Page 37 of Regards, Mia

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I stare down at her for a long moment, resisting the urge to stroke her cheek.

“Chelsea,” Mia mutters under her breath.

“Still staring?” I ask quietly.

“Ogling,” she says. “Maybe you should put some clothes on.”

I lift my head and look at Chelsea. Curiosity is written all over her face.

“I didn’t realize you two were together,” she says.

I stay silent, waiting for Mia to take the lead, but she says nothing. We hadn’t planned on this other than claiming we were working together. But me naked at seven in the morning at her place makes that a tough fact to swallow.

Chelsea, bless her, has given us the perfect out. Shifting, I place my arm around Mia’s shoulders and pull her close to my chest. “I’m her boyfriend.”

Chelsea’s face lights up. “Really?”

“It’s new,” I say.

“Very new,” Mia says, digging her elbow into my side.

Chelsea’s eyes nearly pop out of her head. “This is so exciting.”

Mia stares at me, her lips pinched tightly.

“So exciting,” I say, smiling down at her.

“That means you will be coming to the wedding?” Chelsea asks.

Color blazes in Mia’s cheeks. “You probably can’t make it, right?” she asks, trying to communicate with her eyes.

“I really could use a vacation.”

Mia stomps on my foot.

“But I’m not sure, yet,” I say.

“Oh, that’s too bad,” says Chelsea. “I hope it won’t be too uncomfortable for you being the only one without a date for the wedding.”

Mia stiffens. “I’ll be okay.”

“Everyone will be coupled up,” Chelsea says. “It must be so hard for you to see your younger brother get married when you don’t even have a date for the wedding.”

My blood simmers, and I pull Mia closer, securing her to my side. “I can take some time off from the gym,” I say. “After Fight Night, I should be free.”

“How wonderful! Everyone will be thrilled to meet you, Jay. We’ve been so worried about Mia. We felt so sorry for her.”

Frustration bubbles up inside me, and I place a possessive kiss on top of Mia’s head. “No need to worry about Mia,” I say. “I’ve got her.”

Mia grabs my hand and tugs me toward the door. “I need to get ready for work,” she says. “Come on, Jay.”

I secure the towel with my free hand, making sure Chelsea doesn’t get another glimpse of my assets, and follow Mia inside.

“See you later,” Chelsea says in a cheerful tone.

Mia waves and shoves me into her room, glaring at me. “Boyfriend?”

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