Page 24 of Wanting the Winger

“I will.”

I open the door and hear Dex say, “Carter, are you hungry?I can make you a plate.”

“Thanks, man.My wife is oblivious to my starvation, as you can see.”

I close the door, missing Suki’s comeback to that one.

When I get out to my car, I text Lainey to ask if she needs anything.

Lainey: I’m okay.You don’t need to leave because of me.

I’ve got my shortcomings, but I’m not going to stuff my face while she’s sick.I have enough groceries at home to whip something up to eat later.

When I get home, Bruce greets me with his usual tail wag.I give him some love and a treat before heading upstairs to check on Lainey.

The door to her bedroom is wide open, but the bathroom door is closed.

“Hey, Lane,” I call from the middle of the bedroom.“I’m home.You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.I told you not to leave.”

She doesn’t sound fine.She sounds miserable.

“What can I do?”

“Nothing.”

I furrow my brow, not liking her answer.Eric has told me how much she suffers with her IBS sometimes, and I hate not being able to do anything to help.

“You sure?I could make you something to eat.”

She groans.“I can’t eat, Bash.I’m fine, really.”

I frown, looking at the pile of clothes on the chair in the corner.“You need me to do some laundry?”

“I didn’t shit myself if that’s what you mean,” she snaps.

Fuck.I didn’t think about that before I said it.“No, I just saw the pile of clothes in here.There has to be something I can do.”

“There isn’t.I just need to be alone.”

I run a hand through my hair, knowing I should walk away.I can’t seem to make myself do it, though.

“Are you in pain?”

“Bash,leave.I’ve been through this a thousand times.”

Folding my hands on top of my head, I push down the helplessness.“I’ve got my phone.Call or text if you need me.”

“I won’t.”

“Are you still pissed at me?”

“No!I just want you to get the fuck out of here!”

“I’m going,” I grumble.

I go over to the chair and pick up the pile of dirty clothes.I can’t just not do anything.Besides, who minds having their laundry done for them?

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