Page 49 of Unexpected Adventures

“I really have to pee and find some Ibuprofen,” I say.

“Sorry,” he starts, but I interrupt before he can say more.

“For what? There’s nothing for you to be sorry for.”

“You’re sore, of course.”

“Given what you put me through, I’ll take it.” I wiggle my way free of his embrace, only to turn around and kiss his chin. “I’m going to help myself to your bathroom.”

“Absolutely.”

As I gingerly make my way off the bed and into the bathroom, I hear Shaun say, “I like seeing you naked.”

“I’m a mess. And those sheets still need changing,” I call out, laughing.

“Can I just say then, you’re a hot mess?”

“Uh huh,” I say skeptically. I turn on the shower, drowning out any further response from him. I step under the soothing, warm spray. And yes, I empty my bladder in the shower. You say gross. I say efficient. You’re using water either way…

Once I’m showered and wrapped in a towel, I make my way back into the room to see Shaun putting fresh linens on the bed. I notice the pile of rolled up sheets off to the side.

“I hope it wasn’t too bad,” I say sheepishly.

“They’ll have to be burned,” he says deadpan. When he sees my eyes widen and my mouth drop open, he quickly adds, “No, no, Abby, I’m just kidding.” He hurries to me, folding his arms around me. “I’m sorry. Bad time to drop a joke.”

“You got me.”

He inhales and hugs me tighter as he sighs. He actually sighs. “I certainly do.”

While I’d love nothing more than to stay in his arms, I’m sure he must also want a shower, and I guess I need to see about getting back to Denise’s. Although spending more time with Shaun is very enticing.

Before I can make up my mind, he does it for me.

“Let me grab a quick shower and we’ll get breakfast.” He pulls away to look at me.“And I’ll find some Ibuprofen.”

“Okay.”

A quick kiss and he makes his way to the bathroom.

“I’ll get dressed and meet you downstairs,” I say.

He turns around and grins. “Okay.”

Good morning, Sunday…

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