Page 14 of Condemned By Secrets

It did look delicious, and she didn’t want to hurt Janet’s feelings. Taking another sip of wine, Anna ate the cake, avoiding Luther’s eyes at all costs. He was trying to trick her with those bedroom looks, but she wasn’t falling for that. Not again.

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Luther watched Anna as she hugged his mother. She’d drunk three glasses of wine in less than two hours. While that might not be much for some, for a person Anna’s size, it was a lot of alcohol. She’d blow positive right now if he tested her, and he wouldn’t be surprised if she was close to the legal limit.

She swayed a little when his mom released her, and he stepped closer, ready to catch her if she fell over. “Are you sure I can’t help you with the dishes?”

His mom shook her head. “No, no, you’re the guest. I won’t have it.” She smiled to soften the words, and Anna giggled.

“Well, thank you again. Dinner was fantastic.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She patted Anna’s hand. “You’re welcome anytime.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll escort you up.” Luther wasn’t sure Anna would make it up the stairs on her own.

At his offer, she spun around and glared at him. “That’s not necessary.”

Her words were starting to slur, making Luther think itwasnecessary. “I insist.” He grabbed her arm and tucked it in his. “Let’s go, Half-pint.”

As he dragged her away, his mom called “goodnight” after them. When they were out of the kitchen, Anna jerked her arm out of his with enough force to almost knock herself over.

She took a couple extra steps to keep from falling, then placed a hand on her head. “Uh-oh.”

“Feeling dizzy there, Anna?” He grinned, and it was more than a little wicked. She’d given him the cold shoulder all night, so what if he was enjoying the fact that she was tipsy. He hoped she’d drunk a sufficient amount to have her regretting it in the morning.

She nodded, then hiccupped. Her beautiful gold eyes grew large, and she clamped a hand over her mouth. When another hiccup escaped, she burst into giggles. “I think”—giggles—"I drank”—more giggles—“too much.”

Luther wanted to stay annoyed with her, but she was just too cute in her inebriated state. Her laughter was infectious, and he chuckled along with her. “All right. Come on, Giggles. Let’s get you to bed.”

“Okay, Officer Hottie.” Anna giggled even harder at that.

“You think so, huh?”

She laughed more in response.

“Well, it’s some consolation,” he muttered under his breath. Taking her arm again, he steered her towards the stairs.

“Luther?” she said his name slowly, like she had to concentrate on pronouncing it.

“Yeah?” He was focusing on getting her feet to move. It felt like he was dragging her, and it would be easier to lift her into his arms. She couldn’t weigh much, but she’d probably have a fit if he tried.

“Why’d you wanna kiss me?”

“Geez, Anna.” If he’d had a free hand, he would have run it through his hair in frustration. “How ‘bout we have this conversation when you’ll remember what I tell you.”

“I’ll remember.”

“No, you won’t. You’re drunk.”

She stopped them halfway up the stairs and turned to him. Indignant, she punched a finger into his chest. “I’m not drunk.”

“Sure you’re not, Shortcake.”

She was like a dog with a bone. “I’m not.”

“Fine.”

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