Wanting Forever (A Nelson Island Novel) by Diana Gardin

and the beer cooling him down again, he finally began to feel more like himself and less like a horny, emotional wreck.
      
    Aston admitted to herself that watching Sam almost lose his stellar control was exhilarating. She’d arrived moments before he had, and when she saw him pull up on his bike she hadn’t been able to resist waiting for him. His reaction to her outfit was expected; his reaction to her boots was not.
    Most of the guys were slurring their words. Except for Sam and Blaze. Sam had stopped after a single shot of tequila; Blaze never seemed out of control, no matter how much he drank. Now Aston, Ashley, and Tamara were rolling their eyes watching Reed, Tate, and Princeton act like idiots.
    A pretty brunette was taking up residence in Reed’s lap, and he whispered into her ear. He’d found her the last time he’d been up to the bar to get a round of drinks. He’d included hers in the round as well.
    Aston watched in disgust as the girl laughed at something Reed said while he nuzzled her neck. Her tank top dipped low as he brought his arms around to cup one of her breasts. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Somehow, Aston kept herself from gagging.
    “Sam!” Reed called, looking up from the brunette. “You need another shot.”
    “I’m driving tonight, Reed. No more drinks. I’m all done.”
    “But you gotta prepare, man. Your girl is coming this weekend.” He glanced at Aston. “And I’m sure you need to let off some steam before that happens.”
    Princeton caught the glance and rose from the table on unsteady feet. “What the fuck are you looking at Aston for, Reed?”
    Reed scoffed. “She’s my sister. I’ll look at her however I want, Prince.”
    Aston’s head jerked toward Sam. “What’s he talking about, Sam?”
    Sam sighed. “Nothing.”
    Princeton looked from Aston to Sam and back again. He threw his hands in the air and headed for the bar.
    “Stupid slut,” he muttered over his shoulder as he went.
    Sam was on his feet so fast Aston barely had time to take in the insult.
    “What did you just call her?” His voice was low, and laced with deadly calm.
    “The way you two are always looking at each other. I’m not an idiot, man.” The alcohol in Princeton made him stupid enough to take a step back toward the table.
    “I don’t care what the fuck you think is going on. It’s not. You don’t deserve her, but since you got her, you’re one lucky asshole. But don’t ever let me hear you call her a name like that again.”
    “Or what, Waters?”
    Aston stood. “Stop it, Prince. That was shitty. I haven’t done anything to deserve it. You’re cut off for the night.”
    Princeton turned and jerked Aston toward him. “Then let’s go. I want to leave with you. Now.” He began pulling her toward the door.
    Blaze quickly stepped in front of Sam as he started to follow.
    “You’re going to let him treat her that way?” Sam leveled an angry glare at Blaze, his voice lifting to be heard over the din of the bar.
    “Chill, Sam,” Blaze warned. “Those two go at it like this all the time. You don’t need to stand in their way. Aston’s got this. She always does.”
    Sam pushed Blaze’s arm off of him. “I won’t watch it, man. I don’t care how strong she is. No woman should have to put up with that shit.”
    He walked toward the door that Princeton and Aston had just exited.
    “Aston!” His voice echoed in the still, warm air.
    She turned, still grasped in Princeton’s hands.
    “Back off, Sam,” she called.
    Princeton wrapped his arm around Aston’s neck, dragging her lithe body halfway toward the ground.
    Sam reached them in two strides. “Oh, now you want to touch her? Get the fuck off her. Now.”
    He wrenched Princeton’s arm free of Aston, shoved Princeton backward, and pushed her behind him.
    “You’re trashed. You need to go home. I’ll go get Blaze. Aston’s not driving you tonight.”
    Princeton looked furious. “Really, A? You’re