Page 26 of Finding Home (Willow Valley #1)
TWENTY-SIX
EVERETT
W hen Chloe comes out of her room with an overnight bag thrown over her shoulder, I pause. I didn’t realize she wasn’t coming home tonight.
“You staying in West Bridgejaw?” I ask, catching her attention.
She hikes the bag further up her shoulder. “Yeah. We’ll be drinking, and none of us really wanted to be DD tonight, so we got a hotel.”
I nod. “Keep me updated. Let me know when you get to town and back to your hotel. Text me in the morning when you’re on your way home.”
She sighs and stares me down. “Everett, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and the last time I checked, I wasn’t yours to worry about.”
Her words are like a stab to the gut, and they hurt more than they should. She’s right. It’s not like she’s my girlfriend or wife. Who am I to demand that she keeps me updated? But I’m protective, and at this point, I don’t care if I come across as an asshole as long as it means I know she’s safe.
I stalk towards her, backing her against the wall. She holds my eyes, a look of defiance on her face.
“Chloe, you’re going to be a good girl and text me when you get to town, when you’re back in your hotel, and when you’re on your way home.
You’re going to be safe while having fun, and if for any reason, and I mean any reason at all, you need an escape, you’re going to call me, and I’m going to come get you. ”
She continues to stare at me, not saying anything, her eyes dilated as she tries to control her breathing.
I take another step closer, her chest now brushing mine with each breath she takes. “Do you understand?”
She nods, and I do something I know I fucking shouldn’t. I drag my thumb over her bottom lip. “Have fun and be safe.”
I step back, giving her just enough room to squeeze by.
She calls out a goodbye to Lila and rushes out the front door.
I pack the rest of Lila’s and my day full, hoping to keep my mind off of Chloe in some bar, probably dancing and flirting with strange men. We’re cuddled on the couch when the first text comes through.
Arrived at the hotel
I grin at my phone. She’s doing as she’s told. It buzzes in my hand again.
I’m sharing a bed with Brinley and we chose the window bed because Lennon will be up a few times in the middle of the night.
We’re ordering room service for dinner. I’m getting a chicken Caesar wrap and fries.
I shake my head and lock my phone, trying to pay attention to the movie again. It buzzes again a short while later.
Heading to the bar now.
Image
I nearly drop my phone as the picture comes through.
She’s wearing this form-fitting black dress that lands mid-thigh with a pair of black heels that wind up her legs.
She’s fucking gorgeous, and the thought of leaving right now and throwing her over my shoulder and bringing her home hits me like a wrecking ball.
I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.
You’re being a brat.
A sexy brat tongue sticking out emoji
I stare at the message, unable to respond, but my lack of response must be enough for, her because she texts back.
Are you going to punish me???
I groan.
Watch yourself, Chloe
What if I want you to watch me?
Fucking hell. This woman is going to kill me.
After Lila’s tucked in bed, I head to my room, reading and waiting for Chloe to let me know they’re back in their hotel room. Instead of texting, she calls, and I answer.
“Are you okay?”
She chuckles. “Calm down, Mr. Serious Grump.” Her words come out pretty slurred. “I’m fine. We’re in the hotel. I can’t see my phone to text.”
I run my hand down my face. She’s wasted.
“Do you have some water? Something to eat and sober up?”
She hiccups. “Yes. Water. Soooo good.” She giggles, and I hear other voices on the other end.
She sighs, and I hear the shuffling of sheets.
“Will you read to me? You have such a nice voice,” she says, and my cheeks heat.
Any time she compliments me, they seem to do that.
“You know the perfect night would be having my hair played with and being read to and then afterwards being held.”
I can see that. Hearing her say how something so simple is her idea of a perfect night has me beginning to wonder if we could maybe make this work as more than what we are now.
“Yeah, I’ll read to you.”
“Thank you,” she says, and I hear the grin in her voice.
I grab my book and start reading out loud from where I left off until I hear her soft little snores coming through the phone. I just lie in my bed and listen to her breathing and the way it relaxes me. I can’t find it in myself to hang up the call before I fall asleep.
Chloe texts at nearly noon the next day that they’re on their way home, and I can picture her with big sunglasses on in an oversize hoodie and leggings, probably clutching a coffee and some greasy food.
Based on the way she sounded last night, she’s got to be fighting one of the world’s worst hangovers.
Lila and I agreed on cereal for breakfast and a meal of breakfast foods for lunch, because I know it’s something that will help Chloe.
I’m just finishing with everything when Chloe walks in the front door. I can’t fight my grin as she walks into the kitchen, sunglasses on top of her head in an oversize hoodie that says UBC School of Medicine , a pair of leggings, and a large coffee clutched to her chest. Called every last detail.
“Well, good morning, sunshine,” I say.
She reaches for a piece of bacon on the tray I’m holding and says, “That’s brat to you.”
She caught me so off guard I throw my head back and release a chest-shaking laugh. “Noted. I’ve made lunch, thought you could use some food.”
The look of gratitude she gives me has me wanting to kiss her, but I take a deep breath and settle on giving her arm a squeeze as I pass her. She stares at the spot I touched her, pink tinging her cheeks before she sits at the table and I call Lila.