Page 51 of Endgame

Even drunk, she’s breathtaking.

“I can try.” That’s all I need to hear.

“Up you go, beautiful.” Lifting Dakota off the countertop, I head to the nearest bathroom.

Turning the water on, I place her legs gently on the floor to stand. Her body begins swaying back and forth, and my hands immediately find her shoulders to steady her. I glance down slightly to see Dakota’s eyes on me. They’re dark and shadowed with pain. She’s looking at me like she can’t believe I’m here.

She couldn’t stop me if she tried.

Realizing we have yet to move when a hot shower runs right behind her, I place her towel beside the sink, and say, “Towel is right here. The shower is running for you. I’ll be outside the door if you need me.”

I turn to leave quietly, not giving her a chance to respond.

“Hey cutie.” Cutie? Can’t say I’ve ever been called that before.

My back is still facing her. I can’t turn around. I barely hear her moving. I’m not sure what she’s doing, but it’s definitely not showering.

“That’s me. The cutie. You caught me.” It looks like I have to entertain her silliness to get her to listen. This should be interesting.

“An orange is a cutie, I’m a little cutie, you're a little cutie, and your booty’s a little cutie.” Her giggle tumbles out of her, sending her into a fit of laughter. I can’t help but turn around, thankfully finding her still fully clothed, to witness her shaking and wiggling, letting her amusement consume her.

Oh, she’s a funny drunk.

I’m smirking, finding myself more relaxed than expected while caring for someone who, ten minutes ago, was passed out drunk.

She’s constantly surprising me.

Shaking my head at her, I call out, “Hilarious. Funniest thing I’ve heard all day. Now get your ass in the shower,cutie.” The laughter seems to have no end.

Her playfulness tells me she’s in overdrive. It’s clear she hit a wall at the bar, and this is her adrenaline wake-up.

“If you insist!” The highest squeal breaks free from her mouth before the rustling sound of clothes lets me know she’s finally listening.

So my grumpy angel has a quirky side to her.

“Thank you. I’ll be here until you’re done.” There. That went better than expected. She fought me a little, but at least we’re one step closer to tucking her into bed for the night.

The sound of the shower curtain closing gives me achance to relax against the bathroom door, leaning my head on it.

I’m suddenly exhausted.

I’ll stand here and give her the privacy she deserves, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving her alone. If she fell and hit her head, or hurt herself in any way, I’d never forgive myself.

“Cutie, can you pass me the soap on the counter, pretty please?”

Jesus. Where did this cutie thing come from?

It’s fine. I’ll grab it quickly and hand it to her from the side. The shower curtain is a deep purple, so I won’t be able to see anything.

I’m searching her countertop, attempting to find the one she’s looking for. Why do women have so many random products for everything? How is that even necessary?

“The blue shampoo bottle by the sink?” I ask her without turning my head.

“Mhm.” Her hummed response tells me I found it.

As soon as I secure the shampoo and turn toward the shower, I regret my trust in her immediately.

“Tricked ya!” Dakota erupts into hysterics, while I dart back as fast as humanly possible to shield my eyes from her naked body.

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