Rising Storm (Westin Force #2) - Julie Trettel Page 0,48

Maddie’s out. Anyone else.”

“Um,” Jenna said raising her hand.

There was a loud shriek and commotion ensued. I pulled my knees up to my chest and tried to stay out of the way as everyone descended on her.

“Are you serious?” Elise demanded. “Don’t you screw with me, Jenna. I thought you and I were waiting to start families together,” she pouted.

“Sorry, well, not really. It just sort of happened. We’re still in shock, but I think I’m happy about it.”

“Of course you are,” Kelsey said. “You’re going to have a baby.”

“I don’t want to tell Lily,” Jenna said.

Maddie hugged her. “She’s stronger than we give her credit for and that girl loves her family and she’s going to love her new little niece or nephew. I was a little hesitant to tell her we were expecting again too, but she’s going to be so happy for you. I promise.”

Babies were always cause for celebration in a gorilla band too. I had always known I’d never have them of my own, but I had always loved babies. Seeing how excited everyone was with Jenna’s news, it made me wonder if maybe someday I would want kids after all.

My mother had always told me what a mistake I was and how much she had regretted having me. I couldn’t imagine feeling that way towards an innocent child, especially one that I birthed. I thought of Painter. He was solid and hard working. He was loving and attentive. He was bound to be a great father. We never talked about such things, but for the first time in my life, I let myself hope that maybe children could be part of my future—our future.

Glasses were passed around for a toast to the expecting mothers. I learned the bottle was filled with wine. I’d never had alcohol before. It had a strange taste, but it wasn’t bad. I finished mine quickly, and Kelsey refilled it. Before I realized what was happening to me, I was four glasses in and feeling a little lightheaded. Still, they kept filling my glass, so I kept drinking it.

When I started slurring my words, Taylor asked how many glasses I’d had. I shrugged.

“I think I should probably get Emma back, you guys. Painter is going to kill me for this. How much has she had to drink?”

“I don’t know, I was just refilling empty glasses when I saw them,” Kelsey admitted.

“I’ve never drank before,” I said, or at least I think that’s what I said.

“Oh no. You are definitely drunk, girl. I’m so dead. Come on, let’s get you home.”

“Take her home and then call Painter and tell him she’s there safe and sound,” Kelsey said. “I’m so sorry, Emma. I had no idea you’ve never had a drink before.”

“Nope, never. It was very good.”

Shelby laughed. “A little too good for you. Next time we’ll buddy up.”

“Drink lots of water tonight so your hangover won’t be so bad,” Lizzy suggested.

“Okay. Can I still have sex?”

They giggled.

“Definitely!” Elise said. “Shit, I need to drink up. I’m jealous now. I get so horny when I drink.”

Kelsey rolled her eyes. “You’re always horny. I don’t know how Patrick even manages to ever work. Remember that time you borrowed Kyle’s office and he made you take the chair home? God he was pissed.”

Elise shrugged. “I regret nothing.” She patted me on the back. “You get that sexy mate of yours home and enjoy him.”

“Call me tomorrow and let me know you’re okay,” Shelby said as she hugged me.

“I need to find Painter right now,” I told Taylor. I was already aching with need.

She laughed but obliged. Before long we were back at the Crate.

“Stay here and I’ll go get Painter.”

“Okay,” I said but I didn’t listen as I got out of the car and followed her inside.

I found Painter right away while Taylor was telling him I had a few too many drinks. She was wrong though. I felt great. I walked over to my mate only stumbling twice. I sat down in his lap and kissed him.

“Can we go home now? I really need one of those orgasms.”

Even I noticed the entire table went quiet.

“What? Elise said it’s perfectly normal to be this horny when drinking. I think I want to start drinking all the time.”

Patrick groaned, but he was grinning proudly too. “Sorry man. It’s true though.”

“Patrick, she’s still my sister,” Kyle growled.

“Are you ready?” I asked, because if he said no, I was going to start rubbing myself up against him