“Yeah, sure.” I’m still trying to puzzle out what’s going on, but my drunk brain is having a hard time reading between the lines. That’s usually something I excel at since interpreting what’s going on with my parents has become a survival skill.
Landon jerks his head into a tight nod before joining the crowd of rowdy partiers and disappearing from sight. I stare after him, confused by his abrupt departure.
Wait a minute…what did Beck say a few minutes ago?
“Relieved of his duties?” My gaze cuts to the six-foot guy at my side. “Did you ask Landon to babysit me?”
Instead of answering, he tilts his head and studies me.
When I raise my brows, he says, “That depends.”
“On what?”
“If you’re going to be pissed off with the answer.”
Even in my inebriated state, I understand what that means.
“I don’t need a babysitter,” I grumble, slowly rising to my feet. Frankly, I’m offended he would think otherwise. Using my arms for balance, I carefully straighten to my full height. “Let me remind you that Archie and Caroline asked me to keep an eye on you.” I jab a finger at his chest. “Not the other way around.”
When I stagger to the side, Beck leaps forward and grabs hold of my arms, so I don’t crash into the lounger I’ve been parked on.
“It’s doubtful they would have done that if they could see you now.”
I wave a hand and blow a raspberry with my lips. “I’m fine.”
“You’re hardly fine. Landon shouldn’t have let you drink so much.” Beck hauls me closer until his warm breath can feather across my lips and my core clenches in response. “Have you ever been drunk?”
Nope. Usually I’m the designated driver, but that wasn’t necessary tonight.
“Of course, I have. All the time.”
“Is that so,” he laughs, the muscles in his face relaxing. “You have a secret life I don’t know about?”
It doesn’t escape me that Beck is still holding me. And that I like the feel of his hands a little too much. I should push out of his arms except…I don’t want to.
“That’s for me to know and you never to find out,” I singsong.
Amusement settles over his face. Now this is the Beck I know and try to keep my distance from.
“That’s strange. I’ve never seen you at any of the parties and from my count, you’ve only had four drinks and you’re already drunk off your ass.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m drunk off my ass,” I mumble as my head spins.
He releases my arms and gives my shoulder a little shove. I stumble back a step before righting myself.
Instead of arguing about my inebriated state, I focus on what he admitted. “How do you know how many drinks I’ve had?”
“I’ve been keeping track.”
“Why? Are you keeping tabs on everyone’s consumption?” There have to be at least a hundred people here. Probably more.
A sly grin simmers around the edges of his lips. “Nope. Just you, Stanbury.”
His words send an arrow of warmth flooding through me, and my heartbeat picks up its tempo. Refusing to dissolve into a puddle of goo at his feet, I say, “Well, that’s not creepy at all.”
Unbothered by my pronouncement, he shrugs. “That’s me, the creepy stalker from next door.”
Neither of us mention that every chick at this party would give their left tit for Beck to show interest in them. I’m probably the only girl who goes to great lengths to avoid his attention.
Although that doesn’t seem to be doing me any good at the moment.
“I don’t need a keeper,” I tell him. “Certainly not you.”
“That’s funny. I was thinking the opposite.”
I hold up my cup, needing to put some distance between us. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to partake in another refreshment.”
He nips the cup from my fingers before I can take a step away from him. “I was serious, Mia. You’ve had enough. You’re done for the night.”
Done for the night?
What is he going to do? Kick me out?
I cross my arms over my chest and shift my weight. “I’m not leaving without Alyssa.” I glance around for my friend. But that’s a mistake since the pool is filled with naked people who are busy getting it on.
“Alyssa’s a big girl. She can take care of herself.”
If only that were true.
“Come on, let’s go.” His fingers wrap around my wrist and a little pop of awareness shoots through me when he pulls me to his hard body.
Oh my God! He’s serious about kicking me out!
“Excuse me?” I try to push my way out of his embrace, but it’s like fighting with a steel beam. He’s all hard lines and powerful strength. On the football field, he’s a force to be reckoned with. “Are you actually going to throw me out of here?”
“Who said anything about tossing you out?” He laughs and shakes his head. “I’m taking you upstairs so you can sleep it off.”