My head was pounding. For the first time in a long time I woke up to a raging hangover. However when I looked around I realized I was not in my house. The room was a tastefully decorated with varying shades of white and pale pink. The blood drained from my face as I prayed I did not end up in her room.
However a soft groan pulled my attention and sure enough Celeste was there but she was struggling to move. 'Fuck me. What the hell did I do last night?' Her clothes were a loungewear set and she was wrapped up in a throw blanket. I glanced down at my own body and felt relieved that we both were fully clothed.
I remembered heading to the airport in Amsterdam to head home after finding out about that Italian mans true intentions with Celeste. But I felt extreme dread on the plane and drank as many shots as they would give me to take the edge off.
I then got more at the airport in the duty free shop. It was a miracle I even made it to Celestes in one piece. I for sure did not have someone drive me. 'Oh man is my car must be outside. I wonder if her parents saw me or know that I am here.'
I felt ashamed for doing something very dangerous and even putting Celeste in a bad spot. I slowly got up but despite my head hurting the rest of me felt fine. My muscles were not even sore. I saw the abundance of pillows and sheets around me. She made sure I was extra comfortable.
Seeing her huddled figure on the smaller couch, I knew that with her personality and attention to detail, she slept here with me. 'She must have slept in the love seat to keep an eye on me.' Though I lost blood in my face in my initial scare from being in her room, it soon ran right back up as my cheeks warmed at her gesture.
Hearing her small groans from pain I got up to help her. "Relax your head into my hands I am going to move you to your bed and then heat up a towel to relax the muscles."
I had my fair share of strained and locked muscles from sleeping in uncomfortable positions, so I knew what helped ease the pain. Once I was sure she was comfortable I looked for the materials I needed.
"Is your bathroom the door to the right?" Her room was much larger than I envisioned. Her space was very fitting to her personality. Her whole color scheme was soft colors and the different decor was all delicate things such as porcelain statues and gold hardware.
The door that I assumed was her bathroom was slightly open but before I could enter Celeste called out again.
"Yes my hand towels are in my closet in the top drawer." The ornate door a few feet from the bathroom was most likely her closet. Or one of them if she had more clothes. I stepped in and her whole closet was another large room.
Her many clothes lined the walls in addition to shoes and bags. However a dresser was close to the entrance which was likely where the towels were at. However when I opened the drawer, whatever was caught underneath also opened the bottom drawer as well. And it was her lingerie.
'Shit!' I slammed the drawer shut after getting the small hand towel I needed. 'Forget what I saw, pretend that never happened.' I felt my ears burn hot, I wasn't some little boy who has never seen undergarments before. Hell I have seen many women in various states of nudity.
But it felt different seeing hers. More personal, more intimate. I never wanted to invade her privacy even on accident.
"You ok?" Celeste questioned from outside and I felt even more stupid just staying still like a deer caught in the headlights. So I took what I came here for and rushed to the bathroom. I splashed some cool water on my face to subside the heat pooling in my face.
I was thankful she could not see me in this state.
Once I was presentable I switched the water to boiling hot so it can warm up the towel. I found a small container which I put more hot water to replenish the heat once the one from the towel cooled.
"Yeah sorry I was still dizzy from my hangover so I got disoriented and slammed the drawer when I went to use it for support." I lied. I did not want to admit what actually happened or make her to feel embarrassed.
I brushed her hair aside and settled the hot towel on the crook of her neck ensuring it would not burn her. My plan was to relax the stiffened muscle then slowly rub it out so she can move her neck. "Ahh that feels nice, thank you Dean."
I ignored the slight pang in my heart and settled down on the bed with her to hold the towel in place. "It is the least I can do ma chérie." I had thought of the nickname a while ago. In French it meant something akin to sweetheart but I liked that in English 'chérie' sounded like 'cherry' which was a hint to her red hair.
I smoothed out her hair which was now sticking in various directions. I marveled at how soft it felt.
I knew one way or another she would question why I was wasted. But for now I tried to enjoy these quiet moments with her. After a few minutes I dipped the towel in the hot water again to reheat it.
"So... care to tell me what happened?"
Celeste turned to me and looked at me with inquisitive eyes. I wanted to lie again but I had no excuse, however I knew the truth was stupid. She, much like myself, is a grown human being. She was not a child and could make her own decisions. So regardless of her choices unless it could cause harm to her I had to accept them.
"I was partying in Amsterdam and came home drunk." Not a lie but not the truth either. "I honestly am not sure how I ended up at your place but thanks for taking care of me."
She narrowed her eyes at me slightly before nodding slowly. "I see." She stared up at the ceiling for a bit as I used light pressure to move the tendons in her neck.
"Do you want know why I am hosting Dante de'Medici?"