Page 24 of Shift Change

“Same.”

His eyes followed me as I walked around the bed.

Everything is fine. This is perfectly normal.

My mind went blank when I looked into his eyes, and it took a moment to remember what I was going to say. “Could I?”

He snickered. “Could you what?”

I grabbed the hem of my T-shirt but didn’t lift it. “Take off my shirt.”

“Yes.” His voice was low, rough around the edges.

He tracked every inch of movement as I peeled the shirt off and let it drop to the floor. The air was cool on my skin, but his eyes were all fire. Suddenly unsure of what the hell I was doing, I hesitated before climbing onto the bed.

His gaze drifted down my torso, paused at my shorts, and then slowly made the return trip. I could feel the weight of it, like a warm hand trailing over my skin. When his eyes landed on my chest, something flickered in them, and I felt a jolt all the way down to my toes. And when he finally looked into my eyes again, I gripped the edge of the mattress to keep from shaking.

He hadn’t just looked at me; he’d taken me in. Every inch, and every detail. A weight lifted from my shoulders as I realized I wasn’t the only one feeling this. That should’ve helped.

But God help me. If he was feeling it too, there was no telling what might happen.

I pointed at the bed. “Okay?”

He rolled his eyes. “I already said yes. But why don’t you get under the covers? I’m cold too, and you can spread the blanket over both of us.”

I lifted the edge of the comforter. “You mean, get under this with you?”

“Yes, and hurry. You’re letting the cold air in.”

“Sorry.” I slid in beside him, and while he helped me spread out the blanket I’d brought, I said, “We’ll reprogram the heat when we get home tonight. I’ve been too lazy to do it.”

We both turned, me onto my left side, and Dog onto his right. For a while, we stared at each other, and I noticed things I hadn’t before. His hair was curlier than I’d thought, and his skin was paler. I could still see the top of his chest, where the little dip under his throat began the rise into his pecs.What does he do to get a body like that?

“Do you have a workout partner?” he asked.

“No. I used to work out with Carson, but he’s gone for the season.”

A crooked smile tugged at Dog’s lips. “I know. That’s why I’m here, remember?”

“Fuck off. Why’d you ask about working out?”

“I don’t have anyone to exercise with, and workouts are crucial. Could we be partners? You’re built like a fucking Norse god, and I want to learn your secrets.”

I snorted. “You thinkI’mbuilt? Buddy. You’re a poster boy forThe Ultimate Guide to Looking Jacked.”

He furrowed his brow. “Is that a real magazine?”

“No, but they should create it so you can be the centerfold.”

“Centerfold? Will this be a nude magazine?”

I was speechless, caught like the proverbial deer in the headlights.

After we laughed, his eyes found mine again. “It’s okay, then? We can work out together?”

“You’re on, bud.” I couldn’t resist scrubbing a hand over his chest. “Ready to get some sleep?”

His breathing evened out in a couple of minutes, but I remained awake, watching him.Is it creepy to watch your roommate sleep?

---