and it’s driving me insane. My plan is to stop her as soon as the song ends, but one fast song bleeds into another, and I find myself sticking with her out on the dance floor. I’m protecting her. Keeping all the drunk assholes from taking advantage of her in her inebriated state.
Finally, a slow song comes on. I open my mouth to ask her if she wants to get some air, but I freeze when she wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head against my chest. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. There have been many times in my life where I wished things were different. Where I wished that she was mine. Not just my best friend but my girl. Tonight, that feeling is strong. That wish is loud and all-consuming.
When the song ends, she steps back and sways on her feet. “Coop.”
“Yeah?” I ask, brushing her hair back behind her ear. “I don’t feel so good.”
I jump into action, sliding my hand around her waist and pushing through the crowd. We reach the steps, and I lift her into my arms and carry her upstairs to the bathroom. As soon as her feet hit the floor, she wobbles to the toilet, dropping to her knees and expels the cheap beer.
Sitting on the edge of the tub, I gather her hair in my hands and hold it out of her face. She groans, and then buries her head in the toilet again. Reese doesn’t let loose like this very often. I’m glad that I stayed sober tonight. Sure, it was because of the upcoming game, but I’m glad I’m here to take care of her. To watch out for her.
“Kill me now,” she groans, resting her head on her arms that are lying across the toilet bowl.
“No one’s dying on my watch. You good?”
“I think so.”
I help her sit back and then grab a washcloth. I run it under cool water and hand it to her. She places it against her forehead and sighs. We sit in silence for a few minutes, nothing but the sound of the water running in the toilet mixed with the sounds of the party downstairs to fill the air.
“You think you can brush your teeth?”
“Maybe. Don’t let go of me.” She hands me the washcloth, and I toss it in the laundry basket, then offer her my hand. Carefully, I help her stand from her spot on the floor, and together, we move to the sink. I grab her toothbrush that she keeps here and add some toothpaste, running it under the water. I hand it to her.
“Good?” I ask after she rinses out her mouth.
“Yeah.”
“Let’s get you to bed.” With my hand around her waist, I open the bathroom door, and we move down the hall to my room. She flops down on the bed and moans.
“Why did you let me drink so much?”
“Me?” I laugh, grabbing a T-shirt and some sweats for her to sleep in. “I didn’t let you do anything.”
“You should have stopped me.”
“Here.” I hand her my clothes.
“I have clothes here.”
“I know, but this was easier than me digging through your bag. Put these on. I’m going to go grab you something for that headache and a bottle of water.”
“I don’t have a headache.”
“You will. I’m locking this door,” I say, grabbing the lanyard with my room key off my desk. No way am I leaving her in this state in a room unattended. “Be right back.” Closing the door, I make sure it’s locked before making my way back downstairs. I have to field my way through partygoers to get to the kitchen. I grab three bottles of water. Reese needs to drink one now, and I have one for both of us for later. Then I rummage through the cabinets to find a bottle of headache medicine. Taking off the lid, I tap the bottle letting four tablets fall into my hand. Two for now and two for in the morning. I already know she’s going to need them. I also know she’s going to be pissed at herself for drinking so much. It’s good to see her let loose and have a good time. Even if it makes me think naughty thoughts about her.
“Yo, Reeves. Where did you run off to?” Dustin calls out as I leave the kitchen.
“Calling it a night!” I yell back.
“Where’s your girl?” He smirks.
“In my bed.” The words are out of my mouth