Page 53 of Undeniably

He shrugs. “She didn’t want to come.” He sets her down next to the car. “Don’t move.”

She huffs but does as he commands. I hand over my keys so he can unlock and open the back door for me. I go to set Morgan down in the seat, but she hugs me closer.

“You’re so warm. Don’t leave me.”

I sigh. I hate letting anyone else drive my car, but it seems tonight I don’t have a choice. Knowing Finley’s sober, I decide. “You’re driving. Tin, get up front,” I demand before sliding into the back of the car, Morgan in my lap.

Finley doesn’t question me, but Tinsley does. “Why do I have to leave? I was having a good time.”

I shoot her a steely look. “We take care of our own in this family. Morgan had a bit too much to drink. That means, if we need to take her home, you come home with her. Stop being a brat and be grateful I even let you tag along. I love you, Tin, but that statement was the most selfish thing I have ever heard come out of your mouth.”

She finally takes a good look at Morgan, who cuddled into me as soon as we got in the car and passed out.

“What happened?” Tinsley whispers.

“She fell into the pool. I’m sorry we had to go, but it’s getting chilly, and she’s obviously had enough.”

“I didn’t realize,” she whispers. “I’m sorry, Keat.”

“Don’t be. It’s already forgotten.”

Finley turns up the music slightly to fill the silence as we make our way back to our house. As I hold Morgan, I think about what it would be like if she were actually mine. My hand rubs up and down her back as I let my mind wander.

When we get to my house, I carry Morgan inside, fully intending to let Tinsley take care of her. “Morgan,” I whisper as I shake her gently in my arms.

“Hmm,” she mumbles.

“Tinsley will help you get undressed, and you’re going to sleep with her.”

Morgan leans back in my arms, opening her eyes. “You’re so warm, though. Can’t I sleep with you?”

“Come on, babe. Tinsley’s room has a lot of blankets.”

Her eyes tear up. “Do you not want me in your bed?” Her lips tremble. “Or do you have someone coming over?”

I press my forehead to hers. I’m fucked. “Not at all. I thought you might be more comfortable here.”

I lower her to the floor, but she resists.

“Shh. I’m going to go grab you a shirt to sleep in, and Tinsley’s going to help you get changed,” I console her.

“I have stuff she can wear,” Tinsley offers, but I shake my head.

Something about knowing Morgan is sleeping in my shirt again makes me feel good.

Morgan protests as I leave, but Tinsley takes her into the bathroom. When I make it back, I knock on the door and pass a pair of shorts and my t-shirt through the door.

I wait on the other side until they come out. I see that Tinsley has washed off Morgan’s makeup and brushed her hair back. She’s no longer wearing the soaked dress and is now in my clothes. A sense of pride overcomes me at seeing her dressed this way.

Morgan meets my eyes, looking sad. I hold out my hand to her. Her eyes light up as she grabs it without hesitation.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

I lean over and kiss Tinsley on the head before leading Morgan down the hall to my bedroom. I pull back the covers for her, and she slides into my bed, immediately curling into my side as soon as I join her. I lie awake for hours listening to her breathe as I think about my future.

The last thought I have before I finally doze off is how I wouldn’t mind falling asleep with Morgan every night for the rest of my life.

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