Page 50 of Tripped Up

Glaring at me, he turns on his heels and stalks away. I close my eyes and sink into the pillows. They’re so soft. The corduroy should be an unpleasant texture, but it’s surprisingly soothing against my cheek. I could almost fall asleep right here.

“What the fuck happened?” Wyatt’s voice snaps me out of my daze.

He’s standing over us, his hands on his hips as he glares at us.

“Rebecca Lynn, what did you do?”

Bex burps.

He kneels in front of me, studying me carefully. “Are you okay, Elsy?”

“’M fine,” I manage. “Had a few drinks. Don’t be a poopy party.”

“A what?” another voice says.

“Oh, great. Henry’s back.” My voice comes out excited, which surprises me in my brain, because that’s not my usual reaction to his presence. He’s fine, but we’re not besties. “I’m still not having a threesome with you.”

Muffled laughter breaks through my drunken haze.

Bex slaps her arm at me, hitting me in the boob. “You can’t have a threesome with my brother. That’s gross.”

“I said I’m not!” I slap her back.

“Nobody is having a threesome with anyone!” Ooh, Wyatt sounds pissed.

Now there’s laughter outright. A lot of it.

I force an eye open to find half the hockey team assembled behind him.

“It’s a party!” As I push myself up to a sitting position, I’m overcome by a wave of dizziness. “I don’t feel so good.”

“I’ve got you, Els.” Wyatt pulls me into his arms, half dragging me across the lounge to where a garbage can is hidden in the corner. “How much did you have to drink?”

“A lot,” Bex cheers. “It was bottomless brunch.”

Wyatt’s hard body presses against mine. He’s sweaty from his workout, but he still smells good. His citrus-and-clove soap warms me from the inside out.

“It’s okay, Els.” His voice is quiet, his words only for me. “I’ve got you.”

And when the sickness overtakes me and I make use of that trash can, he holds me upright, rubbing circles on my back.

“I don’t feel so good.” I sag into his warm body and he draws his arms around me, almost like a hug.

“No, I don’t suppose you do, sweetheart.” He pushes my hair back from my face, sweaty and red from being sick. “Let me get you some water.”

After leading me back to the sofa, he settles me among the pillows. Henry steps up with a water bottle and Wyatt grunts at his teammate, taking off the cap for me.

“Drink, Els. It’ll help.”

“I’m not a baby.” Grumbling under my breath, I do as he says. The cool water feels refreshing as it slides down my raw throat. My buzz is quickly wearing off, leaving me achy and tender.

Wyatt turns to another player. I don’t think I’ve met him yet.

“Grab Jabari,” he says. “See if he can give them something for the hangover.”

Beside me, Bex lets out a snore. She’s passed out, her limbs akimbo.

With a sigh, Wyatt repositions his sister into an angle that’s less… drunk and passed out.