Page 101 of Double Fault

When I turn the light on and find a massive sunken tub and a plethora of bubble baths and salts, I squeak.

“You booked a night at a hotel just so I could take a bubble bath?” I turn away from the gorgeous tiled space and enormous tub.

With a shrug, he gives me that sheepish smile again. The one that makes him look so young. “And so I could get lucky.”

I throw my head back, and a deep laugh escapes me. “I knew it.”

He closes the distance between us, his arm wending around my waist.

My heart picks up at the touch.

Dangerous—falling for him could be the worst mistake of my life.

Or maybe the best thing to ever happen to me.

While my conscience wars with itself, he presses a gentle kiss to my temple and releases me.

“Let me run that bath for you.”

I nearly swoon at the sensuality of the simple moment. It’s embarrassing how weak in the knees this man makes me.

He plugs the drain and turns on the water, then peers at me over his shoulder. “What scent are you feeling?”

Lips pressed together, I step closer and peruse the options in the basket. “Citrus.”

He adds the bubbles and matching scented salts. Soon the bathroom is filled with steam and smells like a mixture of lemon and orange.

Arm behind my back, I awkwardly grasp at my zipper, but before I can slide it down, Noah’s there doing it for me.

I watch his reflection in the mirror, soaking in every detail of the moment. His fingers skim the bare skin of my back, lingering on the lacy strap of the bra. Eyes closed, he inhales deeply and presses his lips to my neck. When he slips his hands down my bare skin beneath the fabric until he finds my hips and plays with the lacy sides of the thong, my knees wobble.

“Sabrina.” My name is a curse and a prayer. Releasing me again, he takes a careful step back, then another.

The loss of his heat is palpable. Slowly, I turn to face him, concern tugging down my lips.

“I need a moment.” He lowers his focus to the noticeable tent in his pants.

“Ah.” A thrill works its way through me. “That’s okay.” I tug the dress up and over my hips and head. “You can watch.”

When I drop the garment to the floor, every one of his muscles is rigid, like it’s taking all his strength to hold himself back.

I quickly remove my bra and let it fall, never looking away from him. If it weren’t for the water running, I’m certain I would hear every labored breath he takes.

“Like what you see?” I tease, feeling suddenly bold.

His eyes flare with heat. “You have no fucking idea.”

I wiggle the thong off and toss it at him. He catches it and immediately shoves the fabric into his pocket.

“Your turn.”

He cocks his head, brow furrowed.

With a single step closer, I lick my lips. “You’re joining me, aren’t you?”

He shakes his head, the movement jerky. “No. I… the bath is for you. Not…”

I move in closer still and rest a hand on his cheek. “I want you to. There’s plenty of room.”

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