Is that the next stage of this relationship? Am I ready to leave the door open while using the bathroom? No. I am not. But it feels good to know that he’s comfortable around me.
The water starts running, and he calls to me, voice rougher. “Nora. Get in.”
Oh, it was an open invitation I didn’t catch onto, which is no wonder considering my lack of good experiences.
My body starts buzzing. I jump to my feet and am about to head to him when a key turns in the front door, making me freeze.
“Jericho,” I call out, but he doesn’t hear me.
I turn around to grab the blanket from the couch when the door swings open.
“Well, hello there,” a laughing male voice says to my back. I cringe as I realize the pose I’m in: butt perked up high in the air while I’m bending over to grab the blanket.
With the speed of light, I throw my body inside the blanket, wrap it around myself the best I can in the current situation, and turn around. And in steps a man who looks exactlylike Jericho, but younger, with a broader grin and absolutely zero awareness.
It must be Jethro, Jericho’s brother. Who just saw my coochie from the back. I stare at him, wide-eyed.
A loud curse. A strong arm. And I’m moved behind a big body.
“That’s one way to greet your brother.”
I peek from behind Jericho, who is still completely naked, to find his brother smirking while trying to get a glimpse of me.
“Hello there,” he says. “And hello, Jericho. Little chilly this fine morning, don’t you think?”
Jericho explodes. “What the hell are you doing in my house?”
Jethro shrugs. “Junie gave me the key. Said you wouldn’t mind. I figured you were ignoring my calls because you’re still mad about—” he gives a short whistle, “whatever you are mad about.”
“Oh, Iammad,” Jericho growls. “And I’m about to be homicidal if you don’t stop staring at her.”
Jethro holds up his hands totallynotstopping the staring. “Hey, I didn’t expect a show. But congrats, I guess. Cute neighbor, right? With all the attributes.”
Jericho takes a step forward.
I grab his arm. “It’s fine. Really.”
“It’s not.”
He’s fuming. His body tight, jaw locked. I can feel the tension radiating off him and seeping into my skin. He’s so angry he doesn’t seem to care about being buck naked himself in order to shield me from his brother.
“Watch your mouth, Jethro.” The warning in his voice is loud and clear. And the goosebumps all over my body are very much present from the cadence of his growly tone.
“Sorry.” The brother finally drops his eyes to the ground, lookingslightlyremorseful.
Jericho nods silently, accepting the apology. “How much did you see?”
“I mean.” Jethro jerks his hand between me and himself. “I was kinda forced intothat.”
“You fucking saw her naked?” Jericho snaps.
Jethro throws his hands in the air. “What, you want me to rip my eyes out?”
Jericho growls something under his breath that sounds dangerously close to ‘not a bad idea.’
I back up slightly, pressing my palm to his shoulder. “I’m gonna go find some pants.”
He nods without looking at me while still glaring at his brother like he’s weighing the pros and cons of murder.
