Page 91 of Loving Kai

Wes walked over to them. “All loaded. Justin got a call, so he’s taking off. Maggie, if you wouldn’t mind this guy sleeping on your couch tonight, it might be a good idea.”

She glanced at Abe. “We were just talking about that.”

Wes looked at his brother. “Or you can stay with me, but I leave for school at seven-thirty, which would mean I’d need to take you home before that.”

“Um…that’s a hell no. Will Mom be pissed if I don’t come home?”

“She actually suggested it when she called me earlier.”

“Because she’s pissed.”

“She’ll get over it. But you should probably go talk to her in the morning. Just don’t go home looking like you’re hungover from drinking a six-pack.”

“Four and a half beers. Not six.”

Maggie got to her feet. “I’ll take care of him.”

“Thanks, Maggie.”

Wes turned and headed for the parking lot, but stopped when Abe called out. “Thanks, Wes.”

“I’ve always got your back, brother.” With a wave, he headed for his car, then drove off.

Maggie watched the car drive away. “I like Wes.”

“Yeah, yeah, everybody likes Wes.”

She held out her hand. “Let’s get you home.”

Abe took her hand. “You’re a good friend, Maggie.”

“Come on.” She pulled him to his feet and then steadied him as he wobbled for a moment. “Are you sure it was only four and a half beers?”

“Yeah. But I drank them in about an hour.”

“That’ll do it.” She took his arm, and they walked slowly to the truck.

He nudged her. “Can I drive?”

“Wow. That is so not funny.”

Abe’s eyelids were heavy as he sat quietly in the passenger seat. When they closed momentarily, he jerked and sat up straight. When they arrived at Maggie’s house, she got out of the truck and came around to his door as he opened it. He stepped out, and she took his arm.

“Almost there.”

“Is Donovan going to growl at me?”

“Probably.”

They went into the house, and she steered him toward a chair. “Sit here so I can make the couch up for you.”

He sat down and watched her remove the cushions from the couch and set them on the floor. “I’ll go get a blanket and a pillow.”

While she was gone, Donovan came running into the room and skidded to a stop when he saw Abe. He backed up, bared his teeth, and growled.

“A little late, buddy. I could’ve robbed the place and been gone by now.”

Maggie returned with the bedding and snapped her fingers at Donovan. “Go lie down.”