I growl in frustration as I feel a hand land on my shoulder. Glancing over, I see Archer standing next to me. “Don’t worry, brother. We’re all family here. We’re not going to move in on your girl.”
“Speak for yourself,” Rushton says, standing on my other side.
My head whips around to glare at my brother. He tosses his head back in laughter, but I don’t find anything about this the least bit funny.
“Deacon, we’re going on three,” the DJ explains. “One. Two. Three!”
Deacon swings his arm in the air and lets the garter fly. I glance over to see Alyssa watching me. Her eyes widen as something hits me in the face. I quickly grab the garter and look around. The guys all pat me on the back and congratulate me, and all I can think about is her.
Alyssa.
“Uncle Sterling! You won!” Blakely launches herself at me. I catch her with ease, letting her wrap her legs around my waist. “Momma says that whoever wins gets a wife next. Who’s gonna be your wife?” she asks. I part my lips to tell her I’m not getting a wife when she starts again. “I know!” She places both of her hands on my cheeks. “Your Tink can be your wife. She’s really pretty, isn’t she, Uncle Sterling?”
My throat is thick, and my reply never comes as the DJ speaks. “Mr. and Mrs. Setty would like the two lucky winners to join them on the dance floor.”
“That’s you,” Orrin says. He reaches for Blakely, and she goes to him willingly, talking about her new baby cousin and how excited she is. Orrin puts his hand on my back and pushes me toward Alyssa as she slowly walks in my direction.
“Silly traditions,” she says, smiling and stretching her arms to place her hands around my neck. I’m a foot taller than her, so it’s a stretch. Luckily those sandals have a little heel on them, making this easier for her.
My hands span her hips as I pull her a little closer. “I guess we’re the lucky ones, huh?” I ask, peering down at her.
“I’d say yes, but you know they’re going to look at this as more than what it is.”
“What is it?”
“A wedding tradition. Two people standing in the right places at the right time.”
I nod. “Or maybe it’s something else.” I let the words hang between us. She doesn’t reply, but it’s because she doesn’t have time to. Maverick and Merrick come up to us and start dancing around us, being their goofy selves, and part of me is pissed at them taking this time from us, but there’s an even bigger part of me that’s relieved. I don’t need my entire family watching as I take my shot with my best friend.
The night moves on, and I have to watch as all of my single brothers dance with her. The ones who are married only have eyes for their wives, but the others, they’re all too willing to grind up on her. They know it’s pissing me off, but I can’t say that’s the only reason they’re doing it.
Everyone is having a great time, laughing and dancing, and there are only three single ladies to the single men. Actually, scratch that. Make it one. Heath is here with Piper, and Ryder has been attached to Jordyn’s hip since they walked through the door. It’s not like my brothers have options.
I still don’t like it.
When it’s finally time to go home, Alyssa is more than a little tipsy, and she’s all smiles. “Tank!” she calls out for me.
“You called?” I tease, pushing her hair out of her eyes. She leans into me.
“You smell nice,” she says.
I bend my head. “So do you,” I whisper in her ear.
“Oh, no. You can’t do that.” She wobbles on her feet, and I tighten my grip to steady her.
“Can’t do what?” I ask.
“You can’t talk all sexy. It confuses me.”
“What are you confused about?”
“Kisses and friendships, and all the things,” she slurs, waving her hand in the air.
“I think it’s time I get you home.”
She tilts her head all the way back and grins. “My Tank always takes care of me.”
I’m not going to lie. Her calling me her Tank does things to me. My cock thickens behind my zipper, and my heart thinks it’s now a gymnast as it flips over in my chest. I swallow thickly. “I’ll always take care of you.”