Page 35 of Petting Penelope
“So I see,” said Rachel, bemusement painting her voice. “Very happy. So happy that you’re going to need to drink at least a pint of water before you go to bed.”
“I’m notdrunk,” she said, waving her hand around and almost taking Rachel’s eye out. “I’m merelymerry. That’s okay, isn’t it?”
“Of course it is, darling,” said Rachel, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You are an adorably merry delight.”
“Thank you,” said Penny, and tried very hard to focus on not falling over. “I only had… one, two,threedrinks!”
“I know,” said Rachel. “I didn’t know you were such a lightweight! I’d have gotten you to slow down a bit.”
“Is okay,” said Penny as she stumbled over to the door of their suite. “I’m good.”
She didn’t drink very often, as was obvious from her current predicament, but there was nothing about the situation that made her feel awkward or unsafe. Rachel didn’t even try to kiss her when they got in.
“Why won’t youkissme?” asked Penelope, plaintively.
“Because you’re properly wasted, and I’m more concerned with making you drink water, so you don’t get a hangover,” said her ever practical girlfriend. “Come on, you.”
She practically poured Penny into bed, brushing out her hair softly, and then tucking her in. Penny stared balefully at the pint of water placed on her bedside table. “I don’t want to drink water though.”
“Penelope.” Rachel’s voice was stern now, even though she couldn’t hide the dimple in her cheeks. “You are going to drink your water, and then you’re going to curl up and go to sleep.”
“Without you?!”
“Of course not without me! Come on, sweetheart, drink up.”
“Fine!” said Penelope. “But only because you’ve promised me cuddles afterward.”
“I haven’t—” Rachel chuckled. “You can have cuddles from me any time you like.”
“Now!”
“Afteryou’ve drunk your water.”
She downed the entire pint in one go and then threw back the covers and ran helter-skelter into the bathroom to use the toilet.
When she came back out, Rachel had gotten into bed and held out her arms toward Penelope. “Come to bed, my love.”
CHAPTER 30
Rachel
She hadn’t meant to say my love. That had been the last thing on her mind, but the words had just fallen unbidden from her mouth and now she was faced with a slightly drunken, open-mouthed Penelope.
“You… I…”
“Bed,” said Rachel firmly. “Come to bed.”
“But you said…”
“I know what I said, but I’ve had some drinks too, and we should both talk about it in the morning.”
Penny looked suspiciously at her. “Yeah?”
“I promise,” said Rachel, extending her arms again. “Come on, darling; I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms.”
“I can do that,” said Penelope, and jumped onto the bed, clambering up until she was next to Rachel. Barely had her head hit the pillow before she was out like a light.
Complete with snores.
