Page 15 of Knot what I want for Christmas
Of course, it is at this moment precisely that the cowboy from the field – looking somehow hotter than he did several hours ago – pushes his way through the crowd and joins us.
“Hey,” he says, tipping his hat in a way that makes my stomach flip.
I suck on the lime desperately, blinking furiously, tears streaming down my cheeks.
Crap.
Chapter Six
Tucker
“I think the lady needs some water,” I tell Travis.
The Omega starts shaking her head desperately.
“Oh no, I’m fine,” she chokes out, although she’s sucking on that lime so violently, it’s giving me ideas.
I nod my head to Travis and he fills a glass from the tap, handing it to me. I offer it to the omega. She spits out the lime into her hand and gulps the water furiously.
“Not a big drinker, I take it,” I say.
“She used to be,” Annie says from beside her friend.
“I guess I’m out of practice,” the Omega says. She swipes her fingers under her eyes and blinks up at me. “You’re the cowboy from the field.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say, tipping my hat. “Tucker.” I hold out my hand.
“Hollie,” she says, sliding her hand into mine. It’s small and soft and warm, and I have a violent urge to pull the little thing right against my body, sweep her up into my arms, throw her in my truck, and drive her straight back to the cabin.
Nash wasn’t lying. For once, he wasn’t exaggerating. The little thing sure is cute. Cute and pretty. Shit, I’d even go as far as saying she’s beautiful – all big blue eyes, long eyelashes, rosy cheeks, and plush lips just dying to be kissed.
“And what’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” I ask.
“Annie,” she says. “She’s always been a bad influence on me.”
“Have not,” Annie says. “It was you who once convinced me to sneak into that music festival without paying, and you who nearly got us arrested for public exposure on the beach when you decided we should sunbathe topless.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hollie says, giggling.
I can’t help smiling at the girl. Even her giggle is darn cute. I motion to the shot of tequila. “Is that yours too?”
She nods, and I pick it up in my hand.
“Hey,” she says. “You’re not stealing that, are you?”
“I wasn’t planning on stealing it,” I say. “I was planning on saving you from it. I’m not sure you can take another.”
“I’ve only had one,” she says.
“Plus the two glasses of wine on the airplane,” Annie helpfully reminds her.
“That was hours ago,” Hollie says, shaking her hand in my direction. “Sure, I can handle it.”
“Okay,” I say, “but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I watch as she sprinkles salt on the back of her hand, sliding her tongue along it – an action that’s giving me another set of ideas. Then she tips that tequila down her throat, and with her eyes slammed shut, gropes around for her mauled piece of lime. I reach over the bar, find a fresh piece, and press it straight into her mouth. She opens her eyes, blinking up at me, because, well, my fingers are now in her mouth.
“Not bad,” I say.
