Page 38 of Before and After

I blinked. “You do?”

He nodded. “I’ve been keeping an eye on them. Like you, I have no proof, but Allie, I trust gut-feels a hell of a lot. There’ve been times when they’re the only thing that’s kept me alive.”

My heart bumped against my ribs. I wanted to know what he meant. How many times had he been in a situation where his lifewas in danger? I wanted him to trust me enough to share those stories.

Stop it, Allie.The man just apologized for kissing you senseless.

“My gut says they could be dangerous,” he added. “Stay away from them.”

Instantly, I felt a sear of annoyance. “You’re not the boss of me.”

He arched a brow.

“I could help. No one pays attention to the housekeeping staff. I could?—”

“No.” This time, his voice was clipped and filled with bossiness.

I looked away.

He touched my arm, and I felt a sizzle of sensation.

He must have too because he quickly dropped his hand. “I’m trying to keep you safe.”

Oh. No one but my brother had ever done that. I looked into Caden’s dark eyes. So inky black.

I’m sorry. This was a big mistake.

I stiffened. He was just doing his job. “I won’t do anything crazy, but I will keep my eyes peeled.”

He sighed. “Fine.”

I hopped off my stool. The two drinks had caught up with me. “I need to visit the ladies’ room again. Keep an eye on my drink.”

I didn’t walk too close to Blake and his group of extreme-sports guys. The ESG. I was going to call them that for short. Less of a mouthful to say or think. I did glance over, and saw Blake looking at me.

With a nod, I hurried to the ladies’ room. I did my business, and was washing my hands, when the door opened. A woman in her mid-twenties with big, blonde curls and a tiny, blue dress with long sleeves walked in. She was weaving unsteadily.

She shot me a wobbly smile and disappeared into one of the stalls.

I looked in the mirror.Go back and say good night to Caden, then get home to Ollie. That’s what I needed to do.

The toilet flushed, and the woman staggered to the sink. “Ilovea good party.” Her voice was slurred.

I frowned, but nodded.

I headed for the door and had just pushed it open when the woman followed me out, then she gasped.

Spinning, I had no warning before she staggered into me.

“Are you okay?” I asked, grabbing her arms.

“No. I don’t feel so good.” Her face drained of color. “I’m so dizzy.”

“Too many cocktails?”

“I’ve only had one.” She gripped my arm, her nails digging in. “I was chatting with a cute guy. I hoped he’d ask me out.” She staggered. “I feel… Sick…”

She leaned most of her weight against me and I barely kept us both upright. I found myself with an armful of barely conscious blonde.