Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 15902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
“No, you weren’t.”
“You were taking care of me in a stalkery way, but you were still taking care of me.”
“No excuse.”
“Why are you being my voice of reason?” she asked.
“I know come the morning, you’re still going to have your views, and you think I didn’t feel this way myself. You’re twenty years younger than me, Emily. Believe me, there have been many times over the past couple of years I’ve crossed the line.”
She giggled. “I like you crossing the naughty line.”
“I’m coming to get you. I’ve got to see drunk Emily.”
“I giggle a lot and burp.” She did exactly that. “Sorry, that wasn’t very sexy, was it?”
“It was fine. No more wine.”
“I can’t make any promises.”
Chapter Seven
Sipping at his coffee, James looked into the bedroom where Emily looked a complete mess. She was cute, no doubt about that. When he went to Nancy’s home, he had seen the older woman wasn’t so drunk, but Emily had been wasted.
He’d thanked Nancy for taking care of her, and putting Emily over his shoulder, he’d carried her out to his car. She had squeezed his ass.
Yep, Emily was a little tease with drink inside her.
With some fresh air, the moment they’d arrived at his place, the vomiting and sickness had taken over. He’d held her hair as she spewed up her entire night out.
“Such a waste of money.”
He knew a lot of people felt that way.
He’d washed her, because she had vomit in her hair, brushed her teeth, helped her to bed, and watched her, in case she had decided to throw up throughout the night.
Fortunately, she hadn’t.
He smiled though. There was no doubt, it had been cute.
She rolled over, curling up in a ball. She started to wake up, and as she did, she became aware of her pounding headache.
She let out a groan.
“Kill me,” she said.
“Hello, sweetheart,” he said.
She dropped her hands and groaned again. “I talked to you.”
“You did.”
“I told you some secrets.”
“How you like it when I talk dirty to you, and how you love to watch me fucking you?”
“Yes.” She covered her face again. “My head has hammers inside of it.”
He picked up the painkillers he’d already gotten for her, and the water.
She sat up, and he watched her take them, tilting her head back as she swallowed them, taking one tablet each time.
“You know, you swallow more food in one mouthful than the tablet.”
“I know, but I fear it gets stuck in my throat. It’s a whole big deal.” She handed him back the glass, and he sat down beside her on the bed.
“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked.
“Terrible. I vomited everywhere.”
“You did. I cleaned it up. I didn’t even know projectile vomiting was a real thing. You have shocked me.”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“You don’t need to be sorry. It’s all gone now.”
“No, for … my reaction yesterday.”
“Ah,” he said. “Out of all of our conversations, I wondered which one you wouldn’t regret,” he said.
“I didn’t mean to upset you. I really didn’t.”
“It’s fine, Emily.”
“I was shocked.”
“I imagine finding out a guy is taking care of you at every single level can be a little scary.”
He reached out, tucking some hair behind her ear and offering her a smile.
“I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful though.”
“You didn’t.” He’d figured if she ever did find out the truth, it would be a little upsetting for her. Now, he knew for sure, it had been.
She reached out, taking his hand. “I feel a little guilty.”
“What for?”
“I didn’t … I mean … I had no idea you had even noticed me back then.” She stroked the back of his hand with her fingers. “I was so caught up with my pain, I didn’t even notice you. I mean, I was always grateful when you gave me a job, and helped me wherever I needed it. I just didn’t realize you were there the whole time.”
He tightened his hold on her hand.
“Emily, I meant every single word I said to you, and I need to know how much you remember of our conversation last night.”
“Which one?”
“The one on the cell phone.”
She groaned, and he chuckled.
“Do you remember it all?”
“Yes. It would seem getting drunk on wine doesn’t make me forgetful at all. I remember everything.”
“I’ve got no problems with you remembering everything.” He cupped her face. “I love you, Emily. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“Didn’t anyone ever try to talk you out of it?” she asked. “You know, of wanting me?”
“Some people had their views. They felt you were too young to appreciate the help I was giving. Others, I think, were a little jealous, but I did all of this for you. I continue to do everything for you. I will always try my best to make you happy.”
“I am happy.”
“I like having you clean my bar. I enjoy watching you, Emily. I paid for your medical bills. I also settled the last outstanding debts of your parents. They had a great deal of it. Your car, I took care of. Whenever you needed changes made to your apartment, I paid Mr. Cole to make sure you were taken care of. Whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted it, I made sure to be there for you.”