Page 87 of Only for the Season

“Are you going to tell me your idea?”

I scan the area. “Nope. Too many ears. You just follow my orders and we’ll be fine.”

He growls. “I prefer to give the orders.”

I bounce on my toes. “Not tonight, you don’t.”

His eyes darken. “You’re going to pay for this later.”

I smirk. “I hope so.”

“Do not be cute and sexy. I am not climbing a ladder after three shots of moonshine with a hard-on.”

“But after two shots is okay?”

He tweaks my nose. “You’re trouble, Princess.”

“I’m a smuggler. What did you expect?”

“I didn’t expect you,” he whispers as he leans close.

“You may begin now!” Lana shouts before his lips can meet mine.

“Hold that thought.” I run toward the table with the approved decorations from the committee. They have exactly what I want to fit my theme. I pile Jeremy’s arms full before rushing back to our tree.

“This is so much fun.”

“I’m confused.”

I slap Jeremy’s shoulder. “Wait until my vision comes together.”

Fifteen minutes later, Jennifer arrives with another round of moonshine. “Go ahead,” she nods to the shot when Jeremy hesitates.

“The second shot is better.” I raise my glass. “To smugglers, bootleggers, rumrunners, and the mermaids who loved them!”

“To the smugglers!” Several people shout back.

Jeremy grimaces but he downs his shot. “Is everyone on the island drunk all the time?”

“Of course not.” I huff. “We don’t drink and swim in the ocean. We’re not stupid. Although, some people.” I nod to Paisley. “Drink and ride roller coasters until they throw up on their fellow merrymakers.”

“I thought Eli married a nerd.”

“I’m a chemistry geek,” Paisley corrects him.

I push him toward the tree. “Less talking, more decorating.”

I wave to Jennifer when she arrives with the next round of shots. Jeremy groans behind me. “How many shots is this now?”

I study him. Despite how chilly it is, his face is flushed, and he’s sweating.

“Do you want me to drink your shot?”

He grunts.

“It’s okay. It’s not against the rules. Paisley, the chemistry geek, read the rules.” I lean close to whisper, “She is kind of a nerd.”

“You’re not drinking my shot,” Jeremy grumbles before downing the moonshine.