Page 62 of Touch of Evil

That’s what Taran would say.

“Bren has a fine ass.”

I’ve seen Bren naked plenty of times. When you haveweresfor friends, it’s inevitable. But I’ve never really looked at him naked before. In the past, I’ve tried to respect his privacy. Now, I’m positively gawking.

Bren re-enters the room carrying fresh towels and a flannel shirt.

“I can’t find any of Heidi’s things you can use,” he says. “Just bathing suits and a couple of old Halloween costumes.” He holds out a hand. “Don’t ask. Me and Dan, we don’t go there.”

It’s all white noise. Bren is still naked, not that he has anything to be embarrassed about. That T-build, those muscles, and the eight-pack of abs are hard to ignore.

I do my best and focus on his forehead.

He rubs his head, appearing confused. “Blood?” he asks.

“What?”

“You’re looking at my forehead, Emme. Did I get cut up or something?”

“You’re fine.”Don’t look down, don’t look down, donotlook…oh…my.

“How about a shower?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply, a little too eagerly.

“Em? You all right? No offense, but I’m thinking you’re coming down with hypothermia. Get a hot shower and take some time to heal yourself. You can use Danny’s bathroom. It’s cleaner than mine.”

Bren drops the towels and shirt in my arms and leads me into Danny’s suite. As he bends to start the water, I have to cover my mouth to keep my tongue from lolling to the tiled floor.

“I’ll shower too and fix some grub. You want some?”

“Yes,” I rasp.

Bren lifts his head slowly and glances at me over his shoulder. He looks scared and possibly thinking I’m brain damaged from the fight.

“Tea,” I answer quickly. “Tea would be lovely.”

My response satisfies him enough to leave me unattended. I watch him exit the bathroom, angling my body to steal one last look at him before he shuts the door tight.

I can’t keep my eyes off him.

I step into the shower and try to focus on healing my injuries and the damaging effects of almost drowning (twice!).

On the dock, I only tended to my most pressing injuries. There wasn’t time for all the scattered and throbbing bruises claiming my muscles or for the burning cuts that sliced my scalp and skin. I needed to be well enough to speak to my family, and of course to Genevieve.

The hot water allows me to relax and simply breathe. Beneath the spray, the stress disappears, permitting mytouchto pass along my beaten form and alleviate my pain.

It doesn’t take long. It also doesn’t take long for my thoughts to return to Bren.

As I lather my skin with soap, I wonder what it would feel like for Bren’s rough hands to pass along my body. Would his strength be brutal and sweet in all the best ways? Or would my very presence cause him to turn away.

His rejection would cast the last bitter slap. Just as his attention would vanquish all the hurt and terror that pummeled us.

The more I fantasize about being with Bren, the more I desire it as my reality.

The worst he could do is say no. It would embarrass me, but it wouldn’t end our friendship. We’ve known each for so long, after all. And sometimes friends can become the best lovers.

I climb out of the shower and dry off, pausing with the towel pressed against my chest. I made my decision.

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