He says something I can’t understand so I lean forward. “What?”
“I wish you could get out.” He opens his eyes and stares right into mine. “It’s too late though. Hesgotchu too.”
“Who’s got me? What do you mean it’s too late?” I straighten.
But his eyes close and his breath evens out. I run a hand over my face and let out a long sigh. I’ve aged twenty years tonight. Thankfully, Maggie and I can escape to my cabin now, where I can get her the help she so desperately needs.
“There’s a naked woman on the couch,” he hiccups out.
My heart thumps. Maggie’s passed out on the couch, visible. Her skin is alabaster.
“Sure, there is, buddy.”
I pray he doesn’t remember any of this tomorrow. His eyes shut and his mouth relaxes open. I go to Maggie.
“Hey,” I whisper to her and kneel on the floor beside the couch.
It takes some work but I get her a few sips from an extra water bottle. Her lips are peeling when I ease the hair back from her face. When her eyes flutter open they’re bloodshot.
“I can’t go Under anymore,” she whispers dryly.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to.”
“I’m so tired, James.” Her face falls and I think she’d have tears in her eyes if her body could produce any moisture at this point.
Emotion swells in my chest and any anger at the situation dissolves the instant she calls me James.
“I know. Let’s go to sleep.”
Beautiful, strong, crazy-ass woman. She looks down at her form without moving any muscles.
“Naked,” she says.
“You typically are around me.”
“Perv.” Her smile causes a wince.
I slide my suspenders down and take off my shirt, leaving only an undershirt. She struggles to sit up with my help. I slide her arms into the sleeves one at a time, her head lolling.
“Thanks,” she says.
“Come on.” I pick her up and carry her cradled in my arms.
At least if we pass anybody on the short walk they’ll think we’re coming down from partying. Her head is on my chest and I take a deep inhale. She said she doesn’t wear anything scented. It’s subtle but it’s there; a light sweet, clean fragrance.
Finally, in my room I force her to drink another whole bottle of water and eat a few nuts from the kitchenette. She passes out the second I place her in my bed. I kick off my shoes and lay the dress pants on the back of a chair.
Should I be a gentleman and make up the sleeper sofa? That seems like too much work. Maggie’s lying there, snuggled deep under the covers, an angelic smile on her lips. It tugs something within me.
What the hell.
The sand in my eyes wins—I fall face first into bed. I’ll compromise by sleeping on top of the blankets. With her blond hair tickling my nose I drift off to sleep.
10
Maggie
I wake up sweating.Before I have the courage to open my eyes, I register the heavy weight of a man on top of me. A moment of pure panic takes over. What happened? What happened? My eyes pop open despite the protest of my whole being, but it’s only Roe.
