Read Online Cowboy Take Me Away by Soraya Lane - Free Book Online Page B

nails into her palm. As soon as she got home she was calling Lisa, even if it was the middle of the night.
    *   *   *
    â€œTequila,” Chase announced. “We need tequila.”
    He held out a hand for Hope to grab on to, grinning when she took hold. He tugged her from the booth and dragged her toward the bar.
    â€œI really don’t think this is a good idea,” Hope said, shaking her head when Chase pulled out a vacant barstool for her. “I’m not a seasoned drinker like you.”
    â€œYou used to be.”
    â€œYeah, well, that was a long time ago.”
    â€œAnd it would be a shame not to make use of the tequila bar.”
    Chase chuckled and leaned forward to order, standing close beside Hope so they could talk over the loud music. He nudged her thigh as he stared down into eyes that seemed to see straight through him. Hope had always had the uncanny ability to make him tell her anything, to bring out the best in him, but it had always made him want her so bad it had taken all his willpower not to proposition her on a daily basis. And what had he done? He’d gritted his damn teeth and pretended like he was fine with them just being friends. But that was then and this was now—and now he didn’t wait around when he knew what he wanted.
    The shots arrived and he ran his tongue over his lips, moistening the skin that seemed to go dry every time his eyes locked on Hope’s mouth. Fuck, he wanted to kiss her. Instead he slammed one palm down on the bar, grabbed the drink, and downed it, watching from the corner of his eye as she did the same.
    â€œNot so hard, was it?”
    She giggled. Hope only ever giggled when she was drunk, and it was so goddamn cute.
    â€œNo more,” she protested. “My head’s going to kill me in the morning.”
    â€œTake ibuprofen before bed. You’ll be fine.” Chase waved to the bartender that they wanted two more and spun her barstool around so she was facing him. When her knees fell apart he stepped in, knowing he was taking a risk but not giving a damn. They were all grown up now—he wanted her, and if she felt the same, then nothing was gonna hold him back.
    â€œChase…”
    â€œJust pick up your drink.”
    Hope did as she was told, gingerly collecting the next tiny glass and taking a shoulder-raising breath.
    â€œFor old times’ sake,” he suggested, holding up his arm and waiting for her to link with him so they could drink at the same time.
    They knocked glasses and he smiled at her, a long, slow smile that spread across his lips just from being near her. All this time, all these years, and he knew he’d still do anything for her, even if things were different now.
    â€œBottom’s up,” he murmured.
    Hope didn’t miss a beat, drinking her tequila down as fast as he did, only she was gasping afterward like she’d just swallowed fire and he was laughing. Admittedly, he and his brothers drank a lot of straight whiskey, so he was used to the burn.
    â€œHave I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Chase nudged Hope’s thighs farther apart, just enough so that he was standing within the triangle of her legs, up close in her space. He finally gave in and reached for her hair, wrapping a long strand around his fingers. Chase bent his head so he could press his forehead to hers.
    â€œDo you try that line on all your women?”
    He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “No. Not all women are beautiful like you are.”
    â€œToo smooth, Chase. Too smooth,” she murmured, only just loud enough for him to hear.
    â€œWhat would you say if I kissed you?” He couldn’t take his eyes off her lips now, her hair still tangled around his fingers, her lips parted and plump.
    â€œDon’t, Chase.”
    â€œWhy not?” He raised his gaze, not letting her look away from him.
    â€œI just…”
    Chase waited, but she never