Page 139 of In Somnis

“Yeah. Probably not.”

He does not look even slightly sorry. Just aware.

I’m not sorry either.

My fingers fidget with the sweater’s hem. “Also,” I add, because apparently today is a day for public humiliation. “Sorry you got an eyeful of the full unedited version.”

He frowns faintly. “What does that mean?”

“Stretch marks. Soft bits. General evidence of existing.”

“I think stretch marks are pretty.” He shrugs, then kneels on the floor in front of the dresser pieces.

“Sure.”

“I have them too.”

I snort. “As if.”

“I’m serious.” He hooks his fingers into the hem of his flannel and lifts it.

Oh.

Oh, that’s not fair.

He’s all lean muscle, long lines, defined abs, the faint dip of an Adonis belt disappearing into his jeans, and a blond happy trail I absolutely did not need to notice.

“See?” he says, pointing to his hip.

I’m still staring at his stomach. “Why do you hide all of that under baggy clothes?”

He glances down at himself like he genuinely has no idea what I’m talking about. “What?”

“You’re built, Nevan. Did Sydney ever actually see you? Like were the lights on when you got naked?”

He laughs, pink creeping into his ears. “It was… pretty dark, I guess.”

“That’s our new strategy,” I say, drawing a circle with my finger in the air between us. “Next time something needs fixing at the inn, you do it shirtless. I’ll make sure Sydney walks by.”

He arches a brow. “That’s your master plan? That’s what the romance reader came up with?”

“It’s effective, and we both know those books escalate quickly.”

He huffs, but he’s smiling. Then he lifts the flannel again, angling his hip toward me. Silvery stretch marks catch the light along the top.

I step toward him and lean over, brushing my thumb over one before I can think better of it.

“You’re right, they look pretty.”

His breath catches.

Oh.

I snatch my hand back. “Sorry⁠—”

“It’s fine.” His voice has gone rough when he drops the flannel. Then he looks up and takes in my outfit before a slow smile spreads across his freckled face. “I like that one.”

“Good, because I have given up and am going as myself.”