Page 33 of The Summer Plans

I poke my head out right as RJ slips his athletic shorts down his trim hips, revealing his backside. It’s impossible to look away as he opens the shower door and disappears inside. And since it’s entirely glass, I get a full view of his body. He has that skinny-fit physique—the kind that just appears slim until he takes his shirt off and uncovers all the muscles hidden underneath. Even though I’ve seen his abs and chest a few times on this trip, I’m still stunned speechless each time.

It’s hard not to appreciate the work he must do to maintain that. My eyes travel lower, fixating on his butt. Dammit, even his ass is perfect. He turns toward me, and I slip back into the toilet closet to remain hidden.

I didn’t think this through. What am I going to do? Stay in here until he finishes his shower and leaves? Quietly, I lower the lid to the toilet and sit on it, determined to wait him out as I listen to the rhythmic pattering of water hitting the tiled shower floor.

I should take pics of the whole bathroom for the listing.

I should be sleeping.

I should thank him for reassuring my boys yesterday.

Their dad would have yelled at them and made them feel like shit. Should they have been horseplaying? No, but they’re kids and they’re still learning. And I know how quickly playfighting turns into stuff getting broken. That’s why I’m always prepared with extra supplies double-bagged in Ziplocs.

But RJ reassured them while also being firm. It’s getting harder to stay mad at him. To keep my distance from him.

“Ohhh, fuck,” RJ groans softly.

Is he…

“Mmm, that’s it,” he moans a little louder.

Oh, he definitely is. Curiosity gets the better of me. I poke my head out, but I’m not at all prepared for what I see. His lean body is in profile, head propped up on his forearm as his hand moves rapidly up and down.

This is wrong. I should give him some privacy. And then my eyes travel lower.

Holy shit. How does he fit that thing inside someone? It’s⁠—

“Summer, fuck,” RJ rasps interrupting my thoughts.

He just said my name. Why did he just say my name? My heart races in my chest, and a bead of sweat forms at my hairline.

“That’s it, darlin’. So good for me.”

Not the darlin’. That’s my favorite pet name. What did I do to deserve this torture?

RJ’s mouth drops open, his head still resting on his forearm, as his hand pumps furiously. A low groan rumbles out of him as he jerks in his hand. Why is this so hot?

He stands there panting as his orgasm recedes, and I panic, suddenly realizing I’m trapped. Slowly, I lean back from the door and close it gently, praying he doesn’t hear me. The shower turns off, and I hear the door open.

I hold my breath and wait for him to walk by. The bathroom door clicks open, and I let out a silent breath. After I count to twenty in my head, I open the door. RJ is standing there with his back to me, a white cotton towel slung low on his hips, as he puts toothpaste on his toothbrush. Even his back looks good, and I let my eyes roam further down before a throat clearing startles me. When I look up and make eye contact with him in the mirror, he’s smirking.

“Don’t forget to flush, sunshine.” He drops eye contact as he brushes his teeth.

I flush the toilet, wash my hands at the other sink, and then hightail it out of the bathroom. Determined to forget this awkward encounter as I climb back into the empty bed.

“I’d like to take the boys deep-sea fishing today,” RJ says minutes later as I lie there pretending to be asleep with my back to him.

Are we going to just pretend that I didn’t watch him masturbate in the shower?

He takes a seat on the edge of the bed and rests a hand on my hip. I squeeze my eyes tighter, pretending my body isn’t an inferno where he’s touching me.

“Is that okay with you? I figured the boys could get a do-over on the water. Lucas could help steer the boat, and Logan could see more of the creatures he’s been reading about. Sophie’s not into fishing, but Lana can join us if she wants. Of course you’re welcome too.” He pats my hip before removing his hand.

Do I want to spend more time with this man? Every fiber of my being screams yes, but my heart. I can’t be stuck on a boat with him again when being stuck in a house with him feels like too much. And all the ways he keeps showing up for me and my kids? It’s confusing. He ghosted me. My heart was broken. He doesn’t stick with things, so why would he stick with me when he’s already left me once?

It’s taken everything in me to resist this man, but after watching him stroke himself in the shower, hearing him moan my name, I don’t think I have the willpower to walk away. “Okay.”

Once he leaves, I pull out my phone and open a new DM thread.