Page 41 of Waiting for Acceptance
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit terrified to accept it.
“Fitz,” I offer a small smile and shake her hand anyway.
“Well, I hate to interrupt you boys, but ours have a bedtime so we gotta get going.” She nods towards the exit and before things can become awkward, or worse—hostile, they say goodbye and take off in the opposite direction.
Why the hell does this guy care so much about me being here with Lauren? What the hell did I ever do to him?
“Hey there,date, you ready to go?” I look up to see a smiling Lauren, her forehead glistening with sweat from dancing so hard and her hair slightly disheveled. As if she’s been continuously running her hands through it.
“Are you drunk?”
“Yeah, so? Isn’t that how you like me anyway? People find I’m much more agreeable when I have a few drinks in me.” She’s so…unstable? The poised, fierce, controlled hurricane I’m familiar with looks like a soft breeze could blow her over at any moment, as her arms flop at her sides as she speaks.
“How often do you get drunk like this?” She shrugs and sinks into a chair, practically melting onto the table as she props her cheek up on her palm.
“Whenever we go out. Sometimes on girls' nights. On work trips, apparently,” she mumbles the last part before reaching formy scotch glass to finish it off. I grab her wrist and stop her before she can.
“Please tell me you’re never left alone when you’re like this.”
“Aww. You worried about me, Fitzgerald?” I can tell she’s trying her best to glare but it’s not working.
“Do you understand how reckless that is? Anyone could—” I stop myself and rub my hand across my mouth as she snatches hers back and stands up so fast I fear she might actually fall over.
“Could what? Take advantage of me?” My blood boils at the thought, causing me to loosen my tie as I stand to face her.
“Exactly.” I can smell the tequila on her breath as she stares back at me. Beautiful blue eyes completely empty.
“So, what? It’s only okay when it’s you reaping the benefits of my drunkenness?” I lift her up and throw her over my shoulder, completely aware there’s a fifty-fifty chance she’ll vomit all down the back of my suit. When we finally reach a quiet place on the outside of the reception tent, I place her feet on the ground and back her into the support beam.
“I didn’tknowyou were blackout drunk that night. If I had, I would have stopped you in that elevator.”
“Regretting it now, are we?” Tears fill her eyes, causing my chest to tighten. Fuck.
“No. But, I would have waited til you were sober enough to remember the first time I fucked you, and I sure as hell won’t let you forget the next time I do.” Her eyes pop and she rushes past me to empty the contents of her stomach in the grass.
Well…I’ve never gottenthatreaction before.
CHAPTER 23
LAUREN
Is it possible to have an aneurysm from drinking too much? I should probably look into that as soon as I can open my eyes all the way. I reach for my phone and peek them open just enough to see the time. My hand brushes against something cold when I place my phone back down and I roll my head to look again—seeing a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin.
Thank you, last night me.
I sit up and grab the bottle of pain reliever, popping two in my mouth before reaching for the water when I notice a little note underneath.
Coffee will be delivered at 10, Trouble.
I check my phone again, not remembering the time from two minutes ago, then I drag my ass out of bed since it’s already five after. I don’t know how punctual the coffee delivery service he’s using may be, but Idoknow I’m not a fan of watered-down coffee. I swing the door open and feel a wave of nausea wash over me again at the sight ofFitzstanding outside, holding my coffee.
He looks hot as shit, wearing a pair of slacks with white sneakers and a fitted T-shirt, meanwhile, I resemble an ugly step troll in a baggy T-shirt, insane bed head, and a pair of underwear as he looks me up and down.
“Morning sleeping beauty.” He hands me my coffee and strolls inside my house, uninvited.
“Shut up,” I groan, shutting the door behind him. “And come in, I guess?” I follow him intomykitchen as he makes himself comfortable on a barstool while I hold my iced coffee.
“How hospitable of you.” He smirks at me then jumps when Ginny hops up onto the counter. “Ah, the killer cat.”
