Page 39 of My Ex's Best Friend

"We each have our own suites," I mention, gesturing toward the staircase. “Why don’t you go upstairs and freshen up? The suite has everything you’ll need. And if you need anything else, the housekeeping staff can assist you.”

“I can take a shower by myself, Jake,” she says, rolling her eyes.

I know it’s a quip, but the answer makes my stomach coil.

Deciding to take my own advice, I head to my suite, the prospect of a refreshing shower beckoning.

As soon as I get inside, the warm water cascades, a welcome respite after the day's travels. However, even in the solitude of the shower, Kiera's presence lingers in my thoughts. The scent of her perfume seems to permeate the steam.

I catch myself inhaling deeply, trying to capture the essence of her that lingers in the air. The image of her, her blonde hair gathered into a bun, her big brown eyes widening as she soaks in the new city.

The sound of her laughter and the way she moves with graceful confidence are etched into my memory. And her smell.

Her goddamn smell.

Without thinking, my hand drops down to my cock as I fist it.

I think of Kiera looking at me, her eyes widening slightly, her lips parting as I close the distance between us. I imagine kissing the surprised gasp from her lips, swallowing the sound with my mouth.

I slam my palm against the wall as I continue to stroke myself, harder and faster as images of her flood my mind.

My mind flashes back to that awful, amazing night when she was in my arms, in my bed, and I was inside her. I imagine the way I had fit so perfectly, snug as a fitted glove.

“Fuck,” I cry as I come without warning, spurts of my hot seed spilling all over.

I lean against the wall with an elbow pressed against it, trying to regain my breathing.

That was explosive. And also, bad.

I can’t be thinking of Kiera in this way. It’s a breach of trust. And yet, I cannot help myself. She’s driving me insane just by being this close.

Bringing her here alone might have been a mistake.

I step out of the bathroom, a towel slung haphazardly around my waist, droplets of water trailing down my body.

There’s a loud slam of the door just as I walk to the middle of the room.

Before I can process the intrusion, Kiera bursts in.

Time freezes for an awkward heartbeat.

Our eyes lock, and I can practically see the mental gears screeching to a halt in her mind.

Kiera's eyes widen, and she lets out a mortified gasp.

“Kiera—” I say, not sure where to begin.

Her cheeks tint with a rosy hue, and she stammers out an apology, her words a hasty retreat. "Oh, uh, sorry!"

I quickly change into a pair of new slacks and a shirt before making my way outside. I find Kiera pacing the hallway.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “I wasn’t trying to run in on you naked.”

“I understand,” I say. “Although it might have been concerning if you were. There would be an email addressed to the HR.”

She looks alarmed.

“I’m just kidding.”

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