Page 36 of Deadly Waves

“I can’t remember her name, but they said it was the singer in the main dining room,” Mandy answered. “She showed up for her shift last night and then disappeared.”

“I … well … that is just terrible,” Peterson said. “Are they sure she’s really missing and not just slacking on the job?”

“You’ll have to ask my husband.”

Peterson didn’t look happy with her answer, but he didn’t get a chance to press her further because the sound of someone clearing his throat drew the man’s attention to the space behind him.

“He’ll have to ask your husband what?” James appeared out of the darkness, Jake and his brothers close behind. He gave Peterson a cursory look before moving closer to Mandy. “Hello, wife. Are you drunk?”

“Of course not,” Mandy lied. “I’m completely sober.”

“Let me see your tongue,” James prodded.

Mandy stuck it out and laughed when he put his mouth over it to kiss her.

“I see you’re tipsy but not falling down,” James said after they separated, grabbing her glass from the nearby table and downing the remains himself so she wouldn’t drink it and compound the problem. “You’re done.”

“I was going to have another,” Mandy said, jutting out her lower lip.

“I’m definitely having another one,” Ally said.

“Oh, you’re done, too,” Jake said. “You have absolutely no ability to stop drinking when you’re with these guys. I’m going to stop for you tonight.”

“But … I want to have another one and then show you what my blue tongue can do,” Ally whined, causing Jake to blush.

“Oh, geez,” Grady complained, running his hand down the back of Sophie’s head. He was used to her being the calm one when it came to drinking. “That’s nice there, gutter mouth. I’m so glad you’re our baby sister.”

Ally made a face. “Oh, like you weren’t thinking it,” she shot back. “Sophie has a blue tongue, too.”

Grady looked intrigued. “Yes, well, it’s hot when her tongue is blue. It’s gross when you’re tongue is blue.”

“You’re gross,” Ally shot back.

“Take her to bed, Jake,” Grady ordered, pointing. “I can’t put up with her for another second.”

“You’re not my boss,” Jake complained, although he slipped his arm under Ally’s legs and hoisted her up. “Despite that, however, I need to get some water and food in her before she passes out. If I’m lucky, her hangover won’t be terrible.”

“I want to have sex, too,” Ally said, kissing his cheek. Mandy had the distinct impression Ally thought she was whispering when she said the words. The blue drink concoction clearly threw off her volume control.

“We’ll see how things go after the water, aspirin, and food,” Jake said. “Something tells me you’re going to pass out instead.” Jake nodded his chin in James’ direction as he headed toward the hallway. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“We’ll make a new plan then,” James said. “I have that special thing going in the afternoon. Don’t forget that. We’ll handle scheduling over breakfast, though .”

“I won’t forget,” Jake said. “Don’t worry about that.”

Mandy waited until he was gone to turn her attention to James. “What special thing?”

“Oh, I’m not sure I should tell you, wife,” James said, pushing a flyaway strand of hair away from her face. “You’re too drunk and it’s a surprise for you.”

“I’m not drunk … and I hate surprises,” Mandy griped. “Tell me.”

“We’ll see when we get back to the room,” James said, holding out his hand. “Can you walk, or do I need to carry you?”

Mandy was offended. “I’m perfectly capable of walking.” She stumbled as she stood, but luckily James saw it coming and caught her. “See.”

James chuckled as he swung her up in his arms and kissed her cheek. “I stand corrected.” He ignored Peterson as he passed, figuring Grady could handle him if he made a fuss. “You need some water and aspirin, too.”

“You should know I’ve decided something,” Mandy said as James reached for the door handle. “Don’t you want to know what it is?”

“No, because you’ll forget by tomorrow morning.”

“No, I won’t,” Mandy argued. “I decided this before we started drinking.”

James heaved out a weighted sigh. “Fine. What did you decide?”

“I decided that you can’t marry anyone else when I die because I’m not going to die. I’m going to live forever.”

James’ eyes lit up as studied her face. “I think that’s the best plan you’ve ever had.”

“Good.” Mandy rested her head against her husband’s shoulder as he navigated the hallway that led to their room. “Oh, and James?”

“Huh, baby?”

“I want to have sex, too.”