Cowboy Take Me Away by Soraya Lane Page A

okay?”
    â€œDamn, we were either really drunk when we used to order these or I was a more seasoned straight liquor drinker.”
    â€œBoth,” he said, grimacing for her as she finished it and slammed the glass down on the bar.
    â€œWhoa. That burned out all the cobwebs.”
    â€œAnother?” Chase asked.
    â€œI think we need to eat first. If I drink any more on an empty stomach you’ll regret asking me out.”
    Chase nodded to the bartender again and smiled his thanks when he saw the small booth tucked away in the corner was free. It might just be a burger and beer joint, but who the hell said it couldn’t be romantic?
    â€œCome on, let’s go,” he said, stepping off his stool and holding out a hand to her. It was a genuine gesture, something they’d have done without thinking when they’d been more familiar with each other, but she surprised him by pressing her palm to his and bumping into him as they walked.
    *   *   *
    Hope’s head was spinning and it wasn’t just from the alcohol. Being with Chase again was like finding a favorite pair of jeans and realizing that they still fit like a glove. Only Chase was no worn old pair of jeans. The weight of his hand in hers, the strength of his big body beside her, the flash of those dark eyes as he gave her a glance—only Chase could have that effect on her. Everything about him screamed masculinity, even the too-long hair that should have made him look scruffy but instead had the reverse effect—he looked like a Roman gladiator with his curly locks falling past his ears.
    They settled into the booth, her going one way and Chase the other, only to end up side by side, thighs brushing. She tried to ignore the sensation of his jeans-clad leg against hers and found it impossible.
    â€œSo what’ll it be?”
    Hope flipped open the menu and studied it, tipping her head to the side as she considered her options. “Let me guess. You’re having the Rodeo Burger. There’s no chance you’d turn down a Black Angus burger.”
    â€œAm I so predictable?” Chase asked with one eyebrow raised.
    Heat flooded her body, those words taking her back in time. She was certain he’d said something like that before she’d ripped off his shirt, popping every button before covering his skin with her mouth. And her tongue. And her … She took a deep breath. The truth was she’d missed a lot about Chase, but it was the physical element of their relationship that flooded her memory banks.
    â€œI think I’ll have the Rodeo Tortilla Salad,” she murmured, ignoring his question.
    â€œWhat, no fries for you?”
    There was a twinkle in his gaze that made butterflies dance in her belly again. “Can’t I steal some of yours? Or don’t you like sharing anymore?”
    They were seated side by side but Chase’s body was angled just enough so he could stare at her, and she didn’t let him have the upper hand, matching the heat and intensity of his gaze with her own. There was no point ignoring it or pretending it wasn’t there—the sexual chemistry between them was palpable and she doubted anyone could spend time with them and not notice it.
    As if on cue Chase’s thigh became firmer against hers, pressed from her knee to her hip, his hand leaving the menu to slide down the table, his fingers nudging hers.
    â€œHope…”
    â€œ Chase ?” The connection between them was broken as a shrill, drunken voice echoed out. Hope saw the change in Chase’s face, watched his eyes go from open to wary to downright pissed. She finally looked away from him and at the woman standing in front of their table, her long, manicured pink nails drumming a beat on the timber top.
    â€œWell, well, Chase King. This why you cancelled on me tonight?”
    Hope sighed. This was definitely their college days repeating themselves all over