Eventually, Rhonda had to leave despite everyone's protest, but thankfully her family got to fill her in on everything as if she were really there. Lamar seemed to take it the hardest and when he returned to the table he appeared more solemn. I really couldn't imagine being in his place, but I admire him even more. It was tough not only taking care of three children by himself, but also maintaining a marriage overseas. There need to be more men like Lamar.

Katy perked everyone up with her desserts and after we ate until we couldn't breathe we retired to the living room. Kellie served us some sort of punch that she made but I kindly declined too full to even drink something. Next to me, Katy took a cup happily sipping. She made a few weird faces but still continued to drink. After awhile Monica insisted that we all play board games so she busted out a whole slew of them and we decided which ones to try out. When she pulled out Pictionary Violet immediately went to my side.

"Gage is on my team. He's really good at drawing," she informed.

"Really?" Lamar pulled out the materials.

"Oh yeah. That's why he was so popular at the tattoo parlor."

It was as if someone had just pressed a pause button.

"In the what?" Kellie asked.

"The tattoo parlor," she answered but when nothing seemed to register with anybody she looked at me. "You didn't tell them that you worked at the tattoo parlor with Paxton?"

I could feel all sets of eyes on me now, especially Katy's. This wasn't awkward at all. I didn't know how to explain to Violet that there was a lot of things I haven't told them and even more things I plan on never telling them. But instead, I found a different excuse.

"I . . . guess I just didn't get around to it yet."

"That explains so much," Kellie snorted.

Pictionary lasted less than thirty minutes before everyone decided Violet and our team was at a disadvantage because of my artistic abilities. We went on to Monopoly but it started lasting too long so we tried out Life instead. By this point, Katy started to look a little droopy and I asked if everything was okay but she would just wave me off. It was when we got to Spoon that I was really growing concerned.

"Go fish!" she slammed her cards down making a little of her drink spill out from her cup.

Violet made a face. "I thought we were playing Spoons?"

"We are," I informed.

"Read it and weep suckers!" Katy pushed her cards towards the middle of the table then grabbed all the spoons. "I'll be taking these."

I eyed Katy warily, then her drink, and turned to Ellie. "What kind of drink did you two make?"

"Just fruit punch, I swear" she looked surprised.

But next to her Kellie was cackling. I turned my attention to her.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing."

"I think I will name you guys," Katy took a sip of her drink while holding up her spoons. "You shall Spoony, then Moony, then . . . Jack."

I narrowed my eyes back at Kellie. "That isn't nothing."

"Just a tiny experiment."

"Let me see that," I took Katy's drink ignoring her protest and sniffed. Just as I thought, the sweet scent couldn't mask the bitterness. "You put liquor in her drink?"

"Just a little," she made a gesture to show me just how little.

Suddenly Katy started crying. "Why did Jack have to die?! Why didn't get just get on the door with Rose?"

I'm going to kill Kellie.

"Isn't it illegal to tamper with someone's drink?" Violet asked.

"It was just a joke!" Kellie defended. "Besides I was serious when I said I barely put anything in it. It's maybe 5% alcohol."

Katy's tears turned into full out sobbing. "She said she would never let go! She said they would always be together! Then she just drops him!" She dropped one of her spoons for emphasis.

"Let me see that," Violet grabbed Katy's drink from my hand and took a sip. After a second she frowned. "You can barely taste it."

"And how would you know anything about alcohol?" I snatched the drink back and narrowed my eyes at the bluenette.

She gave a sheepish smile right when Katy started singing My Heart Will Go On between sobs while clutching a napkin. This was starting to really get out of hand. Well, actually it's been out of hand. I really didn't want to end the night so early, but as soon as Katy hit the chorus and nearly fell out of her chair I knew it was time.

"Okay, that's it. I'm taking her home," I stood up.

"I think that's a good idea," Lamar nodded.

"I'll help you," Violet got up as well.

"I swear I didn't know it would make her this loopy," Kellie gestured to Katy who was now laying her head on the table, her eyes drooping.

