Page 56 of Splintered Hearts

“I mean, we could do both.”

“You’re killing me,” Jamie grits. Still ignoring me, he glares a hole through the wall beyond him.

“He’s very friendly. Has only ever attacked one person in his life.”

Brows pinching, Jamie frowns, but a tiny twitch of his lips makes me smile. “What’s wrong with you? I mean that genuinely.”

“I think you love this.”

“I don’t. Trust me, I don’t.”

“I think you do. If Mark hadn’t interrupted us, I think you two would have become great friends,” I tease.

“Well, I have a feeling he’s got plenty of friends.”

“Oh... slut shaming.” I tsk. “So, we’re beingmeanmean? Got it.”

I see his eyes soften just a touch before he shuts them. “I’msorry, that wasn’t right.” Pinching his brow, he looks away. “And I feel like shit about earlier.”

I walk to the shower, turn it on, and feel the water. “I’ve had a bad few weeks and I haven’t slept well. I’m sorry I overreacted. I need a shower, and wanted to have fun at your expense.” Looking over my shoulder, