Page 21 of Wilde Hearts

“Ensley, I have a crazy idea.”

I smiled. “Those are my favorite kinds of ideas.”

He chuckled. “I was thinking about how Colt looked at me when I showed up at the hotel. Do you wanna make him think we’re a couple?”

My brows drew down. “Why would we do that?”

Doug shrugged. “Maybe make him a bit jealous.”

I laughed. “Please. I highly doubt he’d even be fazed. Thank you for offering, but I don’t like to play games like that. I’ll be fine. Everything will be fine. Besides, I’m sure he’s only here for his dad, and once Jacob’s out of the hospital and back home, he’ll slink off to whatever rock he crawled out from under.”

Nodding, he said, “Okay, but if you ever change your mind, I’m your guy.”

I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Doug. What you can do for me tonight is make sure I get back to my hotel safely, because I really want to just drown my sorrows in booze.”

He winked. “Like I said, I’m your guy.”

My head hitting something hard made me cry out in pain.

“Shit! Sorry, Ensley,” Doug said, as he attempted to get me into my hotel room.

“S’okay. Can’t feel a thing!”

“That’s not what your piercing scream just indicated.”

I giggled. “I’m drunk.”

Doug carried me over to the bed and set me down.

“You sure are. I have a feeling it’s not going to make you feel better, though, and come tomorrow morning, you’re gonna be cursing me for letting you have all those shots.”

I waved him off as I struggled to get under the covers. “I won’t blame yous, I promises.”

He shook his head. “You sound like a five-year-old.”

Once I was finally under the blankets, I patted the bed. “Wanna lie down?”

Doug took a step back. “No, I think it’s probably best if I head on out. I’ve still got to drive back to River Falls.”

I was fighting to keep my eyes open. “Are you okay? Yous can sweeps here if it’s too late.”

“Sweeps?”

“Sleeeeep!” I said, trying to pop the p but failing.

“As much as that sounds like fun, I’m going to pass.” He bent down and kissed me on the forehead. “Get some sleep. Do you need the trashcan by the bed?”

My eyes popped open. “S’cuse me? Do you think I can’t handle my alcohols?”

His mouth twitched. “Of course not, I know you can. I was just being cautious, that’s all.”

I attempted to wave off his concern, but really just flailed my arm in the air, almost smacking Doug. “Nah. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll plug your phone in and put it next to you on the nightstand, okay?”

I mumbled something that I thought sounded like “okay.” I could feel myself drifting off to sleep.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”