Page 43 of Five Summers

“You smell amazing. You always do,” I whisper, closing my eyes and savoring his intoxicating scent. Nestled securely in his embrace, I feel a sense of solace wash over me.

Chapter fourteen

Poppy

“What the fuck is that noise?” I mumble, slowly opening one eye.

The room is flooded with bright sunlight streaming through the window, and it takes me a moment to realize that I’m sprawled out on the couch, with a blanket draped over me.

A sudden loud noise shatters the silence, causing me to shift my focus to the kitchen. There, my mother is diligently loading dishes into the dishwasher. I wonder what time it is, as it must be late for her to be home from work already.

I quickly scope out the room, looking for my phone, and notice it on the coffee table.

Carefully, I reach out to grab it, trying not to alert my mother that I’m awake. Just as I snatch it up, I feel a vibration indicating that there’s a text message. I sink deeper into the couch and open my phone to find a message from Xander.

I swipe the screen and open the message of a photo he snapped last night.

As I gaze upon it, I see a photo of me asleep lying on the couch. Xander’s cheek is squished next to mine, and I take a moment to appreciate his features. He’s got such an amazing smile, it’s a shame he doesn’t show it more often. And his eyes, despite the pain they hold, are still mesmerizing. His tousled hair sticks up, just the way I like it.

Finally, I read the caption he has written for the photo.

Xander: Stop begging me, Princess. No, I will not have sex with you.

I let out a chuckle, but immediately wish I hadn't as I try to hide my slip-up. Unfortunately, it’s too late, for the noise has already caught my mother’s attention. Her anger is palpable as she strides toward me, coming to a halt at the far end of the lounge.

“You’re supposed to be at school,” my mother says.

“Don’t yell,” I add, as her shrill voice pierces through my head like a relentless drill, pulsating in all the wrong places.

“What did you get up to last night? I come home and find the place is a mess, and you’re asleep on the couch.”

I shift my legs over the edge, attempting to get up, but the throbbing sensation in my head forces me to sit back down.

Is it possible I hit my head last night? I tightly shut my eyes and place my hands on either side of my head.

My mother stops complaining and gives a look of concern.

“Poppy, are you okay?” She reaches out and gently grabs my arm.

I pull my arm away from her grip. “It’s nothing.”

“What’s going on?”

“I said, it’s nothing.” This time, I rise to my feet and remain standing.

“Maybe it would be best if you just stayed home today. I'll book you a doctor's appointment,” she says, grabbing her phone from the kitchen counter.

“There’s no need, Mom,” I add. Not saying more because I don’t want to tell her it’s probably just a hangover. I don't want her to freak out about that when she's already making a big deal about me crashing on the couch.

But she doesn't pay attention. She just ignores me and starts scrolling through her contacts.

“Mom,” I add, louder this time to try to get her attention.

“It’s ringing,” she informs me.

Frustrated that she never listens to anything I have to say, I snap. “I don’t need a doctor, it’s just a hangover.”

As soon as those words reach her ears, she glares at me and abruptly hangs up the phone.

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