Page 74 of The Enemy Face Off

Amiel joins in, because sure, let's all pile in on me, shall we? "Please don't tell me you made Milo sign an agreement to that effect."

"No. Of course not," I reply, jamming the papers into the top drawer and closing it a little too forcefully. "I'm not crazy, you guys…I made him a coupon."

Uh-oh.

My eyes dart between them. Hearing it back, and seeing their faces, I wish I hadn't said that.

"That issooosweet," Amiel says, placing her books near the register. Courtland starts ringing them up. "I'll bet you fifty bucks they're together by the end of spring," she says to him.

Courtland shakes his head. "You're underestimating how stubborn she can be. My money is on by the end of summer."

"Deal."

"Deal."

They shake hands on it like I'm not literally standing less than six feet away from them.

"Ooh, speaking of the end of summer, the season after that is fall, which just so happens to be when someone's sister has a new book coming out." Courtland is positively beaming as he turns to me, in full fanboy mode. "Your sister's agent confirmed we've secured a spot on her book tour."

"That's awesome," I say. "Congratulations on nabbing her."

"That's so cool," Amiel squeals excitedly, and while she and Courtland gush over my incredible author sister, my mind wanders to Milo.

He gets in late tonight, and we're going to drive up to Evie and Fraser's wedding together tomorrow.

I'm excited to see him but also a little nervous. I don't know where things stand with us, or if there even is anusin the first place.

Yes, we've been messaging each other, but nearly a month has gone by since we were in the same room.

Will it be awkward being confined to a car with him? Will things feel uncomfortable? Will we have anything to talk about?

I sigh.

I guess there's only one way to find out.

"Hey, Beth. You look great," Milo greets me at his front door, a wide smile on his face.

"Uh, thanks. You look great, too."

Understatement.

He looks incredibly dapper in his charcoal gray, tailored suit. It fits him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and trim waist. He's tied his hair into a low bun, and his neatly trimmed stubble adds a rugged edge to his polished appearance.

I stand there for a moment, unsure what to do next when Milo steps out onto the porch, slides his hands around my waist and asks in a hushed tone. "May I cash in one of my kiss coupons please?"

I smile. "Anyone ever told you that you have zero chill?"

He smiles back, his green eyes shimmering. "None at all when it comes to you."

My tummy flutters, and I nod. He brings his lips to mine, and it's just what I need to settle my nerves. I'd been worrying all morning that things would be weird between us.

But as he kisses me with a perfect blend of strength and delicacy, I realize the past few weeks apart haven't dampened the energy between us.

"Da-ddy!"

Milo pulls back slightly. "You ready for the kids?"

"Of course."

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