“I think we need to get a drink or two into you some other time,” he said against my throat. “We’ll find a limit where you’re not so close to unconsciousness. Because, Hana, the little sounds you’re making and the way you’re rubbing yourself all over me has me so hard for you.”
“Do something about it.” I gasped.
He kissed his way back up my neck and jawline to my lips, where he pressed a chaste peck. “Not a chance. Like I said, you’re plastered. And I’ve waited this long to make you mine again. I’m more than willing to wait another day—but I’m not saying it won’t be hard.”
I giggled until I realized what he’d said, and then I pouted, which caused Paxton to chuckle as he flicked my lower lip. My lids felt heavy as I stared up into his beautiful eyes. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and kissed the top of my head as his thighs flexed. “I love you. So very much.”
I nuzzled into his chest and mumbled how much I loved him, too.
* * *
I woke with a groan.My pounding head was immediately eclipsed by nausea, and I barely fell out of the bed in a tangle of sheets in time to crawl to the bathroom and regurgitate last night’s festivities.
After what had to be years of lying limply against the toilet, I managed to haul my aching body upward and into the shower.
Once there I frowned, surprised by how quiet the house was. Where was Pax? I’d expected him to snuggle me all night. The fact that I was now handling my first hangover alone caused my heart to throb along with my head.
After I showered and there was still no sign of Paxton, I dressed in soft clothes that didn’t annoy my hypersensitive skin. Brushing my hair and teeth were a torture of hypersensitivity, and I stumbled out of our bedroom in a haze of annoyance and vague illness.
“Morning,” Naomi said cheerily.
“I hate you,” I informed her.
“You, Keelie, and Ida Jane.” She pointed to a blanket-clad bundle with blond hair poking out the top at the other end of the couch. “You three and Paloma hit the booze pretty hard.”
“Where is Paloma?”
“She went home with Coach, but I have a feeling she’s not fairing much better than you this morning.”
“Where’s Paxton?” I asked.
“The guys went to the rink. You know, topractice. Because they play hockey for a living and are deep in the playoffs.”
“Snark less,” Ida Jane mumbled. “It’s making my head hurt more.”
“Yes, darling,” Naomi sang. I winced. She cackled.
“I want to go to the rink,” I said.
Ida Jane peeked out over the top of her blanket. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her face was pallid. “Why?”
“Because I need to see Pax.”
Naomi rose from the couch and stretched her arms over her head. “Sure. I’ll drive.”
“Where are we going?” Millie asked as she popped out of the kitchen. She had a cup of steaming coffee that I would have shanked her for if I’d had the energy.
“To the arena,” Naomi said. She glanced at me, then at Ida Jane. “After we get these two some painkillers, grease, and caffeine.”
Ida Jane and I slumped at the breakfast bar as we ate the fried sausage and potatoes Naomi placed in front of us. “I wanted to use the range,” Ida Jane said on a sigh. “But Mrs. Naese did a good job with it.”
“Where is she?” I asked.
“She left about ten minutes before you got up.”
“Where?” I asked.
Millie pursed her lips. “To see the lawyer I recommended. About a divorce.”
