Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
KALEB
Iopened my eyes and immediately shut them again, the bright light piercing through my brain and causing me to wince.
Why had Andrei and I decided it was a good night to knock back most of a bottle of Scotch between us?
Oh yeah, because of my mother.
Making love to Lottie had been one of the best moments of my life, but even the brilliance of that memory wasn't enough to cool the rage simmering because of Patrice Wulf-Huntington.
I had to do something. She'd crossed a line now, and I wouldn't bring Lottie into her games.
Groaning, I rolled away from the window and threw my arm over my eyes.
"You okay?"
I forced my eyes open to see Lottie standing in the doorway with a knowing smirk on her face. "That's a silly question for me to ask, because I know you're probably not. You made quite a lot of noise when you guys decided you were finally done and ready for bed."
I groaned again, slapping my hand over my face. "Note to self, you can't drink like you did in your 20's."
"I could have told you that," Lottie giggled. She crossed the distance between us and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Here's some water and pain relievers. Do you want to take a shower or sleep more?"
I tossed two pills in my mouth and took a long gulp from the glass of water. The cool liquid slid down my throat and helped revitalize my booze drowned cells.
"Shower," I croaked out. "I believe we owe you a picnic lunch today."
Her smile widened and she clapped her hands. I adored seeing more and more hints of her Little emerging. When she let go of the wall separating them, she'd be able to live in peace and harmony.
Seeing her so excited made the headache dull, and began to revitalize me. I leaned back against the headboard and pulled her into my side.
With a contented sigh, she relaxed against me, her warm breath tickling my chest.
"On the beach?" She asked, curiosity reflected on her face.
"Hmm." I tapped my finger on my pursed lips, teasing her. "Restaurant downtown for take-out and eat it when we get to Cannon Beach?"
“Yay! Even better!” She snuggled into me, and I held her tighter.
Despite the hangover that still threatened to tear down my pleasant mood, I savored the sound of her joy.
Even if it was a bit loud right next to my ear.
After a minute or two passed, Lottie darted out of my arms to hop off the bed. “Go shower, I’ll wake up the other grumpy Gus.”
She spun on her heel and ran out of the room.
“No running!” I shouted after her and shook my head as she giggled.
I smiled. I couldn’t help the joy that built within me. My mother could always show up at the front door and ruin my mood, but I was going to stay positive and say today was going to be a great day.