Page 109 of After You Returned

I melt into his arms. “I love you, surfer boy.”

“And I love you, Blaze.”

His lips mold to mine and I open for him. He thrusts his tongue into my mouth and I moan as his wild ocean taste hits me. It’s addictive. And I don’t ever plan to kick the habit. This man is mine and I’m not letting him go. If he tries to leave me again, I’m clinging to him like a barnacle on a boat.

The crowd bursts into applause. There’s clapping and catcalling until Miles wrenches his lips from mine.

“Let’s get rid of them and celebrate our love alone with just the two of us.”

As much as his idea appeals, it’s not happening. There’s no way to get rid of the Raider brothers once they’re at a party. And this is a party.

Kai slaps Miles on his back as he passes us, carrying a bottle. “Told you we were drinking moonshine at the shack today.”

Zane holds up a bag of chips. “And eating.”

Miles groans. “There’s food and drink. We’re never getting rid of my brothers now.”

“There’s more than food and drink.” I tug his hand. “Let me show you the rest of your surprise.”

“There’s more?”

I fling the door of the shack open. “Ta-da!”

He scans the room and his eyes widen. “Holy smugglers. This is amazing. It really is a beach house.”

“A mini beach house.”

The sand has been replaced with hardwood floors. The kitchen has been spruced up to include some shelving. I already added some plates and mugs. And where there once were rows upon rows of surfing equipment is now a little living area with a sofa and some chairs.

“I can’t believe you did all this work in three days.”

“I had help.” I never could have pulled off this surprise without his brothers. It’s amazing how well they can keep a secret when they have an incentive. I doubt Miles will be happy with the incentive I offered.

Miles steers me toward the living area. “I’m looking forward to christening the sofa.”

I drag my feet. “Not now. Your entire family is here.”

“They’ll leave if we ignore them.”

“Um…”

He sniffs. “Do I smell fire?”

“It’s the barbecue.”

He lifts his eyebrows. “The barbecue?”

“For the party, I promised your brothers for helping me.”

He mutters some swear words under his breath. “They’re not leaving, are they?”

I shake my head. “The christening of the sofa will have to wait.”

He tugs on one of my curls. “I’ve waited years for you to admit you still love me. I can wait a few hours until my brothers are gone.”

“Are you two done making out?” Zane shouts into the shack. “I need to get the meat out of the refrigerator.”

“Yes!” I answer at the same time Miles yells no.