I groaned and went over to shake Katy's arm a little trying to get her attention. "Hey, Shortcake. I'm taking you home."

Her head snapped up immediately to look at me. "You are?"

"Yeah. It's, uh, getting late."

For some reason, her eyes only welled up even more. "That's the sweetest thing anybody has ever done for me! Just wait right here, I need to tell Spoony and Moony goodnight."

"Oh boy," Lamar shook his head then ushered his girls to go clean up the dining room table. They probably shouldn't see this right now.

While Katy had another crying fit, not moving an inch from where she sat, I decided to take matters into my own hands and lifted her up. To Violet, I said, "Go ahead and start the car. The keys are on the kitchen counter." She nodded and went straight to work. Then I turned to Lamar, "Is there anything else you need from us?"

But he waved me off. "Just take her home and get her fixed up. Make sure she drinks plenty of water too."

"Got it. Thanks for a great night."

"Anytime. You are always welcome here you know."

He means well, but I couldn't help to imagine what he might think of me if he knew what I really did. Lamar would never want me around his daughters, or Katy for that matter. Still, it was nice to know someone cared.

After saying goodbye to the twins and Lamar's daughters I walked out the house with Katy in my arms. Any other time this might be romantic, but now with her knocked out in my arms and drooling on my shirt it wasn't the best moment.

While I drove to the apartment Violet sat in the back with Katy to make sure she was okay. When we arrived she helped me get her up to our floor when I realized I didn't know where Katy's keys were. And I'll be damned if I had to dig around in her purse. I guess she would just have to suffice at my place for now. Thank God I cleaned up a little the other day.

"You got all her stuff?" Violet asked walking in my place.

"Yeah, I think so," I adjusted Katy in my arms. "I would offer you to stay but . . ."

She waved me off. "It's fine. I promised to meet some friends somewhere tonight anyway."

My protective instinct kicked in full gear. "Meet them where? It's getting late."

"Relax, we are just getting some ice cream. No need to worry," she patted my chest, the part the Katy wasn't clinging to, and gave a soft kiss on my cheek. "Make sure she drinks lots of water. And have aspirin ready in the morning."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Again, how do you know all about this stuff?"

"Okay, love you! Bye!" she waved walking out the door.

She was wrong if she thought I was going to let this go. No way is my baby sister old enough to drink, let alone know about alcohol. Who knows what would happen to her? Just the other day she was learning her ABC's. Where did it all go?

I let out a sigh and looked at down Katy curled up in my arms, the current victim of liquor. She looked so at peace with her fingers loosely gripping my shirt and her plump lips slightly parted as she breathed in and out. And although her makeup was a mess from her tears and her hair wasn't like it was this morning, to me she was still incredibly beautiful.

I realized a moment later how weird it is just standing here in my living room staring at Katy, so I made my way to my bedroom. On my way there I realized that it's been a while since I've taken a woman to my room. Ever since I was thrown into Sparrow's claws months ago the dating life sort of died down for me. Sure every night at the ring I have a woman begging me to take them home so they can ride me till Sunday, but I knew better than to act on it. All they see is Steel Gage, not Gage Rivers. And even then I don't think they would really want anything to do with me.

When I softly laid Katy down on my bed she let out a small moan and clung to my shirt. I was surprised that even in her sleep she could have such a firm hold. One by one, I gently plucked her small, thin fingers from my shirt and laid them by her side. It was then that I realized I hit another issue. Her dress.

I've seen enough movies to know that changing her clothes was the gentleman thing to do when taking care of a drunken lady, but still I wasn't sure if it would be right. After all, she was my boss. Not that we haven't crossed boundaries before. Or almost, I should say.

The other day after we had our little food fight I was completely ready to give in and kiss her. Her lips were so close to mine, it took everything I had to hold back. At least Lamar came in before it got any worse. I knew I was supposed to be avoiding her, but it was slowly killing me not being around her.

