Page 23 of Saving His Heart
“Not tonight, I need you sober for that,” I tell her with a wink. The pout that takes over her face has me second-guessing all my morals, but only for a moment.Never hook up with a drunk girl. Consent is sexy, I repeat in my head. “Let’s get you into some dry clothes and something to eat.”
“Eesh, do ya know how much food tiny little Julia ordered? That would feed my sisters and me for a week.” I’m happy that the dip in the hot tub seems to have sobered her up a little. At least she isn’t slurring as much.
Patting her dry so she doesn’t slip on the hardwood floors, I finally wrap her up. Listen, I’m a guy. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the show. Peering down at her, Goldie Locks runs through my head again.My perfect size. Jesus Christ, I need to get a grip. This day has been too much, maybe for both of us. Tomorrow we will set some ground rules just like she wanted.
Knowing I need to get her some clothes, I guide her to my room, where she plops down on the bed with a heavy sigh.
“Holy cow. This is the comfiest bed I’ve ever sat on,” Emory says, running her hands all around my duvet cover. “It’s like a tilt-a-whirl.”
“Oh, no. Are you going to be sick, Ems?”
“Mhm. Maybe. You know, my father is an alcoholic. It runs in the family, so I don’t normally drink,” she mumbles.
“I know, sweets.” I run to my closet for a T-shirt and shorts. When I return, she is on the verge of passing out. Grabbing her arms, I lift her to sitting and slump her against my body while I undo the towel. Perfection and pervert are vying for the top spot in my head right now.
After slipping the T-shirt over her head, I guide her arms through the armhole, careful not to touch her anywhere else. It’s a fucking chore, let me tell you. Once it’s on, I lay her back onto the bed. Staring at her, I wonder what the hell I’m supposed to do now. Finally, I decide there is only one person I can ask at this point.
Preston: Ah, Emory is passing out. I put a dry T-shirt on her, but her panties are wet from the hot tub. Can I just put her to bed like this?
Lexi: Would you want to go to sleep in soaked boxers, you dip shit? Plus, she will get a UTI if she sleeps in wet underwear. She is your girlfriend, yes? Why are you even questioning this?
Girlfriend. Right.
Preston: I take consent very seriously, that’s all.
Liar.
Lexi: Your GIRLFRIEND will be pissed if she wakes up with a UTI. Goodnight, Preston.
Shit. I can’t have Lexi questioning our relationship.
Preston:Right. Thanks. Goodnight.
Lexi: (middle finger emoji)
“Nice, Lexi. Real mature,” I say out loud.
Okay. I can do this. Staring down at Ems with my hands on my hips, I decide I just need to get it over with. I pull my t-shirt down on her legs as far as it will go, reach up to her hips, and with my eyes pointed at the ceiling, pull down her thong.Fuck me.Grabbing my shorts, I place each of her feet into the leg holes and pull them up while staring straight at a wall. Once they are to her waist, I look down.How the hell are those going to stay up?
I probably should have just borrowed something from Lexi, but there is not a chance I’m going to change Emory again. Instead, I run into Lexi’s ensuite in search of an elastic. Finding one, I run back to my bed, bunch the side up as tight as possible, then wrap the elastic around and around.Good enough.
Standing back to inspect my handiwork, I’m pretty happy with it. I’ve never had to take care of anyone before, so this is unfamiliar territory for me. Then I remember what Lexi said. Bread and water. After I surround her with pillows, I run to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water and a bagel.
When I return, I’m relieved to see she hasn’t moved. Lifting her once again, I sit her upright and lean her against my chest. “Ems, drink this water, and have a couple bites of bagel, sweetheart.”
She doesn’t open her eyes but nods her head and opens her mouth. I can’t help but chuckle. Breaking off a piece of bagel, I stick it in her mouth and am pleased when I see her chew, even if it is slowly. When her jaw stops moving, I bring the water bottle to her lips and watch as she swallows. I follow the process for as long as she will allow, but now I’m afraid she’ll choke.
Placing the water and bagel on the end table, I say, “Ems, open your mouth, sweetheart.” I’m happy when she does as I ask without hesitation. Inserting my finger, I swipe at her cheeks like I have seen Dex do with his girls to make sure she doesn’t have any bagel stored somewhere in her mouth. She shocks the hell out of me when she sucks … hard. I’ve been walking around with a semi since I found her in the hot tub, and now it’s standing at full attention.
No. No. No.
Pulling gently, she releases my finger with a pop, and I swear to God, it is the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.
“Okay, Ems. Let’s get you under the covers,” I say sliding her up farther on the bed.
Once I’m convinced she’s comfortable and not in danger of choking on her own vomit, I grab a blanket and move to the chaise in the corner of my room.What? I’m responsible for her tonight. If she needs me, I want to be close by. That’s what I tell myself anyway as I tuck in for the most uncomfortable yet satisfying night of sleep I’ve had in years.
Chapter 8
