I nodded, the warmth ebbing slightly. He was doing this because we were friends. "Of course. Yeah, that would be great. I'll do anything to make this happen. I want to create a nice place for kids to come, get their work done. I want to ease parents' minds."
"Let me know when you need the money, and if you need us to be physically present for anything."
"I don't think that will be necessary. Unless you want to see the program in progress."
"That would be nice."
"I can make that happen." I grinned, and we continued walking. Even if he was doing this because of our friendship, I was still grateful. This had been a dream of mine for a long time.
We turned around and headed back to Brady's house. I guess I'd have to start thinking of it as mine for now.
We cleaned our feet off in his outdoor shower and then headed inside.
"I'm going to take a shower," Brady said, and the thought of us sharing a bathroom seemed intimate. This wasn't like our usual time together. I'd always gone home at the end of the night. Even if I fell asleep, Brady would wake me up so I could drive home.
We headed toward the bedroom, and I sat on the bed while Brady moved around the room, gathering clothes.
His nightstand had a book on it. One I'd recommended to him the last time he stopped by the library. "Are you enjoying the thriller?"
Brady looked over at it and nodded. "I haven't had a lot of time to read lately."
I sighed. "Our time is about to get busier. The party’s coming up.”
"I was hoping you could film more shows with me. The viewers are asking for you."
"Of course. Whatever you need. That's what this arrangement is about."
He raised a brow. "Our arrangement. Right."
I couldn't tell if he was annoyed by my characterization or not.
"Did you want to jump in the bathroom before I take a shower?"
"I should brush my teeth." I grabbed my toiletries from the dresser. In the bathroom, I brushed my teeth, washed my face,and changed into my pajamas. I tended to wear silky lingerie because I lived by myself.
I hadn't thought this through. I'd be sleeping with my best friend. It was too late to wish I had cotton pajamas to wear instead. I was going to have to go out there in this and hope Brady didn't notice.
I collected my toiletries, putting them back inside my travel bag, and opened the door.
Brady's brow furrowed. "You know you can keep whatever you want in the bathroom. You don't have to take it in and out each time. You're not a guest here."
"Oh. I wasn't thinking. Of course." I turned back to the bathroom, placing the bag on the counter. "I'd better get in bed. I'm really tired." I dove for the bed, wanting to get under the covers as quickly as possible.
I didn't take a deep breath until I was under the blankets. Brady was looking at me as if I'd lost my mind.
I stretched and yawned. "It was a big day. Moving and all of that. Do you mind turning off the lights?"
"Sure thing." He flipped the switch and disappeared in the bathroom, the water turning on a few seconds later.
I closed my eyes tightly. Brady was naked in the shower. There was nothing between us except for one door, and I was fairly positive I didn't hear him lock it. He was naked, water sluicing over his tight body. I wanted to lick the drops off his skin.
Would his thighs be as muscular as they seemed? Was his body hard from the work he did every day? Would his hands be rough on my skin?
My hand drifted under the covers and under the waistband of my shorts. I was already wet just thinking about Brady in the shower. It didn't take long for me to stroke myself to an orgasm. I bit down on my lip hard so I wouldn't cry out.
Afterward, I buried myself under the mound of blankets, wishing I hadn't acted so recklessly in Brady's bed. The sheets smelled like him. He was everywhere.
The door opened, and I jumped. I hadn't even heard the water turn off.