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He looks me up and down. “That’s some stagger you’ve got going on.”

“I’m not… I’m not fighting with you right now.” The words are thick on my tongue. “But if I did, I’d win.”

I stare at him, and he stares right back.

“I give up,” I sigh. “Take me home!”

Talk about the ultimate act of self-harm.

AS SOON AS I HITthe passenger seat, I fall into a deep sleep. All today’s bullshit has worn me out—and at least this way, I don’t have to engage with Donovan Wolinski.

Somewhere in the distance, I hear a car door slam shut, there’s a strong arm around my waist, and suddenly I’m floating up the stairs, a door is opening, and there’s a bed beneath me. Footsteps disappearing into the dark. I don’t have the strength to thank Don for bringingme home. I’ll do it tomorrow. All I want to do right now is sleep, and that’s exactly what happens next.

I jolt awake, desperate for the bathroom.

Everything’s a haze. I peel one eye open and feel my way through the darkness. It’s a small room—I know every corner of it by heart. I’m padding my way across the floor, when my foot collides with something huge slumped on the ground.

“Ouch!” I yell.

What the hell is that?

I feel my way across the mystery lump. A punching bag? I start.Wait a minute. Where exactly am I?

I widen my eyes and spin around, freezing as I catch sight of the bed. It’s dark, but one thing’s for sure—this is definitely not my room. And there’s somebody in the bed. It takes a split second for everything to fall into place.

“Donovan?”

“Come back to bed, baby.” His voice is husky, thick with sleep.

What?

I swallow, scrabbling through last night’s tequila-tinged memories for a flash of inspiration. What am I doing in his room?

He bursts out laughing as he flicks on the light. I rub my eyes.

“Sorry if I scared you.” He grins, propping himself up on his elbows.

He’s not giving a just-woken-up vibe—he’s fuckinglaughingat me!

“You didn’t,” I pout. “Blackouts only happen in the movies. I remember everything.”

“It was worth a try…”

“I thought we were inmyroom, though!” I shoot him a hard stare. “Why didn’t you drive me home?”

“You wanted to sleep in my super comfy bed. You practically begged me,” he adds.

“That didn’t happen.” I frown.Did it?

“Come back to bed—I’ll drive you home first thing tomorrow.”

“Or you could do it now.”

“Carrie, it’s two in the morning. I’m exhausted.”

I scoop my hair over my face. It’s better he doesn’t see what I’m feeling right now. All I want is to get the hell out of here. All I want is to stay. All I want is to get the hell out of here. All I want is—

“I’m going to the bathroom.”