“Don’t throw them in like that. They’ll wrinkle.” Ody kneeled and folded them properly.
Mano watched him with a small smile from above.
Ody felt it before he even looked up. “What?”
“Nothing,” Mano said, but the smile didn’t fade.
Ody forced his attention back to the suitcase. “Put on a shirt.”
“Why? It’s hot.”
“So what? You plan to stay in a towel?”
“If I were alone, I’d walk around without it.” Mano’s fingers slid to the edge of the towel. “Want me to take it off?”
“No!” Ody said too quickly, rising from his knees.
Mano laughed, low and amused.
Heat climbed up Ody’s neck, before he cleared his throat. “Grab your shoes, boxers, socks, whatever else you need, and you’re good.”
Mano tilted his head, studying him. “Are you in a rush?” His voice was deeper now, the kind of tone that hit straight in Ody’s stomach.
“I need to check things at home. And shower. I’m sweaty.”
“You can shower here,” Mano said, watching him with a focus that made the offer feel anything but casual.
Ody’s gaze darted away. “N-no. I need clean clothes too. I’ll go.”
Mano said nothing. Ody didn’t look back, but he felt that stare on him as he walked out, a slow heat following him into the hallway.
“How are you getting to the port tomorrow? You going with Ranya?” Ody asked.
“I think so.”
“She has a car?”
“No.”
“Then how are you getting there?”
Mano shrugged. “Didn’t think about it.”
“Come with us. Anna and I are taking my car.”
“With you?”
“Yeah.”
“Alright. I’ll talk to Ranya and let you know.”
“Good.”
Ody reached the door, but before he could open it, Mano’s hand slammed it shut. Ody’s breath caught as Mano stepped close behind him. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he murmured near his ear, his voice low enough to scrape along Ody’s skin.
A shiver ran through Ody. He didn’t turn around. He couldn’t.
Mano didn’t wait. He caught Ody’s shoulders, spun him around, and pressed him against the door. Their faces were inches apart. Mano’s skin was still warm from the shower, the towel sitting low on his hips, water sliding slowly down his collarbone.
