Page 27 of Love You From Afar

“What do you mean?” I ask. “We’re on vacation, Elliot. How do you even have internet right now? We’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.”

“I paid extra for the Wi-Fi package.”Of course he did.

“I’m sorry, babe,” he sighs, “but I need to go back to our room and take care of this. I need to get on my laptop and put all the numbers together. It’s probably going to be a late night for me.” My eyes widen in shock.

“Are you kidding me, Elliot?” I scoff. “It’s only nine o’clock. All of the evening events are just getting started. There’s literally so much to do. I… I don’t want to go and sit in our tiny room while you work all night.”

I will literally hang out by myself before I retire for the night like I’m eighty years old.

“What did you have in mind?” Everett chimes in.

“What?” I’m sure he can see the confusion etched across my face as our gazes meet.

“What did you plan on doing tonight?” Everett repeats. “Like you said, there are a lot of options. You can’t do everything in one night, so what’s at the top of your list?”

“Oh.. uh… I really wanted to hit up the karaoke bar. Not that I want to sing or anything… I just love watching.” My face falls when it occurs to me that Elliot didn’t care to ask whatIwanted to do tonight, yet his brother did.

“Let’s do it,” Everett responds without hesitation.

My heart clenches.

“Maybe after a few more drinks I’ll get up on stage,” he adds with a chuckle. “Watch out, I might end up being the next American Idol.”

My lips curve up in a smile as I laugh at his comment. I feel a small flutter in my chest when Everett joins in, his deep chuckle sending unwanted shivers down my spine. Laughs are supposed to be contagious, funny even, but not sexual. And his laugh definitely makes my body feel things that it shouldn't.

“That’s actually a good idea,” Elliot nods while wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I don’t miss the way Everett flinches when Elliot pulls me against his chest.

“Karaoke isn't really my thing anyways,” he adds. “Go with Everett. I’ll be in the room waiting for you when you get back.” He flashes his perfect smile before brushing his lips against my forehead.

I’ve only been dating Elliot for a little over a month, so I don’t know much about his relationship with Everett. But I can’t help but find it odd that he’s basically encouraging me to spend the evening with his brother.

Half the time, they act like they can’t stand each other. It’s also not a secret that Everett is a bit of a flirt. I wonder if Elliot has noticed the sweeping glances his brother has cast my way on multiple occasions,because I certainly have.

“Um… Are you sure?” I wrap my arm around his waist, staring up into his eyes.

You trust me to be alone with him? Because I don’t think I even trust myself.

“Positive,” he smiles. “I want you to have a good time. You’re right, you shouldn't have to sit in the room while I work all night. Go have fun. Just come back to me when you’re done.” He leans down, pressing his lips to mine.

I hope he doesn't expect me to push back. I spent too much time getting ready to just change into my pajamas and crawl into bed. I’m not going to let myself feel bad for this. If anything,heshould feel bad for making work a priority over spending time with his girlfriend… his family.

“Okay,” I whisper, nodding my head. I smile as he plants one last kiss to my forehead before releasing me from his hold.

“Take care of her tonight.” Elliot arches a brow, clasping a hand on Everett’s shoulder.

“Oh,I will.” Everett casts a devious smile my way.

Shit, maybe I should just go to bed.That smile is not good for me. Not at all.

“You two have fun.” Elliot turns and heads for the elevators.

And just like that, he’s gone, leaving me and Everett standing here alone. Two sets of blue eyes stare back at each other, waiting on who’s going to make the next move.

Thankfully, Everett’s the first one to break the ice.

“You ready to go watch a bunch of drunk people sing their asses off?” His lips turn up in a grin.

“Only if you promise me that you’ll end up being one of them,” I quip.

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