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For a second, I frowned, wondering when Abby had started calling her by her old nickname. However, as soon as Emmy spoke, I focused solely on her.
“Fine. I’m fine. Help me up. I want to dance.”
Her words were a little slurred, and for a second, I was transported back to memory after memory of my late wife being in the same state, often in the lap of another guy when I found her, and telling me to fuck off when I tried to take her home.
Amber’s no-nonsense voice snapped me back to the present. “I think it’s time for you to go home. Give me your keys, Emmy.”
“They’re in my purse.”
I knew Amber would see her home safe. The woman was practical, never did anything to excess, and probably had been drinking more water than alcohol. And yet, the urge for me to see after Emmy myself was so fucking strong. I’d only had two beers—despite my original intent to get drunk—and I could drive.
“Emmy.” Her gaze met mine, and she smiled warmly, the kind of look she’d never have given me sober.
And fuck, if the look didn’t shoot straight to my dick.
She leaned over and patted my cheek. “West. When I drop my keys, you should pick them up.”
I frowned, but Katie laughed. I glanced at her, but she shook her head. “Don’t ask.”
“Fine. But get out of the way, all of you.” I growled for good measure.
Abby rolled her eyes, now back with Emmy’s purse. “You could just ask nicely.”
Ignoring my sister, I carefully scooped Emmy into my arms. She instantly put her hands at the back of my neck, and once I stood, she stared at me, smiling again. “You’re so strong. I knew it, with shoulders like that.”
Her fingers played with the edge of my hairline, each pass sending a rush of heat and longing through me. Because, fuck, I wondered what her fingers would feel like on my chest, my arms, and even gripping my ass as I took her.
Stop it.She was drunk, and I was a fucking gentleman, despite my grumpy exterior.
I looked at Abby. “If you can unlock the car, I’ll put her in and drive her home. Are all of you coming too?”
Abby opened her mouth, but Katie beat her to it. “Nope. We’re staying a little longer.” Both Amber and Abby blinked, but Katie kept going. “My brother, Kyle, owes me a favor, and he can come get us. Just make sure Emmy gets home safe, okay?”
“Of course I will.”
Beck’s voice came from behind me. “I’d go with you, but I need the truck tomorrow and can’t leave it here overnight. But I can take any of you girls home, if you want.”
They all murmured yes, and soon, Abby was leading me to Emmy’s car. Luckily, it was an SUV so I could easily slide her into the front seat. Once I had her seat belt on, I closed the door and faced Abby.
My sister handed me the keys and Emmy’s purse. “Her bedroom is on the second floor, the first door on the right. Text me once she’s safe.”
I grunted.
Abby studied me a second and then smiled. “You’re a good man, West. I wasn’t sure when you first came back, but there’s no doubt now.” She kissed my cheek before I could say a word and then stepped back. “Goodnight.”
My little sister left, and I merely watched her for a second. The longer I’d stayed away from Starry Hills, the more I’d worried how my family would view me. Would it be hate? Disappointment? Disgust at being a coward?
Maybe they felt some of those things, but more and more I wondered if I could mend the rift between me and my siblings after all.
The horn beeped, and I jumped. Emmy grinned from her passenger’s window and waved.
Seeing her so free and letting down her guard made me wish I could help her be like this always. Maybe I could even help ease whatever burdens she carried.
Not your problem, not your job.
Before she could honk the horn again, I slid into the other side and started the car.
Emmy patted my arm and said, “’Bout time. I’m ready for bed.”
