Page 121 of Stay With Me

Thank God I have Waylon covering for me this morning. Since there are no new check-ins today, I don’t have to worry about cabin call this afternoon. That means I can go with Magnolia while she works at the farmer’s market. She mentioned some strange guy stopping by yesterday while she was at the retreat and considering I don’t remember checking in a man with his description, I don’t like the idea of some rando stalking my girlfriend.

But before I take her home to get ready, I decide to make her some food since we no doubt worked up an appetite.

I plate the eggs benedict, fill a glass with orange juice, and then bring it to her in bed. She’s still passed out with wild dark hair covering half her face and my marks on her neck.

She looks so damn sexy.

“Sunny,” I say softly, kneeling next to her after I set everything on the nightstand. “Wake up, baby. I have breakfast for you.”

“Mm.” She hums, shifting slightly, but then her eyes pop open. “What’s that smell?”

The panic in her voice has me immediately on alert.

Before I can answer, she sits up, covering her mouth, and then throws off the covers before she rushes past me.

Standing in confusion, I follow as she goes into my bathroom. She hunches over the toilet, emptying her stomach, and I rush over.

“Shit, baby.” I pull her hair off her face and hold it in my fist. She continues violently throwing up, and I rub her back as I stay behind her.

After the last round, she sits back, breathing heavily. I grab a washcloth and drown it in cold water, then pat it over her cheeks, forehead, and neck.

“That was terrible. I think I threw up my whole stomach.”

“Think you can handle some water?” I ask, taking her hand and helping her to her feet.

She nods and lets me bring her back to my bed.

“Stay here, and I’ll grab some.” I take the plate of eggs and orange juice, then go to the kitchen. I hate that she’s feeling sick again. She must’ve caught something, which means I’ll probably have it soon, too.

When I return with her water, she’s lying down. “Sunny, sit up and take a drink.”

I help push her up when she struggles and put the cup to her mouth. After a few seconds, I set the glass down and tuck her back in.

“Do I have to call anyone to let them know you won’t be there today?” I ask when she closes her eyes.

“No, I’ll just lose out on the vendor fee. But there’s no way I can serve drinks while vomiting, so it’s better for everyone if I don’t go.”

The sadness in her voice makes me frown. I know she especially relies on her Saturday sales to help pay her bills, but she needs rest more than anything. Mr. Waters is the president of the town committee who manages the farmer’s market and since he owes me a favor from when I helped bring his escaped cattle back to his ranch, I’ll ask him to waive her fee.

“Sleep as much as you need. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I kiss the top of her head and click off the light.

I clean up the kitchen, tidy up the living room, and do a load of laundry. When I check on her two hours later, she’s still snoring softly, so I strip down to my boxer shorts and climb in next to her. She doesn’t even startle when I wrap an arm underneath her and pull her into my side.

My phone vibrating on the nightstand wakes me up. It’s a group text chat with my brothers.

Landen

There was a robbery at Phil’s Grocery and a car exploded in the parking lot five minutes later. Downtown is blocked off with a dozen squad cars. Shit’s getting crazy.

Jesus. That’s the third robbery this month.

It’s obvious it’s the same person behind the recent crime spree in town. The first two times were small family businesses on Main Street. Looks like they evolved to bigger places with more cash.

Tripp

They announce any suspects?

Landen