Page 110 of Gone for You

“They didn’t want me gone,” I protest, peeking out from under the pillow.

“I would say whatever makes you sleep at night but we know that’s the result of the twelve-pack you drank.”

I mumble incoherently and roll over on my back, staring up at the ceiling.

“I’ll get up.”

He pulls off my covers and rears back. “Ah, hell! What the fuck, man!”

I grin shamelessly. “That’s what you get for waking me up like a dick.”

“That doesn’t mean I wanted to seeyourdick! Why are you naked?”

“I like the freedom it gives me.”

He covers his eyes with his hand. “Whatever, that’s freaking nasty. I’m gonna have to burn these sheets now.”

“You think I’m the first person to ever be naked in this bed?” I ask incredulously, pointing to the blankets before covering up my bottom half.

“No, but I don’t keep in contact with the other pervs.”

A laugh bursts out of me then I groan, placing a hand on my forehead. “Ugh. Don’t make me laugh.”

He lifts his hands and apologizes. “Sorry. Sorry. I promise, I won’t make you laugh anymore.”

“I appreciate it,” I tell him, closing my eyes.

“Don’t say I was never there for you. Like I said, no more laughing. I’ll just make you start using power tools instead.”

“Asshole.”

“Come on, sunshine. I left a breakfast burrito in the kitchen for you and a cup of coffee because I’m a nice guy.”

“I feel like you’re sucking up for some reason.”

“Nah. I just know that you won’t be worth a shit to me if you don’t get food in you.”

“Fine. Give me fifteen minutes.”

“Meet you in the east loop.”

“That’s where the new cabins are going up?”

“You’re a bright one this morning.”

I throw a pillow at him. His laugh is loud as he walks out of the small bedroom.

“Wait!” I shout as loud as I can without making my head split in two.

“Aspirin’s in the bathroom.”

“No. How did you know I was…”

“Blitzed out of your mind last night?” I flip him off when I see him pop his head around the doorway to the bedroom. “Let’s just say I know you pretty damn well and had a hunch.”

He walks away again and I hear the screen door slam shut behind him and I sigh.

He’s like a freaking drill sergeant but I have a feeling today’s going to be a good one. Nothing burns away the remnants of a hangover like sweat and greasy food. Or the remnants of a broken heart.