“Carry you?”
I rolled my lips inwards as I tried to mask my shock.
“Think of it like a scene in Bridgerton. I’m trying to save you from a shame-filled walk in front of the Ton. Now, would you like to be carried bridal style or flipped over my shoulder?”
I widened my eyes. “I don’t think a shoulder carry is very appropriate, Professor. What would people say?”
This time, it was him who laughed. “Come on, you.” He reached forward and hooked his arm under my legs and the other around my back, lifting me like I was as light as a feather.
“Oh my god,” I shrieked. “I can’t believe you’re carrying me.”
He walked through to the bathroom and set me down before turning off the taps of the almost full bath.
“What would you like to eat?”
“Carbs… and cheese… and a milkshake. Strawberry.” My stomach growled in reply. “Please,” I added, because I was coming across less than polite.
“Can you get in okay?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not letting you undress me, Professor.”Be still my beating heart.
With a nod, he left me alone, closing the door with a quiet click.
SEVENTEEN
JASPER
I staredout of the window, wondering what I was doing. I was fully aware how many boundaries I was overstepping simply by being here—let alone the ones I crossed when I ran my PA a bath or carried him to it—but I couldn’t face being alone, and he needed someone to take care of him.
I could do that, couldn’t I?
As a friend.
A knock on the door drew my attention, and I walked across the large, plush space to answer it.
“Room service,” the man announced as he pushed in a tray. “Where would you like it?”
I looked around the room. The movie was on pause and my trainers sat, discarded on the floor in front of the sofa, where I’d kicked them off earlier.
“Movie night?” he asked with a smile.
“Something like that.”
“Can I make a suggestion?” He pointed at the large footstool. “These fit perfectly here.” He moved it against the sofa and then took a second from where it was tucked against the wall and added that to the set up, so it transformed the L-shaped sectional into a huge daybed. “Blankets are in the cupboard at the back. Shall I set up on the side here?” He pointed to the dresser.
“Perfect. Thank you.”
* * *
I was dishingup when Finn appeared from the bathroom wearing nothing but a short, silk black robe that barely covered his arse.
“Did I hear the door? Let me put some clothes on. I won’t be a second.”
“Don’t,” I barked, taking us both by surprise, but my eyes were fixed on his toned legs, and I suddenly hated the idea that I wouldn’t be able to see them. “I mean, not on my account. I’ve crashed your evening. You should be comfortable, so don’t get dressed on my account.” His pale skin had a beautiful sheen to it from the heat of the bath, and his hair was damp and pushed back from his face.
“What would you wear… if I wasn’t here?”
He looked down at himself and then said, “This and maybe some underwear, but?—”
