Poking her head around the edge of the stall, she called, “Ethan? Can you grab me a towel?”
“Sure thing.”
Priya’s heart raced as she waited. The steam from the shower clung to her skin, but it wasn’t the heat that made her feel lightheaded.Why does this feel so huge?
When the knock came, it jolted her like a shock wave.
Aaand action, her inner director announced.
“Just, um, leave it on the counter?” she found herself saying. Suddenly, the idea of stepping out of the shower, wet and naked, sent her stomach into a wild tumble. She needed a second to pull herself together, to shake off the heat prickling at the back of her neck.
Ethan’s silhouette appeared through the misty glass as he stepped into the bathroom, the weight of his presence filling the room. Priya expected him to leave after setting the towel down, but he didn’t. He paused, close enough for the space between them to feel electric.
Priya swallowed, her mind racing.
What is he doing?
Is he waiting for me to invite him in?
What if he slides the shower door open and steps inside?
Am I ready for Ethan Knight to see me naked?
I haven’t shaved.
Oh lord.
The silence stretched, charged and heavy, making her cheeks burn.
And then Ethan’s shadow retreated, and the door clicked softly behind him.
Priya let out a shaky breath, her hand flying to her chest as if to keep her heart from bursting through her ribs.
What is wrong with me?she thought, half laughing at herself, half wishing she’d done something,anything, different.
She finished drying off and looked for her clothes, but they were nowhere to be found. Spotting Ethan’s T-shirt on the hook, she put it on. As she twisted her wet hair into a towel on top of her head, his scent wrapped around her—a spicy, clean mix of cologne and something that was undeniably him.
Stepping out of the bathroom, Priya’s eyes searched for Ethan. The faint hum of the washing machine caught her ear, and she stopped in her tracks.
Oh.He’d been collecting her clothes in the bathroom. While she’d been gearing up for a swoon-worthy Hollywood moment, Ethan had been doing something thoughtful. The gesture left her warm and fuzzy, a soft glow blooming in her chest.
The sound of running water led Priya to the kitchen, where Ethan stood by the stove, leaning over a saucepan. It wasn’t until she got closer that she noticed how little he had on. In his rush to check on the earlier commotion, he’d only managed to throw on a loose shirt over his boxers.
Priya’s gaze swept over him. The way his sleeves were pushed up to reveal his forearms. The set of his shoulders. The solid lines of his legs. She swallowed, her thoughts drifting to how his skin might feel under her fingers, or how warm his neck might be if she leaned in to kiss it.
As if sensing her presence, Ethan turned around.
“Hot chocolate?” he asked, but the words faltered as his eyes landed on her, and he did a quick double take.
He took in her oversized T-shirt—hisT-shirt—the neckline slipping slightly to reveal one shoulder. The hem grazed the tops of her thighs, leaving her legs bare and exposed. Her hair was twisted into a towel, but the strands framing her face caught the light with shimmering beads of water. The fabric did little to hide her nipples, leaving no doubt that Priya wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
“Is this a secret strategy to get guys to do more laundry? Because it’s working.” Ethan’s voice had a teasing edge, but Priya caught the subtle flicker of his throat as he swallowed.
It’s working, she thought.I have his attention. She felt both powerful and on edge. Could she truly handle a fling withhim?
“Well, if it works, who am I to argue?” she said, lifting her chin, enjoying the way he was looking at her. Inside, she was practically vibrating, her skin buzzing under his gaze. “Thanks for looking after my clothes,” she said, taking the mug he held out. Spinning on her heel, she made her way to the couch.
Enjoy the rear view, Ethan Knight.
