Page 71 of Regards, Mia

Maybe it’s the liquor talking, but I might just be in love.

CHAPTER 27

Bedtime Routine

After karaoke, Mia leads me around the patio, introducing me to more cousins and friends. I play the role of attentive boyfriend with more dedication than Brad Shelton on the hunt for an Oscar.

We consume far too many signature wedding cocktails. I’m feeling more than a little drunk, and Mia wobbles on her feet. When she begins to slur her words and cling to my arm, I suggest we go to bed.

“Your room or mine?” she asks.

I’d be crazy to turn down a sure thing with Mia.

I guess I’m crazy.

“Let’s get you into bed,” I say, steering her around the pool to the hotel entrance.

“Wait, there’s my cousin, Daniel.” She points to a tall man with a head of curly hair and a thick beard. “You have to meet him.”

“The Olympic swimmer?” I ask. “Two-hundred-meter butterfly gold medalist?”

Mia looks impressed but doubtful. “You remember?”

“I have a knack for remembering things I’ve read.”

“Do you have a photographic memory?”

“No one has a photographic memory. That’s a myth.”

“Lots of people claim it.”

“Lots of people are liars.”

Mia widens her eyes at me, challenging. “What’s his wife’s name?”

I search my memory. “Amy.”

Her mouth drops open. “Shit. You’re for real, aren’t you?”

“Nope. I’m a figment of your imagination.”

She gives me a little shove. “I mean you’re really smart.” Her hands flatten out on my chest, unapologetically feeling me up. “You’ve got an incredible body. And you can sing.” She squints up at me, no doubt seeing double. “You never said you could sing.”

“You never asked.”

Mia laughs and presses herself against my arm. I feel the soft swell of her breasts and think twice about taking her to bed.

“Daniel,” she says when we approach the former Olympian. “This is Jay, my boyfriend.”

Warmth spreads through my body at Mia’s introduction. I could get used to the sound of being called her boyfriend.

“Great to meet you,” I say, shaking hands with Daniel.

“You’re Jay Sanchez, right?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at me. “The Savage?”

I haven’t heard the nickname in years, and now I’ve heard it twice in one day. “Yeah. That’s me.”

Daniel pumps my hand, a huge smile on his face. “I’m a big fan.”

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