Page 70 of Promise Me Never

“Or Janey and Sam are distracting everyone enough with their arguing that they haven’t noticed.”

“That, too.” A real smile graces her lips.

The tightness in my chest eases just a bit in response.

* * *

Today was almost perfect.

Actually, it was perfect until Eli and Amber came shrieking with excitement into the kitchen screaming about getting approval for their first choice in apartments. Amber was over the moon, and I could see the happiness in Eli’s eyes, but it was mixed with apprehension. The apartment was the most expensive option.

I wish I could tell her not to worry, that by the time we get back to the ranch, she’ll have an email informing her of the scholarship she’s been granted. Instead, I just watch with amusement as they jump around and pop a bottle of champagne. It was all fun until Janey suggested we go out to celebrate.

Now I’m in a cramped corner of an overcrowded country western bar watching the girls own the middle of the dance floor. It took all the willpower I have in my body to bite my tongue when Amber and Eli came downstairs in nearly identical mini dresses. Eli’s curves are all I could see as she walked into the kitchen; the navy material of her dress literally clings to every inch of her body. She’s wearing a pair of ridiculously cute cowboy boots and has her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

She’s the most gorgeous woman in the room.

Unfortunately I’m not the only one to notice that.

Sam, Colt, and I are all sitting around the table facing the dance floor to keep an eye on the girls. I bring the bottle of beer in my hand to my lips, watching as a couple guys move closer to them.

“How long until they try something?” Sam asks, sipping his whiskey and coke.

“If they know what’s best for them, never.” I set the bottle down on the sticky, oak table.

“I think we should let the girls have fun. As far as I know, Eli is still on her mission, right?” Colt glances at me out of the corner of his eye.

Instead of answering I clench my jaw, only relaxing it to take a drink. I watch as the guys circle our girls like sharks seeking prey. One of them leans down to say something in Amber’s ear. She laughs and shakes her head.

The other one slides between Janey and Eli. He looks at my sister first, saying something that hardens her eyes and shakes her head. I’ve been on the receiving end of that same look and am momentarily proud of her until he turns his attention to Eli.

My hand grips my bottle so hard it feels like I could crush it in my palm. I am being tested tonight. Our server stops at the table, blocking my view of the girls. We order another round for us and them. Colt decides it’s a perfect time to flirt, driving my irritation higher as I shift to be able to see them.

Unfortunately a huge group of women with bachelorette sashes has descended on the dance floor, and now our view is fully blocked by writhing bodies. Eli is so short I’ve lost sight of her, but I do see my sister’s blue hair. Thank fuck for her love of vivid hair colors. I locate Amber next, she’s got at least five inches on Eli, so she’s easy enough to spot.

The crowd shifts giving me a few seconds glimpse of Eli, and what I see launches me off of my barstool. It clatters to the floor behind me. His hand was on her ass. Her hands were shoving at his chest, and her brows drawn in angry slashes.

“Oh fuck,” Sam mutters behind me.

“I’ll pay our tab,” Colt chuckles, knowing I’m about to start throwing punches.

I can’t stop myself. I wouldn’t even if I wanted to. You never put your hands on a woman who doesn’t consent. End of.

The crowd parts for me as if sensing my intent and wanting no part of it. The guy sneers down at Eli, his face in hers as she holds her ground. My fist is already formed as my other hand grabs his shirt, pulling his attention from her to me. His glassy eyes widen a fraction right before my knuckles make contact with his face.

“What the fuck, man?” he says as he straightens. He glances to his buddy who puts his hands up and steps back like a fucking coward.

“Don’t ever put your hands on a woman like that again.”

“Looked like she was asking for it.”

I start to move forward, but Sam grips my bicep and holds me back.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Amber glowers at him.

“You two are dressed like a couple of whores. Had a twenty in my pocket and thought I could take one or both of you for a ride.”

“Oh fuck.” Sam drops my arm. “Beat his ass. I got your back.”

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