Asmirk.
That’s what undoes me.
I slam the door shut so fast, it’s a miracle I don’t knock it off the hinges.
“Oh my god.”
I stumble back a step. Two. Slam into the edge of his bed with a gracelessthud.
“Oh my god oh my god.”
I’ve never wanted a time machine more. Or a sinkhole. Or to have been born without eyes.
And now? Now I can’t even face him.
Because not only did I walk in on him naked, I saw himveryaroused… and Istared.
I bury my burning face in my hands, still breathing hard when the door creaks open behind me.
“Olive?” His voice is calm. Too calm.
I spin away from the door, still not looking at him. “I didn’t mean to—oh god—I thought it was a closet!”
There’s a beat of silence.
Then: “Closets don’t usually have running water.”
“Shut up.”
He laughs.
Of course he laughs. But there’s something beneath his laughter. Something wild. And when I finally look up, I see he is wrapped in a small towel and his gaze is hungry.
He’s still wet. And still mostly naked.
My breath catches as he steps closer.
“Ash,” I start, but it comes out like a plea. “I—look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to see—I mean, Isaw, but I wasn’t trying to—”
“Stop talking,” he murmurs.
And then he kisses me.
Hard.
His mouth is on mine, his hands warm and damp against my waist, and suddenly I can’t remember how to breathe, let alone think. The kiss isn’t soft. It’s not careful.
It’s desperate. Demanding.
Like he’s been holding back for weeks and can’t anymore.
And I—I kiss him back.
Because of course I do.
10
ASH
