She shifted against him as they headed down the highway. He was aware of everything that she did, every move, her warm breath against his neck. The girl smelled fantastic, like the apple blossoms from home, and of course, that scent was mixed with strawberry. He never wanted the ride to end.
The florescent lights of downtown shone over the cars and slid over the smooth pavement, bathing the night in a strange glow. A soft breeze wound around them, working like a spell over his senses. This was how he imagined his nights in Nashville should’ve been, not stuck in West’s odd world of dark intrigue.
He found the last bit of parking in front of Noteworthy between two monster trucks. These were his kind of people. He knew he’d come to the right place. He cut off the engine, and swung around to Emily. Her cheeks were rosy from the drive.
Her lashes fluttered in surprise. “Karaoke?”
“They make a mean steak here.”
Her lips puckered. “Ooh!” She undid her helmet and stashed it into the back. “How are their fries?”
“To die for.” He’d never tried them, but weren’t those greasy treats always to die for? She got out from behind him, and as soon as he stood up, he caught her hand.
She turned, her brow going up in faint curiosity. He met her eyes without flinching. “It’s not every night I get to take Emily Mackenzie out on the town. I’m going to do it in style.”
She ducked her head, shyly. He did a poor job of hiding his grin and threw his arm around her. It felt good to act like they’d been dating for years. She snuggled against his side. “I have to say that I couldn’t ask for a better date than you.”
Oh, he wasmorethan a date.
He pushed open the door to the dimly lit karaoke bar. Besides a few teenagers messing around on the stage, it was deserted.
The server met them at the front. She was a young girl with a tight ponytail. “It’s ’80s night,” she informed them in a bored voice. She dragged out some menus from the front desk and took her time throwing a bundle of straws into the pocket of her apron, until she looked up. Her eyes widened and she gulped a couple of times. “Just two?”
She must have Flatter on her phone. Pictures were makings their rounds on social media of Nash stealing Emily away on his motorcycle or on a horse. In fact, there was still an online survey debating about which one was hotter.
West had just shook his head when he’d slid his phone into his brother’s lap the last time, muttering something about Nash being good for business.
“Yes, only us,” Emily answered. “No one else will be seen with us. Can you believe it?”
Nash smiled down at her. He loved it when she turned playful. She was a lot like his twin in a way—that stressed-out side of hers sometimes misfired to get in the way of her wacky side, but she definitely had it. Now to convince her that he was both funandgood for her. His hands traveled around her waist.
The server burst into a laugh and waved them forward with a skip. “Come with me!” She led them to a booth tucked away from the other tables—it was very private, very romantic with just enough lighting and shadow to make things interesting.
He’d tip their server well tonight.
Emily slipped into the booth, leaving a fraction of room next to her like she expected Nash to move across the table from her. Not a chance. He squeezed next to her instead, making her laugh as she scooted down the bench to make more room for him. Her leg got caught under his, so she couldn’t go far.
He knew how to make their date work. Her hand brushed against his leg as she set her purse aside. He scanned through the drink menu. “What do you like?” he asked her.
Emily leaned over his shoulder and pointed out the house Froth LemonSqueeze drink. He cheerfully obliged her by ordering that and a basket of fries. Hopefully theywereto die for.
“And steak.” Emily’s finger found that on his menu. The ends of her long hair tickled against his arm. “Rare.”
“Mine too,” Nash said. “Scorched on the sides.” That’s how he served them up on the cattle ranch. His father had taught all of his brothers to be master grillers.
Beaming, their young server set a whole pitcher of Froth LemonSqueeze in front of them. “I’ll be right out with your food, you two.” She rushed away.
“’80s night, huh?” Emily pushed the strands of hair that escaped from her long braid away from her face. He reached up and put them back over her eye just to be a punk.
“Nash!”
When was she going to let him kiss her every time that he thought she was being cute? He met her sparkling eyes and forced himself to take it easy. “I’m glad that you agreed to come here with me, so we could talk about our rules.”
She was in the middle of taking a drink when he said that. Poor timing on his part, because she choked on her giggle. “Nash! You’re so naughty! Your momma must’ve had her hands full raising her mischievous twins!”
