Page 55 of Best Served Cold

* * * * * *

“Why does it taste like something died in my mouth?” She really did need to get over her habit of talking to herself. When a leg shifted over her, she froze.

“Hangovers will do that to you. How do you feel?”

“How did you get into my apartment?” Rolling away from Demetri, Stacy pulled the sheet up to her chin when she realized she was naked.

“You let me in.”

“No I didn’t. The last thing I remember is telling you that I didn’t want to wake up naked in bed next to you. I th

ink.”

“That explains a lot.” He propped himself up on an elbow as spoke. “Let’s see if I can help. After Tina helped you to the bathroom, you threw up. You missed her shoes. But only just barely.” He winked. “When you came back out, Tina and I asked if you were ready to leave. You said no, and kept drinking. After about your fifth post-bathroom drink, you climbed on top of my lap.”

“I did not,” Stacy denied.

“Oh, yes you did. Tina took pictures, she said she wanted to have proof for you. I’m sorry I missed your call. I had hoped you would forgive me since I was on the phone with Tina and canceling my appointments as I left the office.”

Why would he do that for her? Would he do that for all of his friends? Was she more than just a typical friend? Did she want to know the answer to that? “You didn’t have to do that.” Damn, those warm fuzzies were back in her stomach again. He wasn’t supposed to do that.

She tried to get out of the bed, but Demetri was laying on part of the sheet and didn’t seem to be inclined to move. She was more stiff than she could ever remember being. Even after that week of going to the gym every day in an attempt to try to get back into shape. The one that had her begging for death instead. “Oh no. I specifically said I did not want to want to look like a walking bruise.”

“You don’t,” he grumbled.

“Yeah, you expect me to believe that when you look like you got into a fight?”

“Go look in the mirror if you don’t believe me. As for these...well, you got a little wild. This one you gave me while you were still in the bar. After you climbed on my lap.” Demetri pointed to a large, very dark hickey on his neck, just above the collarbone.

“I’ll get up when you get off the sheet,” she whimpered.

“It’s not like I haven’t seen you naked before.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I want you to see me now.”

“Hmm, there is a problem then, because I’m awfully comfortable. What’s in it for me if I move?”

She fought a laugh. She wasn’t supposed to succumb to his charm anymore. “The knowledge that you’ve done the right thing?”

“I’d rather see you wiggle your ass.”

“That’s not happening.” A smile broke free.

“Would you feel better if I told you nothing happened between us?” Demetri took her hand in his.

“I’m not sure I’d believe you.”

“I promise you, on my honor as Alpha male of my pack, that we didn’t do anything. I won’t lie to you and tell you that I wasn’t tempted, ‘cause I was. Damn, was I. Especially when you stood up and placed your ass in my face...” His voice trailed off. He cleared his throat, then continued. “But I respect you, and would never take advantage of you in such a manner. You were drunk, and I want our...I want you to remember what we do.”

She arched an eyebrow. “I woke up naked. You’re in my bed naked. I’m supposed to believe that nothing happened?”

“You threw up more than once. Just before the second time, I had managed to convince you to come back to your apartment. You weren’t as lucky as the previous time, and you got some all over your clothes.”

“And your state of undress? How do you explain that?”

“I’m a big boy. I haven’t slept in clothes in many, many years. I knew I wouldn’t do anything so long as you were drunk or passed out. I’m not that kind of wolf.”

Stacy opened her mouth to say something then closed it. Opening her mouth again, she knew she was blushing when she said, “You changed the sheets.”

---