I make myself coffee, and the smell helps wake me up. I shower, letting the hot water work out the tension in my shoulders. When I get out, I don't bother with real clothesbecause I'm lazing around the apartment today, getting things ready for my first day tomorrow. I grab the first thing I find, a white tank top and linen shorts, no need for a bra. I'm going for comfort today.
The apartment is a disaster from last night, with empty bottles sitting by the trash, and bags filled with rubbish that need to be taken care of. The boys cleaned up before they went, but they forgot to take the trash out. I grab the two bags and carry them to the door. The trash chute is just down the hall. A quick trip. No one will see me in my dodgy outfit. I open the door and push it open with my hip, then step into the hallway. It's only a couple of steps. I'll make it back and forth in time. But as soon as I rush away from the door, I hear it creak.
No.
I turn around and drop the bags. A gust of wind comes through and slams it shut.
Shit. I freeze. I stare at the shut door that I’ve left everything on the other side of. I look down at my wrist, where my watch would normally sit, and curse myself for not putting it back on after my shower. I would have been able to text Lettie.
With my shoulders hunched over, I grab the bags of trash, throw them down the chute, and then head back to the apartment. I try the handle, even though I know there's no hope. It doesn't turn. Locked. I try again, jiggling and pulling harder. Still locked. I kick it out of pure frustration and curse everything.
Fuck my life.
"What did that door do to you?" a deep voice rumbles down the corridor.
My heart stops. Please don't be him. Please don't be ... Emmett. I turn around slowly and try to hide my exposed tits.
He's in gym clothes, a gray tank top, and black shorts. He's been working out, he's all sweaty, his hair is damp and dark with moisture as it sticks to his forehead. His arms glisten,highlighting his defined muscles, those veins that make women's knees weak. He looks good. Really good. Damn it. Those dark eyes scan me, head to toe, then linger on my chest where my stupid nipples are trying to pierce through my tank top. My face burns as I cross my arms tighter over my breasts.
"Trouble?" His voice is rough.
"Don't call me that," I warn him, I’m not in the mood.
He walks closer, each step slow. "Are you locked out?"
"No, I'm taking in the view. What does it look like?" I snap at him.
This earns me a smirk. "Smart ass." He's tall, and I hate how I have to look up at him.
"Where's your sister?"
"Brunch, she won't be back for a couple of hours."
His gaze drops again, just for a second, then back up. "And you're standing in the hallway like that?"
"Like what?"
"Half-naked." Those stormy green eyes narrow on me like I've personally offended him with my half-nakedness. Heat floods my face and spreads down my neck.
I try to cover myself more. "I was taking out the trash and the door shut behind me."
His jaw clenches. "Anyone could have seen you."
"It was only a couple of steps. I also didn't think I was going to get locked out."
We glare at each other for a couple of moments.
"Come on." He sighs.
I stare at him. "What?"
"My place. You can wait there."
I shake my head, I am not going to his apartment.
"I'm fine here. I'm sure Lettie won't be long."
Emmett raises a brow at me. "Is it because you don't think you can keep your hands to yourself?"
