“It’s only for a few more days. If you want more money?—”
“I don’t care about the money!” I cried, before a rogue hiccup escaped.
His hand froze, and a long pause passed. “…I need this, Ellie. Please.”
His words sounded like they were being forced out. I guessed Cade Westbrook didn’t ask for help very often.
And despite the toll lying was taking on me, I still wanted to help him.
A dry heave interrupted those thoughts, and I whimpered, praying nothing else came up.
Cade resumed his rubbing. “Can I get you anything?”
“Maybe a time machine so I can go back and not pick up that last glass of wine,” I grumbled.
He chuckled, and I pulled my head out of the toilet to glare at him.
“Don’t you dare say ‘I told you so,’” I warned.
His lips twitched. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
Feeling gross, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and sniffled. “But I really can’t keep doing this. There’s a stain forming on my soul. I can feel it darkening.”
“Stained soul or not, I’m not letting you out of our deal,” he said.
I groaned. “You didn’t hear your brother earlier. He was being really sweet, and he’s so happy for us. I’m a monster for lying to him.”
Cade hummed. “Why don’t you sleep on it, and we’ll see how you feel in the morning?”
“Don’t treat me like a baby.” I frowned. “I already made up my mind.”
His brows rose. “You’re drunk, Ellie. Humor me and sleep on it first.”
My entire body heaved with a dramatic sigh—which really wasn’t a great idea with my stomach this sensitive. It twisted in warning.
“I…I’m gonna be sick again,” I moaned before hunching over the bowl and emptying the rest of my stomach.
Cade was a real trouper. He stayed by my side the whole time, and when there was nothing left to purge, he sat on the tile floor and tugged me into his lap while I sniffled.
I tensed against his warm chest. “What are you doing?”
“I thought cuddling might help you feel better,” he said evenly, my heart stuttering as he tightened his arms around me. “How’s this?”
I had to swallow before I could answer, because maybe it was a little too comfortable.
“It’s perfect,” I breathed out, moving a little so my slick forehead was tucked against Cade’s neck, seeking comfort.
I don’t know how long Cade held me like that, just providing comfort and combing his fingers through my hair. My eyesdrifted closed, and I soaked in his warmth. Having him take care of me like this was almost worth the puking.
But eventually, he pulled my head back and wiped at the tear tracks staining my cheeks.
His gaze lingered on my lips, a whole different sort of warmth swooping through me.
“Stop it,” I warned softly.
Cade’s eyes flicked back up to mine, and he cocked a brow. “Stop what?”
“Stop looking at me like that.”