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“I just want to be with you. I don’t care about the rest.”
My chest does that tightening thing that happens when she’s around, and it’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that I love her. In fact, I have to bite down on my cheek to keep the words from spilling out of my mouth. This isn’t the place or time to confess something like that. I need to be where I can take her in my arms and hold her, make love to her when that happens. “Done.” One more kiss and I turn to join her cousins and my sister at their rowdy table.
“There he is,” Brooks calls out. “Did she finally let you off of your leash?” he teases.
“Unfortunately.” I laugh. I can take their ribbing all day long. I’m very aware that I’m gone over this woman, and I have zero fucks to give about it. I’d rather be sitting on that stool close to her than here at this table with them.
“Stop.” Palmer pushes on Brooks’s arm, and he laughs but doesn’t say anything else.
“So, what’s the plan?”
“We’re thinking of driving to Harris and doing some ax throwing at the new indoor go-kart place, Karting Express. They have the karts, ax throwing, a bar, and an arcade.”
“Sounds good.”
“Don’t you need to ask your girl?” Orrin teases.
“He doesn’t,” Ramsey says from beside me. She places her hand on my shoulder. “I already told him if he was in, so was I.”
I turn to look at her. “Are you taking your break?”
“Yeah. I ordered us food. I can change it if you want, but I just got you a burger and fries.”
“That’s fine, babe. Thank you.” I scoot back and tap my thigh. “Sit.” She does as I ask, and I wrap my arms around her. Damn, this turned out better than us getting a table together to eat during her breaks.
“This looks like it’s going well,” Orrin says, nodding in our direction.
“It is,” Ramsey answers. She turns to look at me over her shoulder, and I place a kiss on the corner of her mouth. “What are we doing tomorrow?” she asks me.
“Oh, we’re going to Karting Express,” Palmer answers for me. “They have ax throwing, and I’ve been dying to try it.”
“Sounds fun.”
“Who’s riding with who?” Palmer asks.
“We’re going on our own,” I speak up.
“You can ride with us,” Archer tells her.
“Don’t think you boys can let me tag along so I’ll be your designated driver,” Palmer says.
“It’s my turn.” Rushton raises his hand.
“You really take turns?” Palmer asks.
“Yep. That’s the best way to ensure we’re all home safe.”
“What happens when you all go?”
“Well, the twins are still too young, so there’s never more than seven of us.”
“And all seven of you pile in your pickups?” she asks.
“Nah, if all of us go, we take two, and there are two DDs.”
“Well, fine, if you need me to do it, I will.”
“You give in to them too easily,” Ramsey tells her.
“I’d rather volunteer to do it than have to depend on these goons to get me home safely.”
“Hello? Older brother here.” I point to my chest. “I’m not drinking since I’m driving.”
“Then you should just let me ride with you.”
“Can’t. Date-night rules,” I tell her. I expect ribbing for the comment, but surprisingly the guys all remain quiet.
“Since your date night is with my bestie, I’ll let that slide.” Palmer winks at Ramsey, who I’m sure is smiling at my sister’s antics.
“Hey, Ramsey, order up!” Tabitha yells from behind the bar.
“I’ll be right back.”
“You need help?” I ask.
“Yes. You can carry the drinks.”
Standing, I follow her and grab our drinks while she grabs our basket of food. I take my seat and pull her onto my lap.
“You need both hands to eat.”
“I’m just fine where I am.” She shakes her head but doesn’t argue as she begins to eat her food.
Her thirty-minute break goes by way too fast, and all too soon, she’s leaving my lap to go back to work. “I’ll come to see you before I leave.”
“Okay.” She bends down and hesitates for a brief second before following through, placing a gentle kiss on my lips.
“Don’t be paying my tab either,” I call after her.
She ignores me like I knew that she would. She’s paid for my tab a few times, so I’ve just shoved money into her tip jar. I like knowing that I can take care of her.
I sit while everyone else eats, and when they head home, I give my sister a hug, telling her to text me when she gets home, and make my way back to the bar.
“Hey, are you heading out?” Ramsey asks.
“I thought I’d sit with you for a few more minutes. They monopolized my time.”
“Deacon, go home. You’ve worked all day. And you have to be up early tomorrow.”
