“You can still panic internationally in here if you want,” I murmur near his ear.
Philip lets out a tired huff of laughter.
“Helpful.”
“I try.”
I reach around him and turn on the shower.
Water starts to strike softly against tile, steam already beginning to gather.
For a moment neither of us moves.
Philip stands in front of me, shoulders lowered for the first time since I saw him at the door, one hand braced lightly on the sink.
I can feel the residual tension in him.
The fear that this might have been a mistake.
I slide my hands to the buttons of his shirt.
Undo the first.
Then the second.
Then the third.
My knuckles brush warm skin.
Philip exhales.
Slowly.
As if each button opened is one more layer of distance finally giving way.
He turns his head slightly.
Not enough to lock eyes with me.
Enough that I can see the line of his jaw, the pulse fluttering there.
“You’re really here,” I say quietly.
He swallows.
“Yes.”
I press my mouth just below his ear.
His eyes close.
And for the first time since he appeared at my front door, he leans back into me fully.
Chapter 23
Philip
The water is hotterthan it needs to be.
