Sweet Seduction (Sweet #3)(60)

Damon grinned. "Not that it wouldn't be worth it to stay, but I'll slide on out and leave you girls to it. Are you sure you don't need any help? I don't want you to fall."

"Serena can help me, and if I fall flat on my face, all I ask is that someone cover my bare ass before you call for the orderlies."

Damon chuckled as he walked to the door. "I'll be sure and do that. I'll be back in a bit. I'll get the car pulled around, and I have a few phone calls to make."

"You sure you're up for this?" Serena asked doubtfully.

"You know you could always spend the night in the hospital just in case."

"They just kicked me out, Serena," Julie said with a laugh. "This isn't like a hotel. You don't get to stay unless they tell you to. Besides, hello? Going to your house. That's better than a resort. All that's missing are the really cute cabana boys. Think Damon could hook me up?"

"Damon's done enough hooking up for a while," Serena said dryly.

Julie's smiled faded. "Oh yeah, Nathan's here. I should wait until he gets back. He was so sweet to me after the accident. I don't want to go while he's eating."

"Of course not. Just take your time getting dressed. Here, let me help you."

With Serena's assistance, she struggled out of bed and when her feet hit the floor, she wobbled and weaved like a drunken bobblehead.

"Damn, either I'm still riding the effects of those drugs or my head got hit harder than I thought."

"Just take it slow. Stand here a minute and take some deep breaths. When you feel steadier we'll get your pants and shirt on."

Julie giggled. "Yeah, screw the underwear. Can you imagine? Me on the floor like an octopus falling out of a tree wrapped up in my panties. They'd be talking about me for a week."

Between the two of them, they managed to get Julie's pants and shirt on minus bra as well. Julie looked down and giggled at her br**sts straining against the material.

"Let me guess. One of your shirts?"

Serena flushed. "Yeah, well, it was lucky I had a pair of your jeans at the house. I wasn't so lucky with the shirts."

"Should have gotten me one of Damon's, dork."

"I didn't think. Besides, I wish I looked that good in my own shirts."

The door opened as Julie was buttoning the fly on her jeans. Both women turned around to see Nathan standing in the door.

"Ah, gee sorry, ladies. I should have knocked."

Serena smiled. "No problem, she's decent."

Nathan frowned as he took in the fully dressed Julie. "What the hell are you doing out of bed? Why are you dressed? You should be lying down."

Julie grinned. "I'm getting out of here. Doc just discharged me."

Nathan took a step toward her, his mouth pursed as if he was working up the nerve to say something.

"You shouldn't be going home alone. I—"

"Oh, she's not," Serena piped up. "Damon and I are taking her home with us."

Nathan's face fell. "Oh, I mean, well, that's good. You should have people to look after you," he said gruffly.

Julie took a step toward him and grasped his arm for support. Then she leaned up on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you, Nathan," she said softly. "For looking out for me. For staying with me when I was scared out of my mind."

His eyes gleamed and his gaze strayed to her lips. She could feel that small cut there tingling, remembering how it felt when he'd pressed his lips to that tiny wound.

"You're welcome. Take care, okay?"

He brushed the hair from her cheek and leaned in like he was going to kiss her. Instead he rocked back on his heels and took a step back.

"Seems like you guys have it handled, so I'll get on out of here." He looked at Julie once more before turning toward the door. "See you," he said softly.

"Yeah, see you," she echoed.

He walked quietly out the door and let it swing shut behind him.

Chapter 26

“When the hell is Faith getting here?" Julie asked grumpily from her sprawled out position on Serena's couch.

Serena rolled her eyes from her position in the armchair catty-corner to the couch. "They're newly weds plus they're moving into their new house. Which means they take a load, f**k on the living room floor, move another load, f**k on the bedroom floor, move another load, f**k on the kitchen table. Very exhausting thing, moving!"

Julie burst out laughing. "Oh man, we're going to have to carry her ass tonight."

"She'll be a cheap drunk at least."

"My favorite."

"Would you ladies care for another glass of wine?" Sam asked from the living room entrance.

Since Damon had been banned from the night's activities, he'd taken it upon himself to hang out at The House and make sure things were running smoothly. Sam, on the other hand, had decided that he would at least see the women off. He was still miffed because Serena wouldn't allow him to drive them around.

But hey, girls' night out was sacred, and that meant nothing with a penis was going to be within ten feet.

"I'd love one," Julie called out. "Come on, Serena, we're getting a cab. Drink up!"