I honestly don't know how, but this woman, this five-foot-nothing shortcake was doing something to me I've never experienced before. I couldn't get her out of my head the entire time I wasn't supposed to think of her. If anything, I thought of her even more. So much so that I seriously debated on quitting the bakery it was driving me mad being so close yet far away. But as soon as I wrote up my two weeks notice, I couldn't help but think that Sparrow had won. He had officially taken away all my happiness and joy. Therefore I stuck it out, even though it about killed me. I swear on that day I about cracked.

It makes no sense that she has such a grip on me. She is not my type at all, she can be really annoying, we have nothing in common, and I am a horrible match for her. Plus I sort of gave up on all the romantic shit a while ago figuring it wasn't going to be in my cards anytime soon. So if all this is true, why does she fill my thoughts so much? Why can't I stay away from her? Why do I miss her so damn much when she is not around?

Why am I only happy when I'm around her?

"Mmm," Katy suddenly groaned forcing my little debate to a halt. When her hands came up to cover her arms and she started shaking a little I immediately I jumped into action.

Damnit, I'm supposed to be taking care of her and I'm letting my personal issues get in the way. Lamar would kill me if saw her like this. I made a quick decision to loosen the straps on her dress so that she was comfortable but not go any further. She was already cold enough with her clothes on. Right when I pulled up my sheets to cover her tiny body she started to squirm again. I managed to cover her halfway when her eyes started to slowly blink open and land on me. I froze.

"Gage?" she mumbled, her voice thick.

"Hi," was all I could say.

She started to smile before a giggle escaped. "I'm drunk."

"I know."

"I haven't been drunk in a while," she giggled even more then flinched. "It doesn't feel very good though."

"You should just rest," I pulled the covers up further but her hand caught mine making me stop.

"I don't want to go to sleep."

"Why not?"

"Because they will come."

I was sure this was just drunk Katy speaking, but still, I asked. "Who's they?"

"Those men. The ones with yellow smiles and greasy hair," she frowned. "They come for me almost every night."

Red warning flags started popping up everywhere but I reminded myself this could just be the alcohol talking. Still, I filed it away for later and humored her. "They won't come tonight."

"Not if you're here," she slurred, her eyes drooping. "They are never there when I'm with you."

That took me by surprise. I wanted to ask her more about what she meant but her eyes were shut again. Finally, she was able to rest. Maybe tomorrow I'll talk to her about it. When I successfully pulled up the covers over her shoulders I started to leave when I heard her moan again.

"Gage?"

I froze. "Hmm?"

"Can you lay with me?" Before I had a chance to answer she busted out laughing. "That sounded so bad. Like I wanted you to sleep with me. Like sex."

I wasn't sure whether I should laugh or not at that.

"I'll just sleep on the couch tonight--"

"NO!" she yelled and suddenly her eyes snapped open right when she reached out for me, pulling me back with strength I've never known her to have. "I need you to stay with me. Please. Please make them go away tonight."

I studied her for a moment. Her bright blue eyes were now glazed over and bloodshot but wide with pure fear. Her hair, which had gotten longer I noticed, was a complete mess. She looked like the woman filled with desperation which only concerned me even more. Something was telling me there was more to her behavior than just being drunk, but I'll have to figure it out when she's in the right mind. For tonight, I'll do what I can, including accepting her request.

"Fine. But only until you are asleep."

"Mmmkay," she slurred releasing me from her vice grip only when she was content.

As soon as she did, I kicked off my shoes and filled in the spot next to her making sure there was enough space between our bodies. But Katy had other ideas when she suddenly rolled over on top of me, one arm over my chest while her leg draped over mine.

"You smell so nice," she breathed into my chest

"Umm . . . thank you." I was trying to hard not to let her position get to me. Especially with her knee so close to a sensitive area.

She snuggled even closer. "Like . . . sandalwood and vanilla."

"Really?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded. "It's such a unique smell. Just like you."

Why do my cheeks feel like they are on fire?

