Page 119 of The Way We Touch

“It’s going to be so cute!” Allie coos.

“Rehearsals have been hilarious, that’s for sure,” I say, “But everybody loves it when the little kids run around and shake their tails.”

I carefully put the pepper in a plastic bag and label it with a TS before tossing it into the freezer and disposing of my gloves. Then I step to the sink and rub coconut oil all over my fingers, hands, and nails before washing them with dish soap.

“Let’s get out there and do this,” I call, glancing at the clock.

“Best welcome home party ever.” Garrett laughs, grabbing a blond wig and Santa hat and wrapping an apron around his waist like a dress. “What’s our song, Cray?”

“You’ll see.”

They head out, and I hang back when Logan levels his eyes on me. He only has a slight limp when he walks to where I’m standing by the table. “Good surprise?”

“Second-best Christmas present ever.” I place my hands on his shoulders.

His chin lifts, and he frowns. “What’s the first?”

“Having you here with me.” I stretch higher to kiss his lips. “Seeing you smile like you’re happy and not pissed at the world.”

“I’m very happy to be here with you.”

He leans down to seal his lips to mine, and I part them, curling my tongue with his. A groan is in his throat, and he pulls back. “Do we have to stay for the Dare dish?”

Craig’s voice on the mic reaches us. “Dylan’s got a special surprise for you all this Christmas. Get out here, Danger!”

I look over my shoulder and back at him, giving him a little smile. “Sounds like a yes.”

Warmth is in his eyes as he looks down at me. “We can’t keep your fans waiting. Except that little Oliver Duck kid. I think he has his eye on my girl.”

“Oliver Duck.” I shake my head, laughing. “That kid is something else.”

Our fingers are entwined as we exit the kitchen, going into the full dining hall that’s decorated with colorful Christmas lights, balsam wreaths, and red cinnamon candles.

Everyone is dressed up in ugly Christmas sweaters, and I see Rachel sitting in a booth with Miss Gina. I wave at her, and she smiles and waves back, leaning down to whisper in Miss Gina’s ear.

Zane stands at the back wall, not too far from where she sits, doing his very best to act like he doesn’t notice her. He’s in a navy sweater and jeans. His square jaw is set, and his arms are crossed. Still, I catch his blue eyes drifting to where they’re sitting.

Kimmie is on the bar with Garrett and Craig, and the waitresses are wearing headbands with reindeer antlers and lights on them.

Allie reads off the warnings for Trinidad scorpion. “As always, water or beer will not put out the fire. We have vanilla ice cream and honey stations if you need them in the back.”

The lights change to red and green, and Craig hits the button. A driving baseline starts right away, and I laugh when I recognize the intro to “Disco Inferno.”

Logan has me around the waist, and we start to sway. Customers line up, doing funny disco moves as they make their way to the front to try out the fiery guacamole.

It’s a hilarious, Christmas dance party, and Logan leans down to my ear. “Will you get on the bar for me?”

The hunger in his tone sends a flush of heat from stomach to my core. My nipples tighten, and I turn to face him. I’d never danced sexy, until I started dating a football star hotter than every pepper on the Scoville scale.

Rocking my hips, I shimmy, pointing to him with a naughty grin as I make my way to the bar. Everyone’s dancing, and I’m about to hop up beside my big brother when the back door opens.

Two men enter the restaurant frowning, and all my sexy thoughts freeze in my chest.

29

Logan

Garrett hops off the bar with a heavy thud. He whips off the wig and apron, and his voice is a low growl. “What the fuck is he doing here?”

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