Page 65 of The Story We Wrote

“I know. That’s why I wore it,” I replied, savoring his mouth on my skin.

“Dirty girl,” he groaned, and I laughed as we swayed back and forth.

Mac finally freed up and made his way directly towards us, groans and boos came from some of the other people waiting.

“Take it easy,” Mac scoffed. “This lovely couple is just as thirsty.” He smiled at us and leaned closer to talk over the music. “These people, man, I’m telling you.”

“Can I get a Banquet and a tequila sunrise?” Boone ordered for us. I love that he knew what drink I was going to order.

“You got it.” Mac nodded and headed to the well on the opposite side. I glanced down at my phone to check the time. She must’ve been reading my mind because Penny finally walked in the door. If there was one thing about her that I’d want everyone to know, it would be that she was never on time for anything.

Seeing her, I could understand why. Penny was dressed to impress. She wore her long chestnut hair in loose curls and a bandana on her head, flat and tied with pieces framing her face, which matched her bodycon bright printed dress. She wore low nude heels, which was not like her. She was trying to getsomeone’sattention.

Rhodes and Logan chose not to come, and Theo stayed home because the baby wanted Hot Cheetos and a movie instead.

When Penny saw me, I waved my hand in the air to call her over. Her face lit up as she jogged over towards Boone and me.

Breaking from his hold, I hugged Penny. “You made it!”

“I had to look good!” she whispered in my ear, tilting her head towards her target behind the bar.

“I figured. Hurry, get up here so you can order.” I pushed her towards the bar to take our standing spot.

Standing wasn’t what Penny had in mind because she leaned over to the gentleman sitting at the stool closest to us and mumbled something in his ear. The man smiled and stood instantly, heading to the other side of the bar. Boone and I exchanged a look, which Penny saw and giggled.

“I told him that hot blonde over there was into him and he should shoot his shot.”

I barked out a laugh while Boone shook his head and said, “That’s impressive.”

“A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.” She shrugged and took his seat. I knew she would be here all night just to catch a moment with Mac.

Mac returned with our drinks and said he was leaving the tab open. I patted Penny on the shoulder as Boone and I made our way to the dance floor. When I glanced back, Mac was fully leaning over the bar, inches away from Penny. She was doing the thing with her hair, twirling it around her finger. That girl was determined, something else I’d want people to know about her.

Boone took my free hand and spun me around, my ass now against his front. I started grinding against him with my drink in my hand. His free arm came around my front and held me closer to him. Between the atmosphere and the music, I was having a blast. Dancing with Boone song after song had me panting by the time we finished our first drink.

Glancing over at Penny and Mac who were still talking. I was pretty sure that man forgot he had a job to do.

“Let’s go check on them and get a shot,” Boone said, leaning his head closer to my ear. I nodded and stepped away from his hold.

On instinct, I grabbed his hand and interlaced our fingers together. He squeezed back as I guided him towards the bar.

Standing next to Penny, her attention was fully on Mac, who was now helping a couple of guests at the other end of the bar.

“Earth to Penelope!” I shouted, waving my hand in her face.

Penny shook her head like she was coming out of a daze. “Sorry, he’s just so mesmerizing,” she said, laying her head on her hand like she was daydreaming.

“Just ask him to hook up already,” I pushed, wanting her to pull the band-aid off.

“No!” she squealed. “I have to be cool about it. If I come on too strong, he may run.” Shaking my head, I smiled to myself.

“Let’s get a shot, calm those nerves.” I winked and nudged her with my arm. “I’d like that,” she sighed.

When Mac finally returned, Dudley was nowhere to be found.

“That fucking bastard left me here alone,” Mac cursed, lining up a row of shot glasses. The bar was finally calming down now that everyone was served. Most of the crowd funnels out after nine or so since it’s an older clientele.

“We’ll take a round of the dealer’s choice,” Boone said, leaning over me. Mac smiled and held up a finger. He spun around, grabbed a bottle of Buffalo Trace, and filled the glasses to the brim.

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