Page 133 of Mine to Take

She doesn’t have to say a word before he’s caving.

“Fine.”

“I don’t know how you did that,” I whisper in her ear, “but it was impressive. And a little bit scary.”

“It’s a twin thing,” she says, eyes twinkling with mischief.

I pluck her off my lap and settle her on the chair next to it before rising to my feet. “So… What are your thoughts when it comes to the Backstreet Boys circa 1997?”

“Hate them.”

I grin. “Perfect. I know exactly what we’re going to sing.”

“Last song of the night,” Sully booms into the microphone as we make our way to the stage.

As soon as we arrive, I let the bar owner know the selection I’ve chosen for the occasion.

I pick up one of the microphones before tossing the other to River.

He catches it with one hand. “Are you going to tell me what we’re doing or am I supposed to guess?”

My shoulders shake with silent laughter. “Trust me, you’ll know what it is when you hear it.”

He huffs out an irritated breath before shaking his head.

“All cued up,” Sully says.

As soon as the powerful rhythm drum pattern, accompanied by a driving beat of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by the Backstreet Boys echoes throughout the bar, River swears under his breath.

“You’re such a dick.”

The crowd cheers as some of them jump to their feet. We haven’t sung one lyric yet and already hands are raised in the air.

I’m half prepared for him to toss the microphone to Sully and storm off the stage. Instead, he belts out the opening verse along with me. And I have to say, we’re in perfect harmony.

About a dozen girls nearly swoon as my gaze fastens on Willow, who beams from the chair I set her on. And that’s exactly when I know that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that expression on her face.

Just call it my new mission in life.

By the time we finish, the entire bar is screaming the lyrics back at us, and it’s a standing ovation as the last notes reverberate throughout the dark space.

I rip my gaze away from Willow to stare at her brother. A reluctant smile has settled on his lips.

“See, you had fun.”

He shrugs. “Maybe so, but you’re still a dick.”

With a chuckle, I jump off the stage and make my way back to Willow. All I can think about is getting her alone.

Once I reach the table, I pull her out of her seat and wrap her up in my arms before whispering in her ear, “You ready to go, sunshine? All I want to do is get my hands on you, and I can’t do that in front of your brother.”

“Thanks for including him. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I know exactly how much it meant. It’s why I did it. Why I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

The softness that fills her eyes is enough for me to drown in.

Happily so.

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