Page 27 of Regards, Mia

“Andyouare the epitome of charm.”

“Big word.” She tilts her chin to glare at me. “Do you even know what it means?”

I reach up and cup her cheek, my thumb tracing the tight muscle in her jaw. “It means you have me enchanted, and I have no idea why.”

Her eyes soften, going from Ice Queen to cool inviting waters. She touches my chest, her hand flattening over my racing heart. Every muscle in my body goes taut when she looks at me like that. I dip my head, and she rises up on the balls of her feet.

“Hey ya’ll!”

Mia startles and jumps away from me, putting at least a foot between us. Her cheeks bloom with color as she looks toward the sidewalk. “Hi Chelsea.”

“Having a little party?” Chelsea walks up the sidewalk with her dog, staring at me with open curiosity. “Jay Sanchez, right?”

“That’s right. Chelsea Taylor. Kickboxing.”

Her face brightens. “You remember me?”

I nod. I remember everyone who comes into my gym. “Thanks for being a member.”

“It’s the best workout in town,” she says. Transferring her gaze to Mia, she frowns. “You haven’t sent in your RSVP yet.”

Mia’s entire body tenses. Frustration rolls off her in waves. “You know I’m coming,” she says, smiling falsely. “I’m in the wedding.”

“Of course.” Chelsea’s gaze darts to me, then back to Mia. “Do you have a plus one? You’re not dating anyone, are you?”

Mia’s lips pinch together. “I’ll let you know,” she says in a tight voice.

“No worries,” Chelsea says in a tone that sounds exactly the opposite. “I just want to make sure everything is perfect for Samantha. She’s got so much on her plate.”

Mia clenches her jaw. “We all do.”

Chelsea scoffs. “But she’s the bride.”

“Everything will be perfect,” Mia says with a long-suffering sigh. “Max adores her. That’s all that matters.”

Chelsea’s dog pulls on his leash, and she turns to go. “Love always wins,” she says in a sing-song.

Mia glares at her as she walks away. “God, she’s insufferable.”

“What was that about?”

“My brother is marrying her sister.” Mia grimaces. “I can’t believe I’m going to be related to her.”

“When’s the wedding?” I ask.

“Six weeks,” she says. “It’s a destination wedding on this little island off the coast of Florida.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s their family tradition to get married there.”

“And you don’t have a date.”

Her head snaps in my direction, and she glares at me. “I’ll have one by then.”

I bite back a smile. “Harrison?”

Her gorgeous eyes glitter with annoyance. “It’s none of your business.”

“You could ask me. I could use a vacation.”

She takes a step back and starts up the stairs to the front porch. All the warmth between us a few moments ago evaporates with the icy glare she gives me.

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