"You really are out of it."

"No, I'm not. You are."

"I'm not the one who is drunk."

"Oh yeah," she started giggling again. "Then why don't you join me?"

"I'll pass."

"But it's so much fun!"

"Maybe another time, Katy."

She huffed. "I hate when you call me that."

"What?"

"Katy."

I chuckled. "But that's your name. You used to remind me that every day."

"Well, I changed my mind."

"You are so fickle," I rolled my eyes.

"No, I'm Shortcake."

"Yes . . . you are."

I intended to keep my hands behind my head, but slowly, as if they had a mind of their own, they started to drift until one hand was on her lower back while the other played with the soft strands of hair currently covering my chest. It seemed it was a weakness of mine. She was a weakness of mine. I stopped only for a moment to consider my actions when she moaned.

"Don't stop," she begged.

I obeyed and continued running my fingers through her hair now trying to push down the perverted thoughts of how her voice just sounded. This was not the time for those scenarios to be playing with my mind right now.

"Gage?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

She angled her head up to look at me. "Why did you avoid me last month?"

I stiffened debating on how I should answer. I figured she wouldn't remember in the morning so I replied, "For personal reasons."

She leaned up to look at me. "So you did avoid me?"

I looked at her for a long moment. "I did."

"Why?"

"For personal reasons," I repeated.

She shook her head. "I don't believe that."

"Then what do you believe?"

"That you avoided me because you don't like me."

At that, I leaned up, now eye level with her. "You're not serious."

"I am," she sat with her leg tucked under the other. "You don't like me, but you didn't want to tell me, so you avoided me."

"Now I know you're drunk," I shook my head.

"I'm not! I mean I am . . . but that's," she hiccuped, "not the point. If you don't like me, just tell me. I can take it."

"I'm not going to say that to you."

"Then tell me the truth."

"I am telling you the truth!"

"You have a girlfriend don't you?"

"What?!"

"You avoided me because your girlfriend told you to."

I looked at her for a moment before shaking my head slowly. "This is ridiculous."

"You didn't," hiccup, "deny it."

I let out a long, frustrated sigh. "No, Katy. Just no. I don't have anybody. I don't have a girlfriend and you seriously need to get some rest."

"But you should," she nearly whispered. It was quiet a moment longer to the point I almost thought I imagined her saying that when she added, "Have a girlfriend, I mean. You are really kind, and you have manners," hiccup, "and you can cook, and you are really attractive. I mean, like really really attractive. Have you seen yourself?"

I am so using this against her in the morning. However, for now, I didn't feed into her antics. This was going on long enough.

"Go to sleep, Katy."

"No," she started to cling to me again. "You need to hear this. I don't care if you don't believe me. Any woman would be lucky to have you," another hiccup escaped, "and I can't be that woman because . . . well, look at me. I'm nothing like what you deserve."

Now I was seriously confused. "What in the world are you talking about?"

"You know what I'm talking about. I have accepted that I am not the most attractive woman and that I have a weird personality. I may have pretty eyes, but that's all I have going for me. But you . . . you have it all. You are so incredible inside and out, and I'm nothing like that. You deserve someone who can make you feel happy and someone you don't want to avoid. And someone who will kiss you without holding back. Someone who," another hiccup, "won't think about it as soon as they get home and beat them self up because they missed their opportunity. Someone who takes charge."

When she finished I realized that at some point during her little blabbering she had gradually shifted closer to me as if by instinct. We were eye level with one another now, the space growing closer just like it did before the other day. Gravity was at play tonight.

"Oh really?" I lowered my voice. "That's what you think?"

"I do," she nodded, her eyes directly on my lips. "You deserve a woman just like that."

"You really are drunk if you think I'm that worthy."

"To me," hiccup, "you are."

"Then you are crazy."

"Then so be it."

Before I could say anything else or even realize that there was hardly any space between us now, her lips came crashing on mine in a forceful yet soft manner.

I was taken aback for a moment and my eyes widened at the sudden