Page 56 of Beyond the Hate

“I stand by my statement.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.”

I chuckle. “I know. Because I know you.”

“You didn’t know I had two evil stepsisters until last week.”

I hate how I didn’t know how bad her family life was growing up. “You don’t consider Darcy and Regan family. Your family consists of Sophia, Chloe, Nova, and Maya for whom you’d do anything.”

“Don’t be jealous I have better friends than you do.”

“I’m not jealous.” I hook my pinky with hers. When she doesn’t snatch her hand away, I take it as a victory.

We cross the bridge onto the mainland and Paisley glances behind us to watch Smuggler’s Island fade away.

“Are you nervous about being away from the island? I promise I’ll have you back before your bedtime.”

“I’m not nervous. Just curious where we’re going.”

“It’s killing you to not whip out your phone and research where the nearest private airport is, isn’t it?”

“It’s in Jettson’s Way.”

I chuckle. “Is there anything you don’t know?”

“It’s impossible to know everything. I haven’t spent any time studying Ancient Roman history or learning the Japanese language and my ability to program computers is limited.”

I smile. “I wasn’t being literal.”

“It’s important you don’t put me up on a pedestal. I’m not a very good climber.”

“What if I install an elevator in the pedestal?”

“It’s good you realize how high this pedestal you’re putting me on is.” Her shoulders tremble with her laughter and I can’t resist her skin. I lean forward to dot kisses along her shoulder to her collarbone. She shivers in response.

“Are you cold?” I tease.

“I didn’t bring a shawl. I didn’t realize we’d be traveling North.”

I open the cupboard next to the bar and remove a wrapped package.

“What’s this?” Paisley asks when I hand it to her.

“Open it and find out.”

“Are you going to shower me with expensive gifts and fancy trips until I agree to date you?”

I waggle my eyebrows. “You’re already on a date with me.”

“It doesn’t count since I didn’t realize what was happening. But it would have been a waste to get all dressed up and not go anywhere.”

I glance down at her outfit. “A damn shame if no one else had a chance to experience how beautiful you are tonight.”

“You don’t have to say I’m beautiful.”

“But you are beautiful,” I say before kissing her shoulder again. “Although, I will be jealous of every man who stares at you tonight.”

“No men will stare at me.”

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