Page 134 of Skate the Line

Me: Kidding! But that seemed to spark the youth in you.

Rhodes: Don’t tease me like that, Sunshine. I was putting my coat on.

I roll my eyes. He was not.

Me: You were not. If I had to guess, you’re in bed with your pjs on.

For a split second, I imagine what he sleeps in, which then leads to me thinking about last night again, when he found me in the kitchen. Gray sweats and a T-shirt that hugged his biceps.

Hot.

Rhodes: I am in bed.

Me: And the pjs?

My pulse races, as if my body knows something my head doesn’t.

Rhodes: If you show me yours, I’ll show you mine.

Is he trying to challenge me? As if I won’t send him a picture of my snowflake sleep shorts and matching top? He saw a lot more of me last night than this outfit shows.

I snap a picture and send it.

It’s nothing racy. My nipples aren’t making themselves known like earlier, and although the shorts hit a little above mid-thigh, it doesn’t scream “sexy” by any means.

Rhodes: I didn’t think you’d actually send a picture.

A quiet laugh tumbles from my mouth.

Me: Well, I assumed if I didn’t, you’d just come to my room and see for yourself.

Rhodes: Does that mean you’re going to come to my room if I don’t send you a picture?

My soul leaves my body. An ache burrows in between my legs so abruptly I look down. I type slowly while I blow a breath out of my mouth.

Me: I could.

I’m sweating.

Is he egging me on? Waiting to see if I’ll come down to his room? I shouldn’t. I know deep in my bones that I shouldn’t.

I stare at my open door.

How many steps is it to his room? Twenty?

My phone vibrates, and my fingers race to open the text.

He sends me a picture, and all rational thinking goes out the window. My lips part, and a needy breath empties into the room.

He’s shirtless.

My blood runs hot.

I’m still affected from last night.

His touch did something to me, and I’m afraid of it. It left something behind that’s so strong I’m having insane thoughts of him touching me again.

Sure, I trust him, and that’s playing a huge role in this, but I have to get it together!

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