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Seconds later, Drew belched. Only, it turns out it wasn’t the average drunken burp. No, this time it packed some punch in the form of projectile vomiting. Laney, standing a few feet away, took the bruntofit.
Kate seemed suddenly aware of the commotion just outside the private dining room. She came rushing out and took one look at Laney before slapping a hand over her mouth. “OhmyGod.”
“He never pukes,” Ty noted. “I think we need to see about medical attention. I’m worried about alcohol poisoning. He’s been on a binge for the past weekorso.”
“I’ll call for an ambulance.” She rushed back into the room, presumably to grab herphone.
Then Ty looked at Laney. “Are you holding it together? You’re not going to faint, are you?” He held out a hand as if he were waiting tointercede.
She nodded then shook her head. I immediately let go of Drew, rushed to her side, and wrapped an arm around her waist. “I got you,” I whispered inherear.
Her lower lip trembled. Kate raced back into the hall. By the time she returned, seconds later, she was already on the phone with 911, relaying the hotel’s address. Then she passed the phone to Ty. “They want some information. You know more thanIdo.”
“Okay, love,” he murmured as he tookhercell.
My eyes narrowed. “What’s going on here?” I glanced back and forth between them. Neither would meetmyeyes.
“Oh, Miss Jenner,” Kate murmured. “We’llfixthis.”
“Let me guess,” Laney whispered. “I get to take a shower and you’ll find me fresh stripper clothes.” She hiccupped as she peeked up at me. Then I felt her knees give and she crumpled, but Icaughther.
“Well, that was unexpected,” I murmured as I scooped her up intomyarms.
“Not entirely.” Katesighed.
Ty covered the cell phone to speak with us. “Actually, I think she took it rather well, considering this is the second time she has been puked ontoday.”
I cradled her closer in my arms. “Poor Laney.” I planted a kiss on her forehead. I didn’t even care that she was soaked in stomach contents or smelled for the same reason. Then I frowned. “You put her in stripperclothes?”
Kate nodded sadly. “She refused to let us buy her anything. Longstory.”
“Well, she’s unconscious so she can’t stop me,” I grumbled. “What’sopen?”
“Our boutique.” Kate bit her cheek, like she was trying not to say too much. “What are you goingtodo?”
Silently, I stared down at the raven-haired beauty in my arms. “I’m going to take careofher.”
“What does that even mean?” Kate threw her hands intheair.
Laney began to stir. “Rest,” I whispered inherear.
“Who are you?” Ty narrowed his eyes at me. “You didn’t even want a goldfish. ‘Too much upkeep,’yousaid.”
“I was seven,” Iremindedhim.
“What about the puppy when you were twelve?” Hisbrowrose.
I shook my head. “That was an apology, not a pet.” I felt compelled to explain to Kate. “My parents separated for a few months. My father tried to gain my forgiveness for wrecking their marriage with a dog.” I grimaced. “Like I can be bought that easily.” Laney’s eyelids fluttered. “I’m taking her upstairs. Can I get a raincheck ondinner?”
“Of course.” Ty nodded. Then he threw an arm around Kate and kissed her head. I walked away and didn’t look back, but when I turned the corner, I realized Kate was still staring after us, head tilted, obviously deep inthought.
We made it onto the elevator before Laney began to regain consciousness. “I’m so sorry.” Shesighed.
“For what?” I frowned. “Being overcome? Please, we all experience stress in ourownway.”
She started looking about. “An elevator?” Her brow furrowed. “Where are wegoing?”
I blew out a breath. “My room. You can shower there.” I waited for her to object. I expected her to refuse. After all, we didn’t know each other, not really. And yet, I felt so comfortable with her, it was as though we had ahistory.
