Slow.
Heavy.
The doorknob rattles.
And when the door opens—I stop breathing.
She steps out, wrapped in nothing but a long T-shirt, damp hair falling over her shoulders as she towels it dry.
Bare legs.
Bare feet.
Soft skin flushed from the heat.
And that look in her eyes—God.
That look.
It hits me right in the chest.
Because it’s the same one.
The one she used to get when she wanted me.
When she knew I was already hers.
My control snaps.
Because I can’t do this.
Can’t stand here pretending I don’t feel it.
Pretending I don’t want her.
Pretending this isn’t inevitable.
“Fuck it,” I growl.
Chapter 10-Esme
A few minutes earlier…
The bathroom door clicks shut behind me, and I just stand there.
For a second, I don’t move.
Don’t breathe.
Don’t think.
Because if I do?
Everything’s going to come crashing in all at once.
And I don’t know if I’m ready for that.
The mirror fogs slowly from the heat of the shower, blurring my reflection until I’m nothing but a vague outline staring back at myself.
