Page 40 of Sin

In what feels like seconds later, Ethan’s voice pierces into my skull. “Alright, sleepy girl. No more excuses. If you’re not up in thirty seconds, I’m pouring cold water on your face.”

I whimper. “There’s no way that was forty-five minutes. You’re a liar.”

“That’s no way to talk to your coach.”

There’s a rustle at my feet, and a moment later, the heavy blanket is gone, and cold air hits my skin. “You asshole!”

With monumental effort, I pry my eyes open and push myself into a sitting position. The room swims into focus, revealing Ethan by the kitchenette. God, he looks like a giant next to that tiny counter.

The memory of last night hits me suddenly—the warmth of his body and those rough fingers slipping under my shirt.

Goddamn. He probably doesn’t even remember.

And I won’t be able to forget.

He grabs a cup from the small cupboard, his movements smooth and sure. His hair is damp, the normally sandy-brown strands looking almost black. He pours some white powder into a glass of water.

“What are you making?” I ask.

“Protein shake.”

My nose wrinkles. “That’s not what I would call a shake. Why don’t you blend some fruit with it?”

He shrugs. “Too much work. I’m used to the taste now.”

He stirs a spoon in the glass until the powder dissolves into a cloudy mixture, and I want to gag as he gulps it down.

Gross. I can’t watch this any longer.

I push myself off the bed and walk to the duffel bag in the corner of Ethan’s room. After pulling out a pair of jeans and a tank top, I glance back at Ethan. He’s gulping down the last clump of powder at the bottom of the glass. Bile rises at the back of my throat. “Ethan, oh my God. Why would you drink something so disgusting?”

He stares at me for a long moment, as if considering his answer. He sets the glass down on the counter with a clunk and then grabs the hem of his shirt. In one fluid motion, he peels his shirt over his head and drops it to the floor. His torso is a canvas of ripples and grooves.

Good God. He has muscles I never even knew existed, like those ridges on his shoulders. I love a man’s shoulders. They’re an underrated body part. Ethan’s are so big and wide, like a warrior’s.

Liquid warmth rushes into my belly, and my cheeks grow warm. Distantly, I register the smirk on his face as I stand here gawking at him. I need to say something snarky. That’s what he would expect.

I can’t. My brain is mush.

I think he might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

“That’s why,” Ethan says with a smirk. He retrieves his shirt from the floor and slips it back over his head.

His cockiness knocks me out of my daze.

When his gaze returns to mine, I pout. “Ethan, I’m so sorry.”

His frown is questioning, and I want to draw out his suspense. I saunter over to the counter and lean my hip against it. He stares at me, his expression growing baffled. I set my hand on his muscular arm. “I had no idea you were craving my attention. I’ve neglected you, huh? It’s been over twenty-four hours since I last told you how handsome you are. Just ask me next time you’re feeling insecure. I’m here for you, big guy.”

His eyelids flutter, though his lips are quirking. “And here I thought I could embarrass you for a change. What the hell was I thinking?”

I giggle. “I don’t know. You should know by now that I’m unembarrassable.”

He lifts his hand and pokes my nose with his finger. “My sassy girl.”

My heart skips a beat. I guess that’s his new nickname for me. “Sassy girl,” I say softly. “That’s kind of cute.”

“Yeah?” His voice is raspy. Those dark eyes grow hooded, and he bites his bottom lip. He takes a step forward, closing the space between us. The room seems to shrink, and the air thickens.

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