Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“Perfect,” she slurs with a smile. As she stumbles her way down the hall, I grab a cleaning bucket from under the sink.
When I walk into my room, Kaitlyn’s struggling with the zipper on her dress. She moves her blond hair off her neck and looks at me with a heated gaze. Silently, I step forward and slowly unzip it. The fabric slides from her body, and when she turns to face me, she gives me the perfect view of her silky black lingerie. Her breasts are falling out of her bra, and I inhale deeply to keep myself from saying anything embarrassing.
“I wasn’t kidding about what I said at the wedding. I know you—”
“We shouldn’t talk about this when you’re shit-faced. Do you want one of my T-shirts to sleep in?”
She looks disappointed as she shakes her head and saunters over to the bed. Kaitlyn folds the quilt down and climbs under the sheets. Her head falls against the pillow as she pats the vacant space next to her. “Join me.”
I stare at her for a moment, contemplating doing that very thing. A million different scenarios flash through my mind, and the thought of having her warm body pressed against mine all night is tempting as hell. But I don’t allow myself to go there. Instead, I lock my jaw in place and move the bucket closer.
“Good night, Kate. That’s just in case ya need it.”
She flashes a mischievous smile as I turn and walk out of the room before I do something stupid like take her up on her drunken offer. As I make my way toward the living room, Kaitlyn yells, “I know you want to! I could see it in your eyes.”
She couldn’t be more right.
CHAPTER THREE
KAITLYN
I wake up to Payton’s firm palm on my shoulder. It takes a few seconds before my eyes adjust, but I immediately smell coffee.
“Mornin’,” he says in his gruff tone. I sit up and realize I’m in my bra and panties, so I quickly lift the sheet to cover myself. When he hands me the cup, I inhale the scent of freshly roasted beans.
“Mornin’. What time is it?”
“Just after six.”
My head throbs as soon as I adjust my position. “Shit. I drank too much.”
He chuckles darkly. “That’s the understatement of the century. How do ya feel?”
“Like someone punched me in the back of the skull and then threw me in front of a tractor. Please tell me I didn’t embarrass myself.” I suck in a deep breath, hoping I can look my parents in the face later.
“Nah, I got you outta there before you made a complete and utter ass outta yourself.”
“Thank God. I probably wouldn’t have ever lived it down. My brothers don’t tend to forget shit very easily.” I take a small sip of the coffee, wishing the caffeine would jolt me awake.
“Well…” He lingers, then stands. “Guess I’ll let you get dressed.”
“I’m not puttin’ that back on.” I point at the heap of silk lying on the floor.
Payton chuckles as he walks to his dresser. He slides open the bottom drawer and pulls out some clothes.
“Here ya go.” He tosses them on the mattress.
“The last time I wore this shirt, I spilled beer all over me.” I laugh at the memory as Payton walks out. I find it sweet that he has my old clothes in a drawer. I put it on along with a pair of old shorts, then make my way to the bathroom.
When I return to his bedroom, I bend over to grab my dress off the floor, and the world feels like it shifts on its axis. “Shit,” I whisper-hiss, realizing just how terrible my day will be. Then again, just like Dad always says, for every action, there’s a reaction. I fully set myself up for this disaster when I was double-fisting glasses of wine last night, but at the time, it helped me cope.
Once I’ve grabbed my shit, I pick up my mug and go into the living room.
“Hungry?”
I throw my dress on the back of the couch, then move toward the kitchen. “Depends. Whatcha got?”
He opens the cabinet and pulls out a box of strawberry Pop-Tarts. “This is about it.”
“I’m gonna have to pass. Processed food is the last thing I should eat after a night of drinkin’.”
Payton smirks, then pulls a to-go box from the microwave. “Just kiddin’. I stopped by the B&B and picked you up some biscuits and gravy with triple sausage patties. After your bender, you need carbs.”
“See, this is why I love you.”
He smirks. “And I’ll even help you feed your horses too. I got up early and took care of my tasks so I’d have time.”
“Don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve you as a best friend, but I’m glad I have you.”