Page 35 of After You Returned

“But I’m not wrong.”

Sadie bows. “Thank you.”

I roll my eyes and push my sisters off the stage. “I am never doing karaoke with you again.”

“I don’t know why not. It was fun. Plus,” Scarlett points to our table, “fresh Smuggler’s Martinis have appeared.”

“Yum!” Sadie grabs a glass and drinks half of the martini in one go.

“I am not holding your hair back when you puke.”

She points to her ponytail. “No need. I came prepared.”

Scarlett sways in her seat. “Weston is going to be annoyed when I message him to pick me up because I’m too drunk to drive.”

“Oh, please.” I roll my eyes. “Weston is probably planning on invading our girls’ night out anyway.”

“He can’t. He’s not a girl. I know. I have proof.”

Sadie leans in close. “Do you have pictures?”

Scarlett rears back, and her chair wobbles. I grab the armrest before she falls over. “Someone’s not used toBuccaneer’s Moonshineanymore.”

“My sister asked for a picture of my boyfriend’s private parts. I’m allowed to be shocked.”

“Private parts?” Sadie barks out a laugh. “What are you? Fifty? No one our age says private parts.”

“Did you forget when my birthday is?” Scarlett narrows her eyes at Sadie but the action makes her sway again.

“I should get you some coffee.”

“Oh, goodie. I’ll have an espresso martini.”

“Me too!” Sadie shouts.

I wag my finger at her. “No way. The last time you drank espresso martinis, you thought you were completely sober and decided to cut your own hair. You cried for hours the next day when you woke up with the scissors in your hand, surrounded by mounds of hair.”

“Fine.” She huffs. “A shot of moonshine and a beer, please.”

“I—”

My answer is cut off when the music begins. A slow, repeating arpeggiated chord progression establishes a romantic and gentle atmosphere. I glance at the stage. Miles is standing with the microphone in his hand.

Oh no. Is Miles going to sing the most romantic song in the world – akaPerfectby Ed Sheeran – at karaoke?

“Oh my mermaid, Miles is singing a sappy love song to all the smugglers inBootlegger.”

“Nope.” Scarlett shakes her head and nearly falls over again. “Miles Raider is singing a sappy love song to you.”

“He is not.”

She points to Miles and he smiles at me before jumping off the stage and making his way to me. Sadie and Scarlett cheer.

No. No. No. This can’t be happening. I can’t resist Miles when he’s romantic and sweet. I need to get out of here before I throw myself at him.

My body warms and my nipples tingle as he sings to me about finding a love who is beautiful and sweet from mere feet away. My body obviously doesn’t care how hot and cold Miles is. It’s ready for me to throw myself at him. Preferably without clothes.

Escape. I need to escape.