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“When my mom left my dad, I was twelve years old,” I say, which surprises me since I never talk about that part of my life with anyone. “She didn’t just leave him. She left me, too, and never looked back. So I understand what it’s feels like to think you’ve lost everything. Like you have to start over from scratch and rebuild the broken pieces of you life.” I push open my door, and her eyes widen as they hold mine. “And I’ll be here whenever you’re ready to start over.”
Emma
After River helps me unpack the groceries and put them away, he disappears into his bedroom. His confession in the car still drifts through my mind, making it impossible to concentrate on the meal plans for the guys. He’s willing to wait for me… until I’m ready to date again.
Date.
The word still feels so foreign it burns my tongue. Just the thought of allowing another man into my life gives me mental hives. I’m still dealing with the repercussions of my last relationship. Why the hell would a guy like River even want to deal with the mess my ex left behind?
The house is silent. It’s so quiet I can only hear all the negative thoughts entering my mind, one after the other. I head down the hall toward my bedroom, and I can’t help but wonder what River is doing. He hasn’t said a word since we left the parking garage.
I have some time until I have to make dinner. Ollie had mentioned they have a heated pool and spa on the top floor of the building. What’s one hour of fun? I can sneak upstairs, take a quick dip, and be back in plenty of time to prepare dinner for the guys.
With all the ingredients out on the counter, I only need to add a few more and then assemble them. So I stroll down the long hallway and enter my bedroom, thrilled to have some time for myself.
I mixed my bathing suit in with my bras and panties. It’s a little old, since I haven’t had many vacations in the past few years. The last time I wore the red bikini, I went to Mexico with my ex.
I’m about to lift my shirt over my head when I hear a muffled sound. Heavy breathing, maybe even a groan. I move toward the noise as if drawn to it. The bathroom door is open a crack, just enough for me to see River in the mirror.
He’s shirtless.
My gaze wanders down to his muscled chest, to his hand that’s wrapped around his enormous, very hard cock. Pressing his palm to the counter, he strokes himself through the slit in his black boxer briefs. Eyes closed, he doesn’t know I’m watching him.
Even if I wanted to walk away, I can’t. Wetness pools between my thighs, and I suddenly have the itch to slip my hand into my panties.
But I don’t.
I just stare at this beautiful man, entranced by the sight of him as he comes into his hand. Was he thinking about me? I want to know so baldy who he thought about as he pleasured himself.
I turn to walk away, and the floorboard creaks beneath my shoe.
Fuck.
With my back to the bathroom door, I hear a noise on the other side. A frustrated groan, followed by a string of curses. Then the water turns on. He washes his hands, but I don’t wait around to get caught.
I grab my bathing suit from the bed and move into the walk-in closet, closing the door behind me. My breathing speeds up to an irregular rate. I flick on the light and strip off my shirt. At least a minute has passed since I watched River.
Maybe he didn’t hear me.
I swap my yoga pants and sweater for the red bikini that has faded, but I love the way it feels against my skin. I also know it will drive River insane if he sees me in it.
So I can’t let him.
“Emma,” River calls out, standing in my bedroom. His voice moves closer to the closet, and I have to hold my breath.
Shit, the light is still on.
Maybe he won’t notice.
What feels like hours, but is probably a few seconds passes, before he leaves my bedroom. This is so fucking awkward. How the hell am I going to face him? And where am I going to pretend I went? The apartment is big, but not that big.
After a few minutes, I grab a towel from the closet in the bathroom and make my way into the living room. Of course, River is in the kitchen. He stands there, now fully dressed in black track pants that sit low on his narrow waist and a tight Under Armour tee that highlights all of his muscles.
