Rising Storm (Westin Force #2) - Julie Trettel Page 0,49

seeking my own release and I didn’t care if we had an audience.

He helped me up and rose next to me.

“Somebody close out my tab for me. You heard my girl, duty calls.”

There were some hoots and cheers of encouragement as we left. I didn’t make it back to the Lodge. We had to pull over on the way, but I was ready to go again before we finally made it through the door. I loved wine!

Painter

Chapter 15

Emma moaned holding her head. “I hate wine. Don’t ever let me drink again.”

She hadn’t thrown up but woke up with a nasty headache, complaining I’d kept her too busy to follow the rules and drink her water.

I got her a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Drink up.”

She groaned. “Why do people drink alcohol if they know this is what it makes them feel like the next day?”

I laughed. “Not everyone drinks the amount you consumed.”

My phone rang and I watched Emma cringe at the sound. I looked down, not entirely surprised to find Taylor’s face.

“Hello?”

“Too loud,” Emma complained squashing her head between two pillows.

“Oh no, that bad?” T asked.

“Yeah, she’s got a nasty hangover. How much did you let her drink?”

I hadn’t meant for it to sound like an accusation. I really wanted to know what her tolerance was for future reference. It was just something that I did. I knew the limits of every member of Bravo team and always cut them off just before that mark. Personally, I never drank more than two beers, and very rarely anything stronger than that. I didn’t mind the taste of beer, but I wasn’t about the hangover life. I suspected, after this, Emma wasn’t going to be either.

“I’m so sorry, Painter. Kelsey was topping everyone off constantly and no one even noticed Emma was pounding them like shots until it was too late.”

“It’s fine, T. Did she otherwise have a good time?”

“Yeah, she was a little quiet, but I suspect that’s just how she gets in groups until she’s comfortable with everyone. She became more vocal with liquid encouragement though.”

I groaned. I didn’t even want to ask what she had said. I tended to be a very private person, but lately I wasn’t sure what Emma would share with others. I really needed to have a talk with her about not talking so openly about orgasms in public. I chuckled remembering the look on the guys’ faces when she made our exit announcement.

“Did she at least get her orgasm last night before passing out?” T boldly asked.

I laughed. “Several.” I surprised her by answering.

“She’s good for you, you know? You’re not as stiff around her. She softens you.”

“Shouldn’t that be a concern for you?” I teased not denying it. I’d noticed it too. I wasn’t so uptight or stressed out all the time.

“Nope. You’re still just Painter too.”

I wasn’t sure exactly what she meant by that, but I suspected she was saying I wouldn’t be soft when push came to shove. I used to think the team would always be number one in my life, but that had changed too. They’d be number one while I was on the clock because I knew what devastation could happen if they weren’t, but off the clock Emma was my top priority and always would be.

“I’m guessing she’s still sleeping?” T asked when I didn’t respond.

“Nah, but she’s not really up for talking yet either.”

“Coffee and water will do miracles for her.”

“You know I never touch coffee.” It was true. I’d never developed a taste for the stuff.

“That’s why I set a cup outside your door for her. She may not like it either, but it’ll help her if she can tolerate it. I just wanted to help.”

“Thanks, T. You’re the best.”

“Oh, wait, before you hang up, Grant wants to know if you’re coming to today’s briefing.”

“If he gets his ass up here and clears me, I am. Even hungover, Emma made it clear that I’m still off work until both Grant and Micah agree to clear me for duty.”

She laughed. “I’ll send them right up.”

“Thanks.”

I hung up and then retrieved the coffee T had left in the hallway to give to Emma.

“Sweetheart, Taylor thinks you should try drinking this. Says it’ll help with the headache.”

She peeked out from under the pillows and sniffed the air. “Coffee?”

I nodded.

She grabbed the cup and started drinking. It was really hot. I wasn’t sure how she was tolerating it, but she didn’t seem to care. She