But I’m already throwing my arms around him, hugging him tightly. “You’re so warm,” I mumble against his shoulder. “Like a big, grumpy radiator.”
He goes completely still. “Adeline,” he says finally, his voice tight, “let go.”
“No,” I mumble. “You’re comfy.”
I hear Sue gasp, “Adeline, you should… stop,” she manages.
“But I can’t stop,” I reply, tightening my grip. “Please don’t let me go! Don’t leave.”
Kai sighs deeply, then bends down and scoops me up like I weigh nothing. I let out a squeak as he hoists me over his shoulder, my arms dangling.
“Hey! Put me down!” I protest, thumping my fists lightly against his back.
“No,” he says, walking out of the room. “You’re done here.”
“You can’t just take me away like this!” I say, smacking him a bit harder now. Or a lot, I can’t really tell.
“I can,” he says. “Sue, hide the champagne or finish it off, I don’t care. Just get it away from here before Adeline finds her way back.”
Sue just nods quickly, her eyes wide as she watches the scene unfold. There’s something in her expression—a flicker of disbelief, maybe even awe.
Worry.
“Good luck, Mr. Kai. She is… lively tonight,” she says after taking another long sip, still watching with that same stunned expression.
“And I t-totally wo-nn that!” I manage as I point at her with a grin so wide it makes my face hurt.
And with that, he carries me out of the room, leaving Sue to laugh herself breathless as I dangle over his shoulder, still protesting. “You’re not an angel,” I mutter as we disappear down the hall. “You’re just mean.”
Kai’s only response is a low, resigned sigh, so I’m guessing he agrees.
***
My arms and hair dangle limply over his shoulder as he carries me through the house. I’m still talking. “Even your back is nice. Do you work out?” I sigh, poking his back half-heartedly, and he flinches.
I’m confused for a few seconds, before I say, “Come on, talk to me.”
Kai doesn’t respond, but I feel his grip on me shift slightly, and I wonder if it’s because he’s considering just dropping me on the spot.
“You know,” I continue, tilting my head to try and see his face. “I’ve been thinking–” I start, but before I can even finish, he shifts me off his shoulder and sets me down. No, not sets. He lets go. Completely. I drop to the ground with a very loud thud.
“Hey!” I yelp, looking up at him in disbelief. “What was that for?”
Kai crosses his arms, his expression mildly amused. “You wanted to be put down.”
I scramble to my feet, wobbling slightly but managing to stand. “See?” I say triumphantly, pointing at him. “I’m fine. Totally fine.”
My victory lasts approximately six seconds. Then the world tilts. I wobble, take one unsteady step, and proceed to collide with the wall before sliding down it.
“Oh no,” I groan, my cheek pressed against the plush carpet. “This is good. This is nice. You just leave me here. So soft. So… comfy.”
Kai sighs heavily, and I glance up at him from the floor, watching as he pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Are you done?” he asks, his tone clipped.
“Done with what?” I mumble into the carpet, before rolling onto my back and waving a hand at him. “Now go away. This is my spot.”
I watch as he crouches down slightly to get a better look at me. “What am I going to do with you, huh?” Kai rolls his eyes and reaches down to grab my arm, pulling me up with ease. When I look down, I’m suddenly aware of how high up I am. It feels like I’m flying.
