Page 32 of Until the End

“Carson!” she exclaims. “You’re always there when I need you.”

“And I always will be.” I wrap my arm around her waist.

Gia gags. “Gross.” Then she gasps. “Ouch. Why did you do that?”

“Because you deserved it.” Lottie humphs.

Ginny leans heavily against me. Keeping my arms wrapped around her, I lean down to find her eyes closed. Yeah, it’s time to get her home. This is why I switched to water a while ago.

I stroke Ginny’s silky hair. “Come on, gorgeous. It’s time to go.”

She gripes, “But I’m having fun.”

“You’re sleeping. And while I don’t mind that you’re doing it against me, you’ll be more comfortable at home.”

Her weak protest rumbles against my chest, making me laugh. I scoop her into my arms, bridal-style, and say a quick goodbye to our friends. Michael and Ryan will likely end up on Lottie and Gia’s sectional tonight. It isn’t the first time we’ve had to sleep over after drinking too much.

I had selfish motives to quit drinkingearly—I wanted to be the one to take care of Ginny. She deserves to be treated like royalty, and I intend to do just that.

I get her to the car and settle her into the front seat. The streets are empty at this time of night. Everyone’s already tucked into bed in our sleepy little town. With no other cars on the road, I get to Ginny’s house in a few minutes. My headlights shine across something in the forest surrounding the property. I squint, trying to make it out, but it’s gone before I can see what it is. I’ll have Daren double-check the cameras once we’re settled inside.

When Ginny told us she had a stalker, I was livid. I couldn’t believe some asshole would break into her house and violate her like that. After everything she’s been through, this is the last thing she needs.

I’m not taking any chances that Ginny’s stalker has found her here. Creepy bastard has done enough damage. I refuse to let him get any closer to her.

I park by the front door and pull Ginny into my arms again. She groans, nuzzling into my neck. “I can walk.”

“Can you, though?”

“Hmm. Probably not.”

I chuckle. “Thought so. I don’t mind carrying you regardless.” Using the keypad on her front door, I get it unlocked and head straight for the stairs. Only a few minutes later, I’m regretfully laying Ginny on her bed. I’m not quite ready to stop holding her, but I have no reason to prolong it.

Ginny flings her shoes off with dramatic flair. Then she’s fumbling with her jumpsuit. Her arms can’t reach the zipper, but she flops around on her bed, trying to grab it anyway.

I can’t take watching her struggle a minute longer. I place my hand on her shoulder to stop her wiggling. “You want some help?”

“Please,” she whines. She flops onto her stomach, her arms spread out to the sides. I slide the zipper down her spine untilher bare back is exposed and force my hands away from her soft skin. She’s not in any state to consent to me touching her. Not even platonically.

Ginny sits up, her body swaying just a bit as she finds her balance on her knees. Then she rips her jumpsuit off her shoulders and down her hips until all she’s left in is her underwear.

Oh, fucking Christ, it’s a thong.

I whip around, turning my back to her to give her privacy. I’m not even sure if she realizes I’m still in the room.

“In the top drawer of the dresser in my closet are my pj’s. Can you grab some for me?” Her emerald green jumpsuit lands in a heap on the floor in front of me.

Guess she knows I’m here. “Sure,” I croak. Keeping my back to her, I side-step to her closet to keep from seeing any extra skin. Opening the drawer, I groan. “Ginny! This is your underwear drawer.”

Her giggle makes my eyes roll. She did that on purpose. “Oops! The second drawer, then.”

I open thesecondsuggested drawer and find her matching pj’s. I grab out a silky light blue tank and shorts set. When I walk out of the closet, Ginny is covered with her comforter, and I hand over her pajamas. She wriggles under the blankets as she puts on her clothes. Once she’s settled, she gives me an adorably sleepy smile.

I can’t help myself. I run my hand across the top of her head before palming her face. She hums out a happy sigh as my thumb swipes across her rosy cheek. God, she’s beautiful.

“Good night, gorgeous.” I press a kiss on her forehead.

“Will you stay with me?” The question is hesitant. “I don’t want to wake up alone tomorrow.”

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