“Okay, let’s see it.”
Viper wanted to jump right in. I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’d been all business from the moment we met, and today was an important step in our partnership. Unfortunately, I was still suffering from my hangover. The Tylenol had done little to help my pounding headache, and my stomach was still doing somersaults. I feared it would get the best of me at times, but I had no choice but to push through and managed to complete the entire tour without actually getting sick. Viper seemed pleased when he came up to me. “I gotta say, you have quite an impressive place here.”
“I’m glad you think so.” During our tour, Viper had mentioned he and the boys needed to meet with Braylon and his team. Actually, he brought it up on more than one occasion—usually right after he grimaced over something he’d seen or heard. Knowing he was eager to talk to him, I motioned my hand in the direction of the office and smiled. “Braylon is waiting for you inside.”
“Good.” Before heading inside, he said, “This shouldn’t take long. Once I’m done, I’ll be heading back.”
“Take your time. Country can show Lynch to their living quarters when you’re done.” I knew I should go to the meeting but just didn’t have it in me. I desperately needed to change my clothes and possibly take a nap, so I told him, “I’m going over to my place and freshen up a bit.”
“Good deal. You take care, and I’ll be in touch soon.”
“Sounds good.”
Once they headed inside, I walked straight to my place, put on a pot of coffee, and staggered into my room. I changed into a pair of sweats, then dragged myself back into the kitchen for some coffee. As soon as I’d made a cup, I grabbed a box of crackers and carried them back into the bedroom, then put them both on the bedside table and crawled under the covers. I’d barely rested my head on the pillow, and I was out. I woke up later to the sound of someone clanking around in my kitchen. “Hello?”
“Hey, babe, it’s only me.” Grayson peeked his head in the doorway and asked, “How ya feeling?”
“Better.” I ran my hand over my face, trying my best to clear the fog. “How long have I been sleeping?”
“About an hour.”
“Ugh, that’s not long enough.” I dropped my head back down on the pillow with a groan. “I think I could sleep for three days.”
“That hangover is really kicking your ass, huh?”
“Maybe a little.”
“I got something that might help.” He headed back to the kitchen, then returned a few minutes later with a sandwich and a bowl of soup. “Grilled cheese and chicken noodle. The best thing for a hangover.”
“Oh, really?”
“Mm-hmm. A trick I learned from my grandmother.”
“I’m willing to try anything right now.” I sat up as he offered me the bowl of soup. I took a small sip, then asked, “So, how did the meeting with Braylon go?”
“Better than I expected.” Grayson placed my sandwich on the night table then sat down on the bed next to me. “I think Viper was actually kind of impressed with Braylon and what y’all have done here.”
“Well, how about that!”
“Don’t get too excited, babe. Nothing’s really changed. Viper still wants us to keep watch week to week, and he wants extra cameras put around the perimeter of the property.”
“Braylon’s been saying the same thing for months.” I took another sip of my soup. “I guess I should’ve listened. I was just being stubborn.”
“Who? You? Surely not.”
I gave him my best pouty look as I whined, “Hey, be nice. I’m suffering enough over here.”
“Ah, bless your heart,” he teased with an exaggerated southern drawl. “Guess you’ll be thinking twice before you down a bunch of shots again.”
“I most definitely will. With the way I’m feeling, I might never drink again.” I lifted my bowl of soup and smiled. “But for now, the soup is helping.”
“Glad to hear it.” He stood, then leaned over and gave me a quick kiss. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, I think I’m good.”
“Okay, I’ll be back when I can.”
“You’re leaving?”
“I’m gonna give Lynch and Braylon a hand installing those cameras I told you about.”
“Oh, do you need me to help?”
“We got it covered. You rest, and I’ll stop by when we’re done.”
I nodded, then watched as he disappeared out of my bedroom. After hearing the door shut, I got out of bed and carried my lunch into the living room. I turned on the TV and found something to watch, then finished the soup and sandwich Grayson had made me. I felt a little guilty lying around while he and the guys were out putting cameras up, but considering my current state, I would’ve just been in their way.