Page 4 of Colton

Marley extends her hand confidently. "Nice to meet you both."

My brothers exchange a quick glance before shaking her hand. "Likewise," Damien says with a smirk.

Brodie leans closer to Marley and winks. "You know we love to give Colton a hard time. Don't worry, we won't bite...unless he deserves it."

Marley laughs, clearly unfazed by their teasing. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling at their banter. They may be troublemakers, but they're family. And family means everything.

Damien plops down in the booth next to me while Brodie squeezes in next to Marley. "So, Marley," Damien starts, his tone overly casual. "What brings you to our humble little town in the middle of winter?"

Chapter 3

Marley

I lean forward, smiling at all three of the handsome brothers. My sister was right. This town is busting at the seams with attractive men. Damien and Brodie share Colton’s sharp jaw and dark hair, enough to guess they are brothers. Each one has a grin that would make most females swoon, but the only one that has my full attention is Colton.

"I've heard so much about Heart River that I had to see it for myself. And meet Nash, of course."

Damien raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Maddie and Nash, huh? Are they the ones who convinced Colton to go on a date?"

I laugh, nodding. "Yes, actually my sister can take credit for that. Colton claims he doesn’t go out much."

Brodie leans back in his seat, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "That's because our dear brother here is always too focused on work or his protective big-brother role. It's about time he let loose a little."

Colton shoots him a playful glare before turning his attention back to me. "Well, I'm glad I was the one Elise asked to make a delivery tonight."

My heart flutters at his words, warmth spreading through me.

Damien leans forward, curiosity evident in his eyes. "So, Marley, do you like to dance?”

“What?” I blink at him.

He stands and winks at me as he extends his hand. I see he’s just like my sister. It’s obvious he’s trying to goad Coalton into dancing with me.

With a quick glance to Colton, I smile at Damien. “I love to dance. Colton said he wasn’t interested, so this will be-”

“Oh hell no.” Colton’s deep voice bellows as he stands and bodily pushes Damien, swatting his hand away from mine. “I didn’t say I wasn’t interested, just that I don’t usually.”

He takes my hand and pulls me away from his brothers. I glance back to see them chuckling as Brodie gives me a thumbs-up.

Colton leads me to the middle of the dance floor, and I laugh with delight when he unexpectedly spins me around before pulling me against his hard, muscular chest.

My heart races with anticipation as I feel his body pressed against mine - so solid and strong. With every beat of the music, we sway side to side, his hips moving in time with mine. He smells like pine and sandalwood, and I inhale deeply, drinking it in.

I slip my arms around his neck instinctively, and his palms rest on my hips. His touch sends shivers down my spine.

We dance together for what feels like hours. I lose track of time, lost in the desire in his gaze every time our eyes connect. We stop a few times for drinks, and I can feel my inhibitions dissolving as our hips move together, his hands sliding lower.

During a slow song Colton leans down, bringing his lips against my ear.

“What is it about you? I feel like a different person tonight.” His breath on my skin sends a thrill down my spine, igniting a throbbing pulse between my legs. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

My heart skips a beat when he continues, “And I want to kiss you so badly I can’t see straight.”

I turn my head so my mouth is against his ear. “Then do it, big guy.”

He pulls me against him with a ferocity that makes me gasp. But my gasp is replaced by a moan as he brings his lips to mine in a kiss that sends wave after wave of need radiating from my core. My lips part as his tongue sweeps between them, and I lose myself in a heady rush of desire.

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