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“Like a crater,” I said to no one and then laughed.
A knock sounded, and I quickly grabbed a luxuriously thick towel to cover myself. “Yes?”
“Sorry to bother you, but I’m wondering if you’re almost done. I really need to use the bathroom.” He sounded like he was pressed against the door in anticipation.
“Oh, yes, sorry.” I put my spaghetti strap pajama top on and jumped into the mismatched shorts. Gathering my things, I opened the door and allowed the remaining steam to escape.
Holden’s mouth dropped.
“What?” I asked, concern on the tip of my tongue. Yes, my scars were visible, but I thought we were past that. Mostly.
“Nothing. You just … You…” He stopped and took a quick breath. “You look different than before.”
There was a charm in his words to play off. “Oh? Different better?”
“You’re gorgeous,” he whispered as a maroon flush deepened over his cheeks. In a rush, he stepped by me to go into the bathroom.
A grin stretched across my cheeks as deep as the burn, and I turned my head to hide what was so brazenly displayed across my face.
I’d just put my dirty things away and set out fresh clothes for the morning when he emerged with an expression of relief.
A devilish gaze roamed the length of my body and settled back to lock eye contact. “Think I’ll take a shower too.”
“For sure. I’m going to head out onto the balcony and take in the view.”
I pulled back the patio door and stepped outside. There was a slight breeze, but sadly not as fresh and salty as I had hoped, being so close to the ocean. The view was a little disappointing as well, with nothing interesting to settle my gaze on – no twinkling city lights and no visible stars to check out either. Guess I hadn’t scored as great a deal as I’d thought; there may be no view however, at least the room was top notch. Or so it seemed.
After several minutes of nighttime skyline gazing hoping to see something remarkable, Holden emerged onto the patio in low slung pajama pants and a t-shirt. Looking effortlessly sexy. And smelling like fresh heaven.
“You’re staring,” he whispered into the breeze.
Immediately, I turned away, unaware of my actions. My cheeks flamed once again, and a faint rush of heat bloomed across my chest.
“I’m not upset. In fact, it’s a little flattering. I never get noticed.” He stood beside me, leaning against the metal railing.
“I highly doubt that.” The words were out before I could stop them. “You’re cute and sweet and smart. I’m sure all the girls at the university will be wild over you.”
He lightly snorted. “I’d like to believe that, but I’m no fool. Girls only want the bad boys. I can’t offer them an ounce of that.”
Sure, it was true what they said about the appeal of a bad boy, covered in tats, shirking responsibilities, breaking the law just a little, or maybe a lot. It was a huge turn on. All my life, I’d been drawn to those types of guys, and yet, there was something refreshing about Holden. A family guy, super smart, and just a genuinely nice person through and through.
“Maybe for some girls, but not all.” I found myself reaching for his hand. “There’s nothing wrong with being nice.”
“Nice guys finish last.” His gaze danced between my eyes as the distance between us narrowed. “What about you?”
“What about me?” I swallowed and held my breath.
“You must have guys falling at your feet?”
I glanced down to my naked toes. “Not anymore.”
“That’s not true.” He tipped my chin and stared into my soul.
Suddenly I felt naked, raw, and exposed. Like Holden, except he couldn’t hide his feelings.
His Adam’s apple bobbed and beneath his fingertips there was a slight tremor. If I didn’t know better, he was nervous, and it was best to take the lead on the direction this suddenly felt like it was heading to.
I pushed my chest against him and looped my arms around his neck, threading my fingers through his silky, damp hair as I pulled him in close, tipping my head. Did I dare?
