Page 104 of I Promise You
“It’s okay, Ari.” He shifts in his seat, taking off his jacket. The way his triceps flex as he pulls it off himself has me clearing mythroat and focusing on Drew Barrymore getting chased instead. I blink away, sneaking in one more glance, then I’m furrowing my brows at the TV.
“I heard what happened. Meredith told me you and Grim ended things. And I guess I wanted to make sure you’re okay. I’m not leaving until you tell me you are. Is it true?” He folds his jacket over the couch arm. He arches a brow and my heart drops when he mentions him.
I nod, trying to fight the lump in my throat.
“Fuck…no wonder he hasn’t been answering anyone’s calls.”
“He hasn’t? Is he okay?” I rush out, sitting up.
Oh no. The last thing I want Danny to do is relapse and drink himself to the point of no return. I sit up, throwing the blankets off me once again.
I won’t let him do that to himself. My mind travels to the worst. I’m picturing him passed out, somewhere with no one, with a crap ton of empty whiskey bottles. Because of me. Because of what I said.
“I need to make sure he’s okay.” I stand, ready to find my car keys. But then Kane grabs my hand, stopping me.
“He’s fine. Rooker has been checking on him. He’s good.” he reassures me.
“Has he been getting…?” I can’t form the last word, but Kane finishes it.
“Drunk? No.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
I slouch back down the couch, my bangs get in my face and fear leaves my body.
“We all drink a lot…you know?” I turn to him as I hold my knees to my chin. “It’s not just Grim. Rooker drinks when his old lady isn’t around or when he’s with us. Lopez is married to his beer, and Creature…well, he’s just a maniac when it comes to whiskey, liquor or beer. Crazy ass was able to do the fourhorsemen at the bar without passing out or throwing up. It was impressive.”
“That’s insane.”
“He is insane…but anyway, what I’m trying to say is sometimes, it’s just easy for us to turn to it than to ask for help. Our jobs…”
“Your job isn’t easy, I know…but it isn’t right. Get help. There are programs, doctors, therapy. Lots of resources.” Kane looks away from me, glancing at his hands, like I scolded him and maybe I kind of did, but that was not my intention. I would never judge Danny or his team for dealing with their lives the best way they know how. “But I get it. I can’t imagine the things you’ve guys seen or had to do…I never want to see what you’ve witnessed or experienced. That’s why I don’t blame Danny for wanting to drink. Or if any of you guys want to let loose before missions or after them.”
Kane purses his lips, still popping his fingers, but doesn’t respond.
“Speaking of drinking, care to share?” he asks, grabbing the wine bottle from my hands, not bothering to wait for my answer. He eyes the label, looking at the brand and flavor, studying it and he licks his lips.
“Sweet red wine.” He lifts the bottom, then puts it to his lips, smirking at me through a devilish grin. “My favorite.”
I hadn’t noticed how close I sat down next to him until his big hand brushes against my thigh. I look down at his gesture and I stop breathing, something ignites inside me and when I catch the veins on his hand standing out, and something pulls at my strings.
I clear my throat, breaking the tension. He reads the room and removes his hand, giving me back the wine bottle instead.
“I should go.” He murmurs. He taps his finger on the arm of the couch and positions his feet to stand.
He should. He should go and stop showing up at my house like this. But…
Screw it. He’s always been there for me and my mother when my brother passed. Why stop him now? He’s doing what my big brother wanted him to do and I won’t fault him for that…ever.
“You can stay.” I give in to his need to watch over me. I guess I don’t want to be alone tonight, after all. Even if this might blur lines. He’s my friend, and this is what friends do.
I smile. “Just until the movie is over.”
29
KANE
The entire time Ari rests her head on my shoulder, I have to control my dick that wants to come out of my jeans. She smells so good, and we’re two more wine bottles down. The movie just finished, and I stopped drinking after a couple of swigs to watch over her. I stopped drinking when I realized just how inebriated she’d become. Her cheeks are rosy, she giggles at the smallest things and her eyes are glossy.
