Page 102 of Wild Embers
Jumping to my feet, I tuck in my chair and plant an unexpected kiss on Blake’s cheek. “I’m sorry, Butterfly, but I’ll make it up to you.”
I leave Blake with her mouth hanging open as I head straight for the microphone and remove the guitar Wes pointed out from its case. Slinging the strap over my shoulder, I give each string a good pluck and tune the ones that sound off.
A quick glance shows me that Blake still gapes in my direction, and her forehead is wrinkled in surprise.
When I’m ready, I step up to the mic and tap on the grill. “This thing on?” My voice echoes through the bar and draws the attention of every single person, and the one woman I want to notice me isn’t looking anywhere else but me.
My introduction is announced to everyone, but I keep my eyes locked with a set of mocha-colored irises. “This is for a special someone.”
I easily fall into a rhythm, strumming my fingers across the strings and moving my other fingers over the fretboard. The tones that flow from my instrument perfectly complement the words and pitch I free from my soul.
The song is one of devotion—it’s a promise.
With every verse and chorus, I ask her to stay. It’s a big ask, I know, but I’ll always regret it if I don’t.
Somewhere during the second verse, Timberline disappears, and there’s only Blake.
Blake’s hands cover her nose and mouth as tears well up in her eyes, and instantly, I know they’re tears of affection.
When the last notes fade into the crowd, a tear drops from the corner of Blake’s eye and disappears into her hands.
Applause, whistles, and cheers erupt from the audience. I lean the guitar against the back wall and stride for Blake, overlooking the various calls for my attention.
There’s only one person I want right now.
When I’m a few steps away, Blake leaps from her seat, and I catch her in my arms. She moves her lips over mine, pouring passion into each swipe of her tongue.
More whoops and hollers ring out around us.
When she pulls back, I question with a smug grin, “Does that mean I’m off the list?”
In lieu of a verbal answer, she kisses me again.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
Blake nestles closer as our kiss becomes more heated.
I pull back, trying my best not to laugh at the way she frowns.
“If we keep going right here, Walker is going to have to arrest me for public indecency and lewd conduct.”
“Then take me somewhere.” Blake flashes me a smirk. “Now.”
My brows lift. “Now?”
“Right now,” she confirms.
The crowd around us has dispersed, and I glance around the bar, searching for a place to go.
My eyes accidentally meet Santiago’s as he mouths the word “bathroom.”
Snagging Blake’s hand, I head in that direction. “Follow me.”
“Whatever you say,” Blake replies enticingly.
I stride past the bar and down the narrow hall. At the end are two clearly marked doors, each leading to individual bathrooms.
The first is locked, but the second swings open.
