Keep It Simple (MMG Series Book 4) by R.B. Hilliard Page B

onto the stool. I pressed my leg against hers and turned to tell her shadow to get lost, but he was already scurrying back to his table. Smart boy.
    “Hi guys. How are you?” she asked.
    Bobby leaned his elbows on the bar next to her and I fought back a growl. Does he have to get so damn close to her? I openly glared at him and the fucker winked at me.
    Sarah looked back and forth between the two of us. “If you two are having a pissing contest, count me out.”
    Not able to help myself, I snagged her hand from the top of the bar. Her breath hitched when I laced our fingers together. She gave my hand a comforting squeeze and for the first time in two days, I felt myself relax. Sarah looked gorgeous tonight in a simple black sweater and jeans. It made me think of Alexandria and how insecure she used to get whenever we went out. No matter the occasion, Alexandria overdressed. Tonight she would have worn a cocktail dress and heels. Sarah was the type of woman who would look great wearing anything. She was nothing like Alexandria, thank God. The lip gloss that tasted like berries glistened on her perfect mouth and all I could think about was licking it off her lips.
    “Cas tells me you live in Scotland. What brings you to Charlotte?” Bobby asked.
    “My big brother is getting married this weekend.” she answered. I stroked my thumb over the top of her index finger and she shivered. Tiny pulses of electricity shot up my spine. I liked knowing I affected her as much as she did me.
    “Oh yeah? Does your family live here or just your brother?”
    Her smile faltered for a second. “It’s just my brother and me. My parents are both deceased.”
    I glared over at Bobby. Why the fifty questions? I didn’t need to know personal shit about her. As it was, she consumed way more of my head space than she should. I didn’t want to know she didn’t have parents. I didn’t need to hear her story. I couldn’t become invested in her even if I wanted to.
    “Hey Bob, didn’t you say you had someplace to be?” I knew I was being a total dick, but I needed him to shut the hell up.
    He gave me a hard stare. Then he straightened off the bar and said, “You are so right. I completely forgot. It was nice seeing you again, Sarah.”
    “You too, Bobby.” She smiled sweetly at him and, once again, I felt the urge to punch him.
    As he passed by me, he thumped the back of my head. “Thanks for picking up the tab. See you in the morning.” I tried to punch his leg, but he was too fast.
    “I should get back to my friends,” Sarah hesitantly said.
    Wait, what? Hell no.
    “Stay.” I squeezed her hand and her eyes lifted to mine. “Please?” I quietly asked. The song Smoke , by A Thousand Horses surrounded us and we both smiled. Like the other night, I found myself blurting shit I had no right saying. “You’ve been on my mind.”
    “Same here,” she admitted. I wanted to lean over and kiss her berry lips, but even more I wanted to take her home and repeat the other night.
    “Come home with me,” I told her, then mentally kicked myself. Subtle, Cas. At least let her have a few drinks before inviting her back for sex, dick weed.
    Her eyes darted over to the table where her friends were sitting. “Ummmm, I feel kind of bad for ditching Amanda,” she admitted.
    I didn’t want to be an asshole, but I was tired. I hadn’t slept for shit the past few nights and was fading fast. I didn’t have it in me to stay and watch those guys hit on her all night. I knew if I did, I’d end up kicking one if not both their asses. Letting go of her hand, I said, “Maybe tomorrow night, then.” I stood up and threw down some money. Then I turned and walked out the door. I made it half way across the parking lot when I heard,
    “Cas, wait!”
    I turned to see what she wanted and was nearly knocked off my feet when she jumped me. She wrapped her long legs around my waist and smiled down at me. I laughed out loud. Crazy girl.
    “I thought I’d