Page 24 of Forever Fallen

Humming emerged from the bathroom, and she got up, regardless of her night gown, and padded in her slippers to the other room to turn off the blaring noise.

As she walked back silently, she heard him holler.

“Good morning, dear. Want to wash my back - or better yet? Come wash my front for me, Sophie…”

“Rot in…”

“Language!”he hollered immediately, cutting her off.

Instead of answering him, she went downstairs to make the coffee and smiled evilly as she passed the bathroom, a thought entering her mind.

Turning on the kitchen sink to fill the carafe for the two of them – she walked back to the half-bath, deliberately leaving the water running in the sink.

… And flushed the toilet.

Sure enough, she knew what the plumbing was like in the house, but obviously Ryan did not… yet.

Sophie heard him curse loudly, the sound of the shower curtain being yanked open as the metal rings were whisked to the side, as well as him laughing uproariously… enough to make her smile.

It was that deep belly laugh that she wondered about – and now that she knew he was capable of it? She found herself wanting to hear it again and again. His laugh was beautiful and sounded like unfettered joy, reminding her of her grandmother.

“Love you too, pumpkin…”he hollered easily, still laughing.

“Don’t take all the hot water,pookiebear…” she yelled up the stairs, before turning off the water in the kitchen as the toilet filled. Smiling widely, she returned to her room to get her clothing together for the day.

“Oh, I’m certainly not…” he chuckled loudly behind the door – and she blushed as she heard the shower rings slide on the bar again, indicating he had gotten back in to finish showering.

Moments later, she heard the pipes give off that telltale moan as the water was turned off. Listening, she heard him humming again and the sound of the bathroom door opening. She heard his footsteps across the floor and his door shut.

That was her cue.

Grabbing her clothing on the hanger, she yanked open her bedroom door and froze.

Ryan was standing there, leaning against the door frame with his elbow and one hand on his hip… and wearing nothing but a towel. The embroidered pink and red roses, the lace trim, it was almost comical – and would have been if the whole package wasn’t so darn gorgeous.

The terrycloth material was slung low around his lean waist and knotted loosely. The expanse of muscled abdomen had splotches of red skin and the occasional water droplet, from where the hot water had scalded him.

The infernal man tricked her by shutting his door, making her think he was inside dressing, so she could safely emerge.

Her tongue hit the roof of her mouth and threatened to close off her windpipe.

She didnotwant to think of Ryan like that…

“That was mean,my sweet bride,” he grinned arrogantly, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “The water heater works exceptionally well, but if you want to take the first shower in the morning – just say so – or I can leave the door unlocked for you.”

“Go get dressed,” she sputtered, blushing. “I’m sure your cold standing there.”

“Nope,” he laughed, his dark eyes dancing merrily. “I’m really, really, warm… you might say ‘scalding hot’. You got me good with that little trick, and I’ll have to figure out a way to pay you back.”

“Not necessary, I assure you,” she said loftily, trying to ignore the flush of embarrassment making her face hot as she realized he was still standing there, watching her.

She put her hand up to shield her eyes and made her way to the bathroom, fully intent on not looking at him again.

It was embarrassing to feel her reaction to his appearance and knowing what her own was. She was wearing her worn-out cotton night shirt that reached her knees with her fuzzy slippers. Not a sexy look in the slightest, yet Ryan was oozing masculinity as he stood there in his towel, unmoving.

Watching her.

Just get to the bathroom,she thought wildly, darting inside, and shutting it behind her – only to hear something softly impact the door with a slight thud.

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