Page 23 of Ghost of Ex-mas Past
Charlie helps me up. We make it up three steps before deciding that it would just be easier to bring my stuff to me and I’ll shower downstairs. Charlie grabs my stuff and after I thank him, we stand there staring at each other in the small bathroom.
12
Bea
“What?”I ask.
“I’m helping you.”
“Excuse me?”
He points down at my offending ankle. “You aren’t supposed to put weight on it. How do you plan to shower?”
“Carefully.”
He makes a face at me.
“I’ll be naked!”
“Come on. I’ve seen you naked before.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure your breasts still look amazing in your old age.”
“Charlie!”
“Bea!” The corner of his lip quirks up.
I glare at him.
“Safety first,” he admonishes.
“You’re annoying.”
“I don’t care.”
I glare at him some more.
“Would you rather me call your sister or your mom?” This question isn’t teasing but genuine.
Nowhe’s all mature, and I have to grow up too.
“No, it’s fine. Just...don’t look.”
“Okay, how about I stand right here“—he moves to right next to the tub—“and I’ll even close my eyes.” He demonstrates, covering his eyes with his hands.
“Fiiiiiiine.”
Charlie drops his arm and I unzip my jacket, the thin one I normally wear when I go for a run. Then I peel off the tank top and sports bra.
Charlie whistles, but when I glance up his hand is still covering his eyes, right above his big, stupid grin.
I whack him with my sports bra before throwing it on the pile.
Okay, pants now.
I sit on the toilet to peel off the rest. I unwrap the basic bandage that the medic put on my ankle and toss it in the trash. Then I hobble over to Charlie fully nude and rest my hand on his shoulder. “Okay, now what?”
