Chapter 3

3.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by my phone.

I looked down and realized Brooks was lying right next to me, his hand resting on my waist.

What happened last night?

I clutched my pounding head, trying to piece together the blurry memories.

But no matter how hard I tried, I only got fragments.

I remembered bringing him home and pinning him against the door.

I remembered kissing him, slowly and then with a sudden fire.

He asked me, "Weren't we supposed to drink first?"

I think I replied, "You are my drink, and I'm taking a shot."

Everything after that was a complete blank.

The phone wouldn't stop ringing. I squinted and answered.

Xavier's bossy voice immediately barked through the speaker.

"Drive over and pick me up in thirty minutes. I want to go for a cruise."

I snapped awake. I looked at Brooks and lowered my voice. "I don't give a damn about your cruise. Stop calling me!"

As I spoke, Brooks frowned slightly and let out a soft groan of protest.

Even though it was just a tiny sound, Xavier heard it. His voice exploded.

"Nora! Where are you?! Is there a man with you?!"

"None of your business!"

I snapped back, hung up, and turned off the phone.

Then I pulled Brooks into my arms and pressed a kiss to his forehead, drifting back to sleep feeling satisfied.

I slept until noon.

When I opened my eyes again, the spot beside me was empty.

I sat up and shook my head.

Thinking back to last night, it all felt like a wild dream.

Only the dull ache in my lower back reminded me that it was very real.

I walked out of the bedroom and saw Brooks sitting in the living room.

My brain short-circuited, and I blurted out, "Do you have your ID with you?"

He turned to look at me, his face full of confusion.

I walked over, leaning down to wrap him in my arms, smelling the fresh scent of his hair.

Brooks' eyes widened slightly, his clear gaze shimmering.

I whispered in his ear, "I'm taking you to get a special pass. The kind where you can drink at my place for the rest of your life."

In that moment, I wasn't drunk at all.

I could even hear my own heart beating.

It was louder and faster than ever before.

An hour later.

I walked out of the courthouse holding Brooks' hand with one hand and two marriage certificates in the other.

"It's done. We're legal."

Meeting my gaze, Brooks smiled softly.

"I feel like I got tricked into this a little too easily. What about our wedding?"

I couldn't help but laugh, leaning into his chest.

"Don't worry. I'll make it up to you."