Page 46 of One Little Kiss
How am I going to afford to fix that?
“I’ll take care of it in the morning,” Colton whispers. “But for tonight, you can’t stay here.”
“Where would you like me to go, Colton?”
A sad smile plays across perfectly white teeth. “At least I’m back to Colton.”
“I-I have to stay here.” My words croak painfully in my throat, but something feels off. I don’t feel right, and he senses it.
“Winnie? Win? What’s wrong, baby? What’s … hey? Winnie?”
“You should go,” I force out. “Please go.”
A strong arm wraps around my waist, and I have no choice but to sway into him. I feel like I’m drowning with no water in sight.
“I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart. Ever.”
My shoulders shake with unshed tears. “Everyone leaves eventually, Colton. Everyone. Please go. I’m just going to go to bed. Wes, come here, buddy. It’s bedtime.”
At least, I think that’s what I say. The words slur together, and it’s hard to hear over Colton’s shushing, but I’m so tired. So very tired. I feel my feet leave the ground, then Wes curls into my side. Somewhere I hear Colton speaking, but my body is succumbing to sleep.
“What?” someone barks. I wish I could open my eyes.
“I need Emory. Now. Forty-eight Hill Street. Please hurry.”
CHAPTER14
COLTON
“Did she take anything? Any drugs? Prescription pills?” Emory asks, entering the room.
“Of course not,” I bark, affronted.
“Colton, are you sure? How well do you know this girl?”
“I know,” I say through clenched teeth.
“It’s important, Colt. Do you know that for sure?” she pushes.
Fuck. No. But I do. I can’t explain it, but I know.
“Of course she didn’t take nothin’, Ems. His Wendy walks the straight and narrow.” GG’s voice surprises me. I wasn’t expecting her, but I’m thankful for the backup.
She enters the room followed by her blue-haired partner in crime, Betty-Anne, and another woman I don’t know.
“This is Betty-Anne’s daughter, Beth. She owns the house and knows Wendy better n’ anyone.”
“Wendy?” Emory asks with a knowing smirk as she sits down beside Winnie.
“It’s Winnie,” I clarify.
“Only GG calls her Wendy. It drives her nuts,” Beth says cautiously. “Is-Is she okay? Where’s Wes?” Her voice rises with panic as she searches the small space. Lifting my arm, Weston peeks his little head out from under me, and she gasps. “Hey, Wessy. Ya got a new friend?”
“Thupahero,” he whispers, and my chest expands ten sizes.
“Beth?” Emory interrupts. “You’re sure she hasn’t taken anything?”
“I’m just,” Winnie mumbles.
