29Charlie opened his eyes and froze. He braced himself for a pounding head and when it didn't arrive he dared himself to move. There was no hangover, which made no sense. He was n***d and he didn't remember getting n***d. Images from the previous night flashed in his mind. They had started in the lounge, but somehow they made it to the bedroom. Charlie's back wasn't in agony, so he figured he didn't carry Jess through. His crutch was over by the door so he was pretty sure she didn't carry him. He remembered kissing her. They were drinking – how much did they get through? He couldn't remember.
Jess was still sleeping beside him. Even first thing in the morning she was still beautiful, but this wasn't how he'd intended the night to go. He'd crossed the line and he could already hear John an
