Page 110 of Boss Me

I remembered how the moonlight glinted on his dark hair, too. I touched a glossy curl that sparkled burgundy in the afternoon sunlight.

“We were walking, and I was telling him about something I’d learned in my psych class. What was it?”

“Behavioral genetics,” I murmured.

“That’s right. And all of a sudden, he stopped, and I turned, and he was down on one knee.”

“Holy Frank Kameny! I didn’t think you had a romantic bone in your body, Cooper Fallon.” Marlee smacked my arm.

“I guess I do.” I shrugged. “That’s what you wanted, right, Ben?”

“Moonlight and my man on his knees. Exactly what I wanted. And then, then, he made a speech.”

“Wait, Cooper Fallon on his knees in the sand, making a speech? I told you, you left out all the good parts, Cooper.”

“The speech was personal.” I glared at Ben, but I couldn’t help smiling, too. Tears had glittered silver on his cheeks.

“It was the most romantic thing ever.” Ben put his arm around my waist, and my hand landed on the small of his back, right where it belonged.

“See? I knew there was a better story than what you told me.” Marlee lowered her voice in an imitation of mine. “‘We went to the island and got engaged.’” She rolled her eyes. “I’m glad you get me.” She kissed Tyler on the cheek. “You’d never tell me a story like that.”

Ben tugged me tighter and gave me a secret smile. He understood that I saved my romantic moments for when it counted, just for him.

“Congratulations, guys,” Tyler said. “And thanks for inviting us. I think Marlee needs another drink.”

“Or a makeout session behind the garage,” Ben muttered. I hadn’t missed the way her lips had lingered a hair’s breadth from her fiancé’s.

“Benny!” Mimi fluttered into Ben’s shoulder, her dark curls wild. “Sorry, gotta go. Congratulations, you two.”

“Where are you going?” Ben asked. I hadn’t realized it during the photos, but Mimi was weaving on her feet, her eyes unfocused.

“Girls’ night! I told you, Benny, remember?”

“I remember. Are you sure you want to go out? Looks like you’ve had plenty to drink already.”

She smiled at him, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I promised. And I’ll be fine. A water for every drink.”

Even that wouldn’t sober her up. “Be careful, okay? You have a ride?”

“Yes—” She bit back whatever else she was going to say. She did that a lot in front of me. I wished she could think of me as her brother’s fiancé and not her boss, several levels up.

“Have fun. And be safe.” Ben hugged her, and she minced away, taking those too-careful steps I remembered from my drinking days.

“Want me to—?”

“Yes, please.” He bit his lip.

“Mateo!” I barked.

Surprisingly, he was at my side in a moment. “Yeah, Lito?”

“You know Ben’s sister, Mimi?”

He nodded, an inscrutable expression on his face.

“Keep an eye on her, please. From a distance. Make sure she makes it home safely. And alone.”

“Got it.” He slapped Ben on the back. “Congratulations, Benny. And I’ll keep your sister safe.”

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