Did she love it? Hate it?
I certainly felt different.
I wasn’t clean-shaven by any means, but I’d asked the on-site barber to give it a good trim. Scruff now lined my jaw, and my skin was smooth and glowing after he’d steamed my face and wrapped me in a warm towel. I’d taken a picture mid-process for Bryn, knowing she’d appreciate my effort at self-care.
I’d left the barbershop feeling like a million bucks. Part of me wondered why I hadn’t shaved sooner because I felt somehow both naked and free without the beard that I’d let go for so long.
Bryn lifted her hand, cupping my cheek. I loved the way she was looking at me. As if she was seeing me for the first time, and she liked what she saw. “It looks really nice.Youlook really nice.” She smiled up at me, and it was like a punch to the gut. “And it looks like someone’s been moisturizing.”
I laughed, and she lowered her hand, taking a step back, eyes on the floor. It was as if the sun had retreated behind a cloud, and I hated how shy and withdrawn she was all of a sudden. This wouldn’t do, not if we were going to convince her family we were a couple.
I still couldn’t believe I’d suggested this charade. But when it came to Bryn, I’d do anything for her, even if she didn’t realize it. Even if it cost me…everything.
“You were right,” I said. “It does feel good to take care of my skin. But…” I inclined my head. “You might have to come up with a new nickname for me.”
“Oh no.” She laughed, shaking her head. “You’ll always be Bear to me.”
“Even without all my fur?” I joked, feeling as if we were on more solid ground once more.
She tilted her head, evaluating me. “You know why I call you that, right? And it’s not because of the beard.”
“Because I’m a grumpy bastard.”
“No.” She rolled her eyes, and it made me smile. “It’s because you give the best bear hugs.”
I couldn’t believe that was the reason—at least, not the entire reason. But if she loved my hugs, then I would keep giving them to her. I opened my arms, and she stepped into them. I rested my chin on her head, taking a moment to center myself.
But the longer we stood there, the more I realized just how little clothing was separating us. She had on a robe, and I could feel her nipples, hard and brushing against my bare chest. And if I wasn’t careful… I released her and took a step back before my dick could get even more excited.
I cleared my throat. “How was the spa?”
Her skin was glowing, and she looked rested and relaxed. Beautiful.
“Amazing,” she practically moaned, which wasn’t helping my situation. “You should definitely get a massage while we’re here.”
I chuckled. “I planned to.”
“I’m almost ready. I can get dressed out here if you want to use the bathroom,” she offered.
“You sure?” I asked.
She nodded, so I thanked her and grabbed my clothes and phone before shutting myself in the bathroom. I almost didn’t recognize the man staring back at me in the mirror. I looked different…energized or refreshed or something. Starting my day with an intense workout had helped, as had being pampered at the barbershop, followed by a hot shower and a long nap.
I should’ve used some of that time to call my mom back, but I wasn’t sure I was in the right headspace to have the conversation I assumed was coming. I could be wrong. But the timing of her call, coupled with the missed calls from an unknown number, meant I probably wasn’t. My brother had this irritating habit of reaching out—if you could even call it that—at the worst possible times.
Not that any time was great. Not after everything he’d done.
I pulled on my pants, and I was buttoning my shirt when my phone chimed with an incoming message. I checked my phone, relieved to see that it was from Gabe.
Gabe: How’s it going?
I knew he was referring to my relationship with Bryn, but I sent him a picture I’d taken of the beach before my morning run. I slipped on my watch and fixed my hair.
Gabe: Damn. Any progress on Operation GTFOOTFZ?
I stared at the screen, trying to decipher his long-ass acronym.
Me: Are you whiteboarding custom license plate ideas again? Because I’ve got to tell you, that one is terrible. Got foot fuzz?
