Ask Me Why by Marie Force Read Free Book Online

in a few short hours, she’d give anything to feel his arms around her. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep, thinking about everything tomorrow would bring and wishing he were here with her.
    *   *   *
    UP on the mountain, Will and Colton were the last ones standing after the others had passed out from the massive quantities of beer that had been consumed around the campfire, which was now down to embers.
    â€œAs your best man, it’s my job to recommend you hit the hay,” Colton said.
    â€œYeah, yeah. I’m wide awake, so there’s no point.”
    â€œWhat’re you thinking about?”
    â€œTruth?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œRemember the night of Nolan’s bachelor party up here?”
    â€œAs it was only a couple of months ago, I do remember.”
    â€œRemember what we did that night?”
    â€œYes . . .”
    â€œI’m thinking about a do-over.”
    â€œIsn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding? Since it’s after midnight, technically it’s your wedding day.”
    â€œI won’t turn on any lights.”
    Colton scratched at the stubble on his jaw. “I’m not sure if I can condone this mission.”
    â€œI dare you to come with me, then.”
    â€œOh, a dare . . . You fight dirty.” Under Abbott family rules, failure to take a dare could result in years of abuse.
    Will shrugged. “I fight to win. I need you to drive me. I’ve had a few too many, and I noticed you’ve been drinking only water.”
    â€œSomeone’s gotta make sure you’re where you’re supposed to be tomorrow.”
    â€œThank you for that. And everything else, too.”
    â€œThank you for asking me to be your best man. You shocked the shit out of me with that one. I thought for sure you’d ask Hunter.”
    â€œI don’t like to be predictable. Plus, with you marrying Lucy and her being Cam’s maid of honor, we thought it would be fun.”
    â€œSo this means I’ve got to ask you to be mine, too, right?”
    â€œDoesn’t mean that at all.”
    â€œI would like you to be my best man. When the time comes. If you’re willing.”
    â€œI’m more than willing, but don’t ask me because I asked you. You should have who you want.”
    â€œIf I have you, I have who I want.”
    â€œI’d be honored. Thank you.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.”
    â€œSo, are you going to take the dare, or are you going to let us call you a pussy for the next century or two?”
    â€œWhen you put it that way, I guess I have no choice but to take the dare.” Colton dumped a bucket of dirt on the fire and stomped out the remaining embers.
    They’d gotten away with this mission the last time they’d done it with no one the wiser when they’d left Nolan’s bachelor party campout to go sleep with Cameron and Lucy at the cabin. Will knew he was pushing his luck to think they’d get away with it twice, but he was counting on his brothers being out cold for the night.
    Colton went into his cabin to get his keys while Will waited for him on the porch. They were on their way to a clean getaway when Hunter appeared out of the darkness.
    â€œJesus,” Colton said to their oldest brother. “You scared the shit out of me.”
    â€œWhere you boys going?”
    â€œNowhere,” Will said.
    Hunter chuckled softly. “Liar. Are you going back to town?”
    â€œMaybe . . .”
    â€œTake me with you.”
    â€œWho’ll stay with the little kids?” Will asked of their younger brothers, all of whom were full-grown men and well trained in search-and-rescue tactics. But old habits died hard when it came to leaving their younger siblings unsupervised.
    â€œThey’re on their own,” Hunter said bluntly.
    â€œLet’s go,” Will said.
    They piled into Colton’s truck and