Crave (The Gibson Boys 3)

They’re tall, fit, and definitely not from Linton. One has on a button-down with the top two buttons undone, the other dons a polo shirt that shows off his physique. Their hair is perfectly imperfect with a nice, straight trim along the back of their necks and their fancy watches catch what little light there is overhead.

They laugh the kind of laugh that makes you sad you didn’t hear what was said. Their smiles make you jealous of the women in their lives. Their confidence reminds me of Machlan, but in a more polished kind of way.

“Know them?” Navie asks.

“Nope.”

“It’s my job to see if they want a drink, right?” Navie giggles.

“Yeah, if you can do it without giggling like a little girl,” I tease.

“What are we giggling about?” Peck slides into the stool in front of Navie. “What did I miss?”

“I’m not telling you anything since you let Molly order you around,” I say.

“I did not.”

“You did too.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Navie? Did he or not?”

She grabs an order pad and shoves it in the front of her apron. “I’m not getting into it. Instead, I’m going to get back to work.”

She walks away without looking back. Peck watches her in confusion.

I grab my water bottle and twist off the lid, but before I can raise it to my lips, a hard body is pressed behind me. I start to jump but stop when I smell the heavenly scent of Machlan.

My arms go weak as all the blood in my body rushes to my head. The bottle slips from my fingers, but Machlan catches it before it falls.

His breath heats the shell of my ear. “How do you feel?”

I nod, knowing I’m bending my neck for his use but unable to help it. A live wire running through my body both electrifies and freezes me at the same time. “Feels organic.”

Waiting for him to touch me is hard. Anticipating the zing of energy across my skin is frustrating. Not having it happen is infuriating. All I get is a little snicker as a response.

I turn to face him, but he steps away. With a wink that I feel between my legs, he rounds the bar.

“Machlan,” I call after him.

He stops. “Yeah?”

I let my eyes drift down his body before bringing it back up to his face. “You okay?”

His tongue rolls around the inside of his cheek. Nodding and fighting a grin, he proceeds to the end of the bar.

I love this feeling. Seeing how I affect him feels powerful but allowing myself to feel him affect me is even more so.

I’ve second-guessed every decision I’ve made for years—probably my entire life. I can’t think of a time I let my guard down and didn’t feel like I was swaying on my feet from the first moment after.

Machlan looks at something Navie shows him on a notepad. He’s so kind to her, patient as he goes through the protocol or whatever he’s explaining. I love this side of him. I love even more when he pauses midsentence and looks my way.

He nods toward the water bottle in front of me and grins. I roll my eyes, lifting the bottle and taking a drink. This makes him laugh. That makes my heart soar.

“Anyone wanna tell me why—” Peck is cut off by Walker’s hands resting on his shoulders. “Hey, Walk.”

“Hey.” Walker looks at me. “What’s up, Hadley?”

“Not much.” I grin at Machlan’s older brother. He’s a darker, slightly heavier version of Machlan with just as much piss and vinegar.

Sienna, his girlfriend that I’ve met once before, comes up to his side. She gives Peck and me a little wave.

“Hey, Slugger,” Peck says. “Any chance you could make some blueberry muffins for breakfast on Monday—ouch!” He rubs the back of his head where Walker smacked him. “What’s that for?”

“She’s not your maid. Or your girlfriend. Fucker.” Walker scowls.

Sienna laughs. “I’ll make you something and sneak it in.”

“That’s why I love, er, appreciate you so much,” Peck says, ducking another smack.

“We’re gonna sit in the back,” Walker cuts in. “Sienna’s family is in town to check me out, make sure I’m not a serial killer.”

“They are not,” she insists. “My sister and her husband are watching Deacon Love fight in Chicago tonight, so a couple of my brothers hitched a ride and are staying with us.”

“As I was saying, if you two want to sit with us, you’re welcome to. Actually, I’d appreciate it if you did.”

Sienna splays a hand on Walker’s stomach. “I’m going to go find my brothers before Lincoln meets Machlan on his own. I feel like a buffer needs to be there when that happens. Linc’s already had a couple of shots.”

“Yeah, go.” Walker sighs. “I’ll be back there in a minute.”

Once she’s gone, Walker stretches his neck. “Pretty cool guys but they fuckin’ talk all the damn time.”