Page 26 of Snows Sinful Seven

As much as I don’t want to overstay my welcome, if no one’s home just yet, would it hurt to use their bathroom and wash up a little bit? I’ll be sure to come back with some of the money Mrs. Bark has saved for me as a thank you for the inconvenience.

Closing the door, I look around for my bags and find them on the floor next to the bed. Grabbing the one with clothes, I groan when I pull out damp dresses.

At least they're clean, only wet from the storm. Pulling them out, I go over to the closet in search of some hangers to hang them up to dry.

It’s pretty empty, only a red flannel shirt hanging up. I grab the free hangers and hang up my dresses.

Chewing on my lower lip, I debate on borrowing this shirt. I need something to wear while my clothes dry.

“I’m sure it wouldn’t be a big deal. I’ll be sure to wash and dry everything before I go.” Unless they get back, and are upset about me being here, and kick me out.

I really hope not.

Grabbing it, I quickly rush out of the room and across the hall. I remember using the bathroom before falling asleep.

“Wow,” I whisper as I step into the bathroom. I don’t think I really took the time to admire the place. This room is just as big as the bedroom. One wall is lined with a big mirror with four sinks below it.

There’s a toilet, of course, but what makes me smile is it has both a shower and a deep soaking tub.

Which one do I use? I could use a nice hot bath right now. My bones are aching from all the travel, but I don’t want to waste time getting clean.

The tub ends up winning, and I run myself a hot bath.

Sighing as I slip in, I let myself just sit there for a while before scrubbing myself clean. I feel bad about the amount of shampoo and conditioner I’m using. But, by the number of bottles lining the side of the tub, I don’t think they would miss what I’ve used.

Once the water turns cold, I finally get out, grabbing one of the big fluffy towels on the rack.

“Oh boy.” My eyes widen when I see the mess of my hair. I know I didn’t pack a brush—it’s not something I thought about in the rush of the moment.

Spotting a brush on the counter, I stare at it for a moment. “I’ll be sure to clean it,” I tell myself as a way to convince myself into using it.

I know I’m making a big deal over things some people might consider small, but I’ve intruded on someone else's home. I don’t want to take advantage of them.

But I really do need to get this hair under control. So, I get to work on the knots.

It feels like hours before the brush runs smoothly through my hair. “Better.” I smile at myself in the mirror.

The smile falls as images of Regina flash in my mind. I rub my hand over my heart, the worry that she might not be alright causing me physical pain.

After I dry myself off, I grab the shirt I borrowed from the closet and put it on. “Oh, this is nice,” I sigh as I snuggle into it.

It’s so big that it falls below my knees, making me feel like I’m wearing a dress.

Making sure to clean up after myself, I head out to see if anyone is back yet.

“Oh, wow.” I slowly take in the front part of the cottage. To the right of me looks like a living room. Only the furniture is much bigger than what we have at the palace.

Whoever lives here must be a giant. They do exist, so I know it is possible. Although, there haven’t been any sightings of them within the kingdom in years.

“Hello?” I call out hesitantly, looking around the room. “Is anyone home?”

No one answers.

Guess not.

“Oh my.” I groan as I see the dirty dress I’ve left on the ground. Snatching it up, I head off to search for a washing machine and grin when I find one at the back of the cottage. “Perfect.”

Opening the lid, I shove my dress in. It’s supposed to be dry-cleaned, but I don’t think I’m in the position to be picky.

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