I bite the inside of my cheek and swallow the tiny, stubborn flare of disappointment that wants to turn into a storm. He’ll still be there, just…later. That’s fine, right?
“I—okay,” I say finally, forcing the words. “That could work.”
He runs a hand over his face. “I’m sorry,” he mutters, voice low. “I hate that it’s this way. I was really looking forward to going with you from the start.”
I step closer, my frustrations fading away a little. “I know,” I say softly. “It’s okay.”
“Let’s get cleaned up and go to bed,” I suggest, threading my fingers through his, pulling him up. “I’m exhausted.”
He nods, allowing me to lead him upstairs toourbedroom.
In the bathroom, I turn on the shower, letting steam fill the space while I strip off my filthy clothes. Moving day has left a layer of grime on my skin that I’m desperate to wash away. I’m about to step under the spray when Rowan enters behind me.
He stands in the doorway, eyes fixed on me. Without a word, he pulls his shirt over his head, letting it fall to the floor. My gaze drifts over his broad shoulders, the line of muscle along his arms. Then he steps out of his jeans and boxers, my eyes catching on the thickening evidence of his desire.
“Mind if I join you?” he asks, voice low.
I shake my head, unable to find words as he steps into the shower with me. I expect him to press me against the tile, to claim my mouth with the hunger I’ve grown accustomed to. Instead, he reaches for the shampoo, pouring some into his palm.
“Turn around,” he murmurs.
I do as I’m told, then his fingers slide into my hair, massaging my scalp.
His touch is gentle as he works the shampoo into a lather. I close my eyes, surrendering to the sensation.
“Feels good,” I tell him, tilting my head back.
He makes a soft sound of agreement, his fingers working methodically through my hair, massaging in slow circles.
“Rinse,” he says softly, guiding me under the spray.
I tilt my head back, letting the water cascade through my hair. When I open my eyes, Rowan is watching me with an expression I can’t quite decipher. Longing? Regret?
“What?” I ask, water droplets clinging to my lashes.
He shakes his head slightly. “Nothing. Just… You’re beautiful.”
Before I can respond, he reaches for my bodywash. The familiar scent of lavender curls around us as he begins to trail his hands over my shoulders.
I reach for the conditioner, letting it slip through my fingers and into my hair. My hands work the silky strands, but I can’t help stealing glances at him, noting the way his chest rises and falls as his hands move down my body.
He finally steps back, reaching for the soap and washing himself quickly. I tilt my head back under the spray, rinsing theconditioner out of my hair, trying to focus on the water running over me. But the sound of him, the sight of him, the heat radiating from him—it’s impossible to ignore. Every muscle he flexes, every careful movement, makes a coil of need tighten low in my stomach.
By the time I lift my head and blink the water from my eyes, I’m painfully aware of just how much I want him. The steam, the scent of lavender, the echo of his hands across my skin—it all works together, leaving me aching for him.
“Rowan,” I breathe. I’m not even sure what I’m asking for, only that I can’t stay still anymore.
I step closer, my hands drifting over his chest and tracing the planes of muscle as I memorize the way his skin feels under my fingers.
“Let me,” I murmur, helping him rinse off. My hands linger, fingertips brushing over his arms, along his sides, mapping him without shame.
My fingertips brush lower, following the trail of dark hair below his navel. When my fingers wrap around his thick length, his head falls back with a groan that echoes off the shower walls.
“Violet,” he rasps.
I press closer, letting the warmth of the water soak between us. My thumb drags over the slick head of his cock, feeling him pulse beneath my touch. A shiver runs down my spine at the sound of his breath hitching.
He guides me until my back hits the tiled wall, his own hands pressed to either side of my head. My lips graze his neck, and I begin to pump him steadily with my hand.
