I may be cursing it mentally, but Zach doesn’t bother keeping it inside. “Fuck,” he says, rising to
his feet. There, right before my eyes, is his more than impressive package. I don’t know where to
look, it’s just right there, a foot from my face. I miss whatever he says, then he’s gone. I collapse back
in the tub, the tension in my body dissolving now that I don’t have an audience.
Oh my god, what a weird night.
My skin is still uncomfortable, but the stinging sensation has lessened, so I take the opportunity to
leap out of the tub — nearly falling back and knocking myself out — and grab one of the neatly folded
robes on the counter, cotton, thank God. I’m tying it shut as Zach enters, holding a bottle of lotion.
“Wait…how did they give you a key so easily downstairs? They didn’t ask for your ID or your credit
card. They just handed it over.”
“We own the hotel,” he mumbles, staring at the V of my robe. I glance down and snatch it shut
with a squeak.Nearly had the nips showing.
“Wow. Own it. That’s super convenient. Great place to bring the ladies.” My mouth drops open at
my own stupidity, and I consider diving face-first into the tub and drowning myself.
Brilliant Maya, remind him of all the Barbie perfect women he dates.
He frowns at me, shaking his head slowly. Can’t blame him. He’s probably desperate to get out of
here. “Here,” he says, holding out the lotion. I stammer out a ‘thanks’ and move to the door, pulling it
wide. He just stands there, staring down at the space I just vacated.
“I can take it from here. Thanks so much. For helping me out of the dress. Paid you back with a
peek at my boobs, so that’s something, I guess. Not that they’re anything special, but you know, they’re
still perky, considering how b—.“
“You’ll need help,” he says.
Like, mental help? He may have a point there.
When I continue to stare at him blankly, he frowns and points to the lotion. “Putting it on…your
whole back is red. You’re not going to be able to reach.”
“Oooohhh. Right, that’s what you meant. Of course it was. I can do it myself. I have this whole
routine I’ve perfected with a rolled-up towel. I can smear it on there pretty good.” I had to figure it
out. In the past, there were no handsome men in tuxedoes standing by, ready to leap to my aid.
He nods, gaze traveling over my face, but doesn’t make a move to leave. “I’m here. Just seems
more efficient if I do it for you. But if you’d rather do the towel thing, that’s fine.”
