Page 42 of After You Returned

I smile. “Okay, Ed.”

For the next thirty minutes, I explain my situation while Ed asks me questions. When he stands to end the interview, I feel pretty good about how it went.

“If I could hire you right now, I would. Unfortunately, bureaucracy.”

Yes! Told you I nailed the interview. I’d do a fist pump but it’s not professional. I clear my throat.

“I understand.” I shake his hand before saying goodbye.

I sing along to the radio as I drive toward Smuggler’s Hideaway. This could work. I could drive to the VA hospital every day.

The job is awesome. I love working with military men and women. They’re always super motivated. And Ed is great. Hehas tons of experience as a physical therapist. I could learn a lot from him.

I’m fifteen minutes out from the island when the cars in front of me come to a complete standstill. What in the name of mermaids frolicking in the sea is happening? I strain my neck to peer past the cars in front of me, but all I see is more cars. Was there an accident?

I tap my fingers on the steering wheel as I wait for some movement. I need to be at the restaurant soon. I can’t be late today. I’m opening.

After a few minutes, the car ahead of me starts to move. At a snail’s pace. I’m barely going five miles per hour. And then – boom! – we grind to a halt again.

As long as we’re stopped, I figure it’s safe to check my app for a reason why there’s so much traffic. I scroll through until I find a notification about this highway.

Heavy congestion ahead. Expect a twenty-minute delay at Smuggler’s Hideaway Bridge.

Cause: Tourists.

Tourists? It’s not even tourist season yet, and the traffic is horrible. How bad will it be in the summer? It’ll take me two hours to get home from the hospital.

Smoking smugglers. Maybe I can’t commute to the hospital. Maybe I’ll have to move after all.

But do I want to move when Miles recently proclaimed his intention to build a relationship with me? I purse my lips. I can’t believe what he said. He’s always claiming his love and desire for me when he’s drunk. And then, when he’s sober, he forgets all about his claims.

I guess it’s time to seriously consider leaving the island.

Chapter 15

Why couldn’t I have had sisters instead of brothers?

Miles

Igrab my rabbit’s foot from the passenger seat before folding out of my car. I stare at Eli’s house as I walk up the driveway. It’s easy to forget he’s a billionaire when we’re working at the distillery. But, at his mansion, his wealth is undeniable.

I don’t need wealth. Hell, I was happy with my surf shack being an actual shack until a hurricane came along and blew it over. Eli insisted on building a more ‘substantial’ structure. I wasn’t going to stop him.

I greet my brothers with a wave when I enter. It appears I’m the last person to arrive, which isn’t unusual since I hate being on time. Kai used to be worse than me until he fell in love with Harper. Now, he’s Mr. Punctual. Annoying.

Zane smiles at Kai. “You owe me.”

Kai slaps a bill in his hand. “I’m disappointed in you, Miles.”

“In me?” I tap my chest. “What did I do?”

“It’s what you didn’t do. I assumed you’d spend another night serenading Hazel. You’re never going to win her back if you’re here playing poker with us.”

“Poker night is mandatory for all Raider brothers.”

I’m not making this rule up. Our monthly poker nights are mandatory. The only exceptions are – your partner is having a baby, or you’re in the hospital. Being sick is not sufficient. Especially since Eli’s house has enough bathrooms to allow us each to have our own. Trust me. It’s been necessary in the past.

Jaxon clears his throat. “I should make a rule. During the wooing phase of seduction, a Raider brother can skip poker.”