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Page 24 of Hooked on Marshall (Hooked #9)

While we waited for dinner to arrive, Lana’s mother helped her pack her things.

Or at least enough for her to stay with me for the week.

When dinner arrived, we all tucked in, obviously ready to eat after the stress of the evening.

Something that got worse when an unknown number that turned out to be Jonas called Lana’s phone five times and left three messages.

At Lana’s insistence, we ignored him for the rest of the night in favor of my creative abilities at the bar.

Something that the ladies took far too well to.

Judging by Mr. Rose and Mr. Riggin’s reactions, Mrs. Rose must not get drunk often.

But she certainly did so tonight. With Lana.

Who is barely conscious as I drive us back to my house.

When I get there, I manage to get her to walk to the door.

But as soon as I get her inside, she’s no more good.

So, I gather her in my arms and kick the door shut.

“Where are you sleeping, gorgeous?” I ask her.

“With you,” she sighs. “I want to sleep with…”

I chuckle as she gives up the ghost. Then I do what’s necessary to tuck her in for the night.

In my bed.

Once again, I manage to get her out of her clothes and into an oversized t-shirt.

As I did Saturday night, I leave her bra and underwear on.

But it still doesn’t keep my body from responding.

After I have her settled, I bring in the leftover alcohol from my Jeep and make sure the house is locked up.

When I’ve washed up for the night, I pause before I crawl into my bed so I can enjoy the sight of Lana there.

Thank God, she’s there, too.

My private conversation with her father was pretty much what I was expecting.

His first priority was her safety. And once I convinced him it was mine as well, he started to ease up.

But only because his father-in-law had gone on about me a bit on Sunday night. Something that I took as a compliment.

With a smile, I turn off my bedside lamp and crawl under the covers. Lana is on her back, so I gently wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close. Then I kiss her cheek and slip off to sleep. Happier than I’ve been in years.

***

“Oh, my God .”

I bolt upright at the sound of Lana’s pained voice.

Then I jump out of bed when I see her attempting to get to her feet.

Assuming the worst, I hook my arms under hers and carry her to the bathroom.

As soon as she’s on her feet, I lift up the seat and help her as she all but collapses to her knees.

She manages to hold her face over the bowl while I hold back her hair.

For several minutes, I swear she brings up everything she’s eaten in a week.

I actually give her a courtesy flush at one point.

When she’s stopped retching for about a minute, I grab a washcloth and wet it with cold water.

Then I gently wipe her face. Her eyes flutter open, but she squints in the bright light.

“Sorry,” she sighs.

“Are you finished?” I ask.

“Yeah,” she nods. “Wanna brush my teeth.”

I smile and help her to her feet. She takes the washcloth and wets it again as she continues to wipe her face. I brought her toiletry bag in here earlier, so I leave her to it. As soon as she turns off the light, I’m there to help her.

“Sorry,” she says again.

“Don’t worry about it,” I tell her. “You’ve had another hell of a day. I think you needed to unwind.”

“I would have rather let you help me with that,” she grumbles.

“We’ve got all the time in the world for that, gorgeous,” I say. “Now get comfortable and let's go back to sleep.”

“What time is it?” she asks on a yawn.

“Just past three.”

She grumbles and crawls under the covers.

As I walk around to the other side, she starts twisting and turning a bit.

Then, to my surprise, she tosses her bra and panties on the floor.

I smile and take off my shirt so I’m only in my boxers.

When I’m settled, she rolls over and nestles against me.

I welcome the feel of her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders so I’m not tempted to… well, let’s be honest…feel her up.

“Night,” she yawns.

“Night, gorgeous.”

She moves a little more to get comfortable, and within seconds, her breaths are deep and even.

After I take a deep breath, I hold her tighter and let myself drift off once again.

I sleep the sleep of the dead, or the ridiculously content, until my alarm goes off at seven.

Lana never stirs, so I quickly slide out of bed and leave her to sleep while l go about my morning.

I go to the garage for a workout. Then I shower and dress.

When I’m finished with that, I smile when I see that Lana still hasn’t moved.

So, I start breakfast since I managed to go grocery shopping after I took her home yesterday.

But this morning when she walks into my kitchen, she’s not wrapped in a blanket.

No.

This morning, she’s wearing only the shirt I put her in last night.

And a sexy smile.

“I think you’re overdressed,” she says.

I shut off the burners and turn toward her. And I try to give her an out.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask softly.

“I am,” she nods. “As long as you are.”

“You know I want you, gorgeous,” I rasp. “But how are you feeling, though? After last night?”

She grins again. Then she takes a step back into the hallway and whips off my shirt. And I go rock hard in an instant at the sight of her naked body.

“I’m ready for you , Marshall,” she breathes. “All of you.”