Page 43 of From the Start

Who is this?

Kai.

Did you change your name to Stud Muffin in my contacts?

You’re welcome.

I’m changing it back to Interfering Man-Child.

Pretty sure I proved I’m not a child yesterday.

My body warms and I fan myself at the reminder of yesterday. I’ve thought of my kiss with Kai about a million times since it happened. Our kiss was sexier than any kiss I’ve read about in a book before. And I’ve read plenty of kissing scenes, considering my addiction to romance novels.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

I’m happy to give you a reminder.

Some of us have to work.

If you change your mind, I’ll be at Mermaid Karaoke with my brothers later. Feel free to stop by.

Good reminder. Kai is a player. And I never learned how to share my toys. I have no desire to be with a man who doesn’t understand the word monogamy. I don’t care how much my toes curled during our kiss.

I won’t.

I shove my phone in my pocket before I’m tempted to keep texting with Kai. I have work to do.

The rear door flies open and Sloane rushes inside.

“What are you doing here?”

“You said you need help with the inventory.”

“And you said you couldn’t help because you can’t leave Boozer alone for too long.”

She shrugs. “I found a doggy walker.”

I raise my eyebrow. “You found a doggy walker? I’ve been asking you to find one for years.”

“Kai found one for me. She’s great. She can’t have a dog of her own because her husband’s allergic, but she loves dogs. She’s going to the beach with him. Boozer is going to love her more than me.”

I hold up a hand. “Did you say Kai found your doggy walker?”

“Yep. He phoned me the other day and set everything up.” She frowns at me. “What’s wrong? You’re Siren’s Scowl is blaring at me.”

“Kai won’t stop interfering in my life.”

“Oh yeah?” She inches closer. “How is he interfering in your life?”

I groan. “How big is the jackpot?”

She blinks her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

“The jackpot for whoever wins the bet about when Kai and I will get together. How big is it?”

“Nope. Not telling.” She zips her lips.

I tap my foot, cross my arms over my chest, and give her my best Siren’s Scowl.