Page 38 of Sin

And there’s nothing that can be done about it. She’s off-limits, and I’m saving myself for my future wife.

I let out a deep sigh as I make my way to the couch. It’s so tiny that I have to curl up, bending my legs awkwardly to fit. I’m in for a long night of restless sleep, just like last night. It’s okay, even if my physical and mental clarity suffer for it over the next week. Helping Lily is the greater good.

Blankets rustle on the other end of the room. “Ethan,” Lily says, “there’s no way you’re sleeping like that.”

“I’m fine. I slept here last night.”

“Did you sleep well?”

I fight the urge to groan. I’m not going to lie to her, but I can evade the question. “It’s only for a week.”

She snorts. “You’re what, six-four? You can’t fit on that thing. We’re switching.”

“No, we’re not. And if you don’t stop mouthing off to your coach, I’ll make you do push-ups when you wake up.”

“Stop with the coach bullshit. I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re curled up like a cannonball on that couch.”

“Lily, I’m fine. Seriously. Don’t worry about me.” I flip to my back and let my legs hang over the armrest.”

“Oh my God,” Lily exclaims. “No. You’re not sleeping like that. In fact, you’re getting in bed with me.”

Shock vibrates through me, and heat rushes into my gut. Damn her for tempting me like this. I swallow hard, trying to regain control. “No,” I say firmly. “That’s not a good idea.”

“Uh-oh. Is the big guy scared?”

I smile, a bit of the tension releasing from my shoulders. Somehow, she’s always able to lighten me up, even when I’m wound tighter than a spring.

Would it really be so bad to share a bed with her? I do need sleep. For all I know, my sleeplessness last night might have contributed to my abysmal performance on the field tonight. Coach won’t be happy with me if I slack off tomorrow at practice. Besides, I would never cross a line. Lily trusts me, and I won’t betray that trust. It’s just a bed, just a few hours of sleep. Nothing more.

“Ethan,” Lily drawls my name. “Am I so irresistible that you’re afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?”

Her taunt snaps me into action. I leap off the couch and stride over to the bed. “Alright, fine. But no funny business, Greenwood.”

She giggles. “Funny business. Oh my God, Ethan. You’re fucking adorable.”

Adorable. I don’t think she’s ever called me that before, but how many times have I thought it about her? Warmth spreads through me.

The instant I’m under the blankets, the warm feeling builds into a searing heat. Her scent—something floral and uniquely Lily—immediately envelops me, rushing through my senses. I’m not even touching her, but the heat of her body radiates toward me.

Oh, no.

This was a mistake.

I clench my jaw, trying to ignore the rush of sensations. The bed is too small, the air too thick. I lie stiffly on my back, staring at the ceiling, every muscle in my body tensed as if ready to spring away.

“Are you happy now?” I ask, striving for lightness.

She giggles again, the sound sweet and musical. “I can’t believe that actually worked.”

“Of course it worked. You pulled the age-old tactic of asking if I’m scared. I had to prove I’m a man. Obviously.”

“A big, strong man.” Her soft hand settles on my arm, and my whole body grows as tight as a clenched fist.

“Lily, please don’t do that.”

“What?” She sounds genuinely confused.

I try to keep my voice gentle. “Please don’t touch me.”

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