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“Sure, but they took a gamble on Elle, and it paid off big time. I guess viewers liked that she wasn’t a celebrity. She was an average person, just like anyone else, and they got to see her in all these extravagant, luxurious settings.”
I spot my scarf and hat in a pile of clothing at the foot of the bed, and stuff both into my purse. It really won’t hurt to have some extra layers on hand today, in case clouds roll in.
Besides that, it feels good to stay busy. Otherwise, I might start thinking about the half-naked body I just witnessed.
Ugh.
Cole’shalf-naked body. Is it safe to look over toward the stove again, or is he going to be bottomless now? Seeing him without a shirt on was bad enough. If I catch a glimpse of him without pants on, I’m probably never going to be able to look him in the eye again.
I hear more rustling.
And this time, Blue’s rambunctious trampling hooves keep time with the sound of fabric whispering across the floor. I whip around in time to see him drag my expensive puffy coat past the table. At the same time, out of the corner of my eye, I see Cole’s still bare-chested. He’s pulled on pants at least, and he’s buttoning the fly.
“There are bathrooms, you know,” I stammer, as I make my way to Blue.
I hate how breathy my voice sounds like I’m having trouble getting the words out. But Iamhaving trouble getting the words out.Don’t look.I’ve never been great with self-discipline or practicing restraint.
When something glittery catches my eye, I usually end up buying it. If there’s ice cream on display, I order a waffle cone with three scoops.
So, I can’t help myself. I check him out again. This time his fingers are done working the button of his fly. He glances up and his eyes hitch on mine.
And he grins at me.
Grins. I want to die. I quickly move my gaze away, so he doesn’t think I was looking at him for fun or anything.
“A few yurts over,” I say, my voice a thready squeak. “Men’s and women’s bathhouses, with showers and sinks. You could change in there.”
“I know there are bathrooms. But I don’t know anyone here except you and Trent and Maggie. I’m not gonna parade around in front of strangers in my sleep clothes.”
“Well then at least warn me, when you’re going to strip down.”
“Warnyou?” He sounds amused.
Like he’s enjoying how flustered I am.
“Why? Is there something dangerous about seeing me unclothed?” He chuckles.
“Would you stop being a total tool? Yeah, warn me. I didn’t change in here, but if I did, I’d have given you the heads up, to prevent—you know—awkwardness.”
“I don’t see what the big deal is. You’re the one getting all worked up.”
Shoot. He’s right.
“Okay, well, you would too, if I pulled my top off.”
“I’m not saying I wouldn’t.”
“Then whatareyou saying?” I ask.
“I’m saying, quit bossing me around. If I want to change in here by the warm wood stove, I will.”
He stalks toward the door.
Oh, thank goodness. He has a shirt on, now. He pulls the bulky coat on, and I don't think I’ve ever been so happy to seethose familiar worn elbows, or the faded hemline and scraggly fur collar.
He sinks his camo hat over his head, covering his short, wavy dark hair.
“I’m gonna go brush my teeth. Do you have something to say about that, too, or are you gonna let me go do something in peace?”
