Page 27 of Win Big

I don’t do complicated. I do easy and fun, live and let live.

I roll over and bury my face into the pillow to try to sleep.

I wake up disoriented,not sure where I am. I’m not hungover; I only had one drink last night. Oh yeah. I’m at Everly’s, because she got wasted and needed to be driven home.

I sit bolt upright. Is she okay?

Throwing back the covers, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and jump out. I don’t bother putting anything on over my boxers as I quietly pad out of the room to the door of Everly’s bedroom. I peek in and see... an empty bed.

Perfectly made. All those pillows piled decoratively.

In the daylight, I see how elegant and feminine the room is, walls a pale... what? Blue? Greenish-grayish-blue. White trim around windows and doors. White bed and cushions in shades of white and pale blue and green. White furniture and an armchair upholstered in a blue, green, and beige fabric. Thick beige carpet on the hardwood floor.

The bathroom door is open, the light off, so she’s not in there.

I turn around just as she says “Good morning” from behind me. My feet nearly leave the floor.

“Morning,” I choke out.

Her gaze slides down my chest and abs, then shoots back up to my face. Her cheeks get rosy.

I try not to smile.

“Looking for me?” she asks.

“Checking on you. Wasn’t sure how you’d feel today.”

“I’m fine.” She waves a breezy hand.

And she looks fine. Okay, better than fine. Her shiny dark hair is perfect, her skin glowing, eyes bright. She’s washed offlast night’s makeup and is now dressed in a pair of cropped leggings and a hooded sweatshirt.

“Good.” I study her, perplexed. WishIcould get over a hangover that fast.

“I came up to see if you’re awake. I wasn’t sure if you have a practice today.”

“Nope. Coach gave us the day off because of the banquet last night.”

“Oh, that’s good. Do you want breakfast?”

I lazily rub my abs, flexing them as her gaze follows my hand there, enjoying the way her lips part. “I am kinda hungry.”

“Okay. Have a shower if you want. Help yourself to anything in the bathroom you need. I’ll get the bacon and eggs started.”

I watch her turn and jog back downstairs, her ass sweet in those snug pants.

I tip my head back and close my eyes. Jesus, give me strength. I need to resist.

The cold shower helps only a little. Then I get dressed. All I have is my tux, so I put on the pants and shirt, leaving it untucked. I carry the rest downstairs with me and deposit it on the back of a comfy-looking couch as I pass by, heading to the kitchen, where Everly is.

I take in the main floor as I stroll. On the left is a white fireplace with the couch and chairs arranged around it. On my right are white French doors that open onto a little patio. The walls down here are the same color as the bedroom, with more white trim and lots of light. It’s uncluttered and has a serene feel. Even the music playing from invisible speakers is chill.

The kitchen is a good size with pale whitewashed wooden cupboards and stainless appliances. Everly opens the oven and pulls out a pan.

“I smell bacon.”

She looks up. “Yep. How do you like your eggs? And do you want toast?”

“What kind of bread?”

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