I hold up my hands. “Hold on there, Rambling Man. We have work to do today.”
He gives me his best pouty face, and I laugh.
“I’m serious as a heart attack,” I slap his hands as they try for the hem of my shirt. “We were so busy yesterday. We didn’t come up with a karaoke routine. And it has to be kick-ass. I want to win that contest!”
Rand pauses to consider our options. “You know who would be super-helpful at all this?”
I shake my head.
“Midnight Louise!” Rand stands up.
“No way. Nope,” I yank him back to the table. “There’s no way you’re waking them up after Tatiana was here ’til one in the morning.”
Rand looks at the clock on the stove. “It’s almost eleven. As Tatiana says, it’s close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades.”
I cross my arms and imitate Luke’s Frowny Mode. It only makes Rand laugh harder.
“How about this,” Rand leans in and kisses along my jaw. “I’ll kiss you for another thirty minutes. Then I’ll text Lou.”
My skin is already lava from his mouth. “Or, we could do something else for the next hour and be in the safe zone.”
Rand pulls back and looks me square in the eye. “Who’s the smart one now?”
Chapter 38
From the texts of Rand Kestrel & Carolina Saber
Rand: Good Saturday to you, sir.
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: Right back atcha. You kept my bride out a little late last night. LAWD KNOWS that woman now needs to get her rest, or she’ll be an absolute bear the rest of the day.
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: Shit. Don’t tell her I said that.
Carolina: You don’t think she already knows? She can hack anyone’s phone.
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: Shit. Fuck. Damn!
Rand: *gif of a man laughing his face off*
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: Now that lifespan is limited because my wife will straight-up ax murder me, how might I help you this fine Saturday?
Rand: Carolina and I need help with a karaoke routine.
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: THAT’S WHAT I DO. IT’S WHAT I LIVE FOR!
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: *gif of Ursula fromThe Little Mermaid*
Carolina: A lot is riding on this.
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: And what’s in it for me?
Carolina: What would you…
Rand: *stop sign emoji*
Rand: Nope. Don’t ask him what he wants.
Lou “Midnight Louise” Martel: Smart man.