I grip the window frame, aware I’ve sprung another erection. I stare at the bulge in my sweatpants.
I close my eyes, realize my paid work is not getting done while I am in this state, and think to Eva powerwashing in that thermal shirt. I could see the outline of her nipples from here, taut beneath her damp clothes.
With a grunt, I reach into my pants and give myself a squeeze. It would feel really good not to focus on pain. A groan slips out as I fist the bulge in my underwear. A quick glance out the window shows me Eva bent over, round little butt bouncing as she tugs at something.
There’s no hope for me. I hobble to my bed, pump a handful of lotion into my palm, and dig my aching cock from my briefs. I close my eyes, replaying the image of Eva and the water, changing it so she’s wet in my kitchen, on her knees in front of me. My hand moves furiously in my pants, and I barely have enough time to grab a tissue before I explode with a grunt and a growl.
I pass out immediately, sleep draping over me like a blanket.
That evening, my sister video calls. Lia’s still somewhere sunny with Ethan, looking happy and glowing. I hate I can’t remember where they went. Their week has to be up soon, right? She slurps a fruity drink and smiles. “How’s the ankle?”
“Fine. Healing.” I scratch at my beard, which has become unwieldy.
“How’s the neighbor?”
My stomach drops. “What?”
“Don’t play dumb. The whole town’s talking about the Pierce girl helping you out.”
“Well, she’s around a lot fixing up the place.”
Lia’s smile is knowing. “Uh-huh. So what’s she like?”
“She’s… fine. Nice. Helpful. And her last name is Storm.”
“That’s the most words you’ve used to describe another human in five years.” Lia laughs. “You like her.”
“I don’t?—”
“You do. I can tell. You’ve got that look.”
“What look?” I squint at my image in the tiny icon at the bottom of my phone, terrified I forgot to clean up the aftermath of liking Eva Storm. But my room is immaculate, even if I’m scruffy.
Lia waggles her brows. “Like you’re panicking because you have feelings.”
“I don’t have feelings, Lia. She’ll sell the place and go back to Pittsburgh.”
Lia’s voice softens. “Will she? Gran says she’s been stocking up on necessities and cleaning like she plans to move in.”
I shrug.
“Ash, when’s the last time you liked a woman? Went on a date?”
“I’m hanging up.” I hover my index finger near the red icon when Lia shouts.
“I just don’t want you to be alone.” Lia’s eyes are bright with unshed tears. “You hide up there in that house, and you work yourself half to death, and you don’t let anyone in. And I think part of that is my fault.”
“Lia—”
“No, listen. You spent years taking care of me. Years. When I finally got better, you didn’t know how to stop being the caretaker. So you just… stopped letting yourself need anyone at all.”
The words hit too close. I look away from the screen.
“This Storm woman,” Lia continues, softer now. “She sounds like someone who takes care of people. Maybe it’s okay to let her in.”
“She’s leaving, Lia.” I rock back in my seat as my sister rolls her eyes at me.
“So maybe you'll have a fling while she’s here. Or maybe she stays and you let yourself be happy for once.”
