Page 51 of Rise Above

supposed to think that. That was meant to stay an inside thought, not an outside one.”

“Hey, maybe you should stay with me and Nat.”

Dre looked over at me. “Or stay with him, but I don’t think you should be alone. You’ve had a lot to drink, and you look like you’re starting to get green.”

“That might be smart.” I started to sway on my feet,

a sure sign I was beyond drunk.

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“TJ, take Aife. Zeke and I will manage the other

two.” Davis flashed a smile. “TJ’s got an extra bed, unlike these two.” He hooked a finger at my two best friends.

“Okay,” I said quietly. Tiredness hit me hard, and I

just wanted a bed now. Rubbing my eyes, I glanced at TJ. “Can we go?”

He nodded and grabbed my hand, heading outside.

He helped me in the car before buckling my seatbelt and driving to his home. The weird part in all of this was that TJ was still almost a stranger to me. Yet, I felt at total ease around him. He felt safe, and I needed safe.

My eyes closed, and I drifted off into a light sleep. I

could still feel the car moving under me. Next thing I knew, I was cradled into TJ’s arms as he carried me inside his home. My eyes didn’t want to open; I was so tired. A yawn forced itself out of my mouth as I settled against his firm chest. It was hard and warm, and I could picture myself here for the rest of my life. That thought immediately woke me up.

“I can walk,” I said. My voice was rough, hoarse

from all the drinking I had done.

TJ looked down at me, eyebrow quirked. “Okay.”

Carefully, he set me down as he opened the door to his condo.

I wasn’t sure exactly what I was expecting, but it

wasn’t what I found once he opened the door. His place was spacious with an amazing view of downtown Chicago. He had huge windows—floor to ceiling on one side of the condo. It was jaw-dropping. TJ had decorated surprisingly well. It didn’t look like a typical bachelor’s pad at all. His 117

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home was all dark greens, blacks, and grays. The man had style. He also had a balcony.

“Oh my god,” I said and felt my feet move toward

the balcony. I’d always wanted one, especially with a view like his. “Can we go out there?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sure. Let’s grab a

blanket.” TJ turned around and rummaged in an ottoman. Fairly quickly he found a cozy, green blanket and handed it to me. Once it was wrapped around my body, TJ opened the door and guided us outside.

I shivered despite the blanket. It was a crisp cold,

nipping at my extremities. Even though I was instantly freezing, the view drew me in. The lights of downtown contrasted beautifully against the dark night sky. It brought a smile to my face, reminding me a bit of Houston. A wave of homesickness hit me. Houston’s skyline had been home for so long, and there were times I regretted leaving.

“What are you thinking about, darling?” TJ dropped