Page 96 of Stay With Me

I put the lid down and lean back.

When he returns, he hands me a pink bottle and a glass of water.

“Do you feel any better now that it’s all out of your system?”

I open the bottle and take a long chug, then chase it down with the water.

“Not really. Throwing up in front of you is like number one on my ick list, so ya know, glad we got that outta the way early on.” My elbows rest on my knees as I wait for the queasiness to vanish.

“C’mon, I’m tuckin’ you into my bed and I’ll put the trash can next to it in case you feel sick again.”

He scoops me up in his arms as if I’m weightless, and I rest my head on his chest as he carries me to his room.

When he puts me on my feet, he pulls the comforter and sheet back, then tells me to sit. “I’m gonna grab you a T-shirt to sleep in.”

Every little movement feels amplified, and I groan as he lifts my arms and takes off my sweater. Then he slides an oversized shirt down and helps me out of my leggings to pull the shirt down to my knees.

“You can keep this one, too.” He winks. “Wanna try lying down now?”

I nod, although I think it might make me feel worse.

He tucks the blankets all around me and repositions my hair so it’s out of my face.

I pout. “This is not how I envisioned you puttin’ me in your bed for the first time.”

“Don’t worry, Sunny. We’ll schedule a make-up sleepover when you’re back to feelin’ better.” He cups my cheek, then leans down and kisses my forehead. “Be right back with your water and bucket.”

I fall asleep somewhere between him setting my phone down on his nightstand and then him crawling in behind me and rubbing my back.

When I wake up sometime in the middle of the night, there’s a lamp glowing, and I hear soft snores next to me. Turning around toward Tripp, I study his features up close and personal. The scruff covering his sharp jawline. The light dusting of freckles on his cheeks that are only visible if you’re looking for them. His dark eyelashes that are somehow longer than mine. And his perfect lips that I never want to stop kissing.

I still can’t believe that after all this time pining over him, he’s finally mine.

Now I just need to make sure my past stays in the past, and I don’t lose him.

Chapter Twenty-One

Tripp

Waking up with Magnolia in my bed and in my arms is a wild dream come true. I hate that she got sick from all the sugar, but I enjoyed holding her all night.

It’s also the best night of sleep I’ve had in years. Typically, I have anxious thoughts and my mind doesn’t shut off for hours. But last night, I rubbed her back until her breathing evened, and then I passed out moments later.

Unfortunately for me, I have work, so I sneak out from under the blankets as quietly as possible. She typically opens for business at the farmer’s market downtown on Saturday mornings, but I’m not sure if she’ll be up for it, so instead of waking her to ask, I leave her a note.

Sunny,

I put a fresh glass of water on the nightstand for you and a couple Tylenol in case you have a headache. Call me if you need a ride home or feel free to stay as long as youwant and make yourself at home. I work until 4 and then if you’re up for it, I’d love to hang out again tonight. I know I’m probably not as fun as Noah, but we can stay in and watch Dirty Dancing if you need another Patrick Swayze fix ;) No sugary foods, though.

Then I spend more time than I’d like to admit trying to figure out how to end it.

Love, Tripp

-Tripp

Always yours, Tripp

After several minutes, I say fuck it and just leave it without anything. She’ll clearly know it’s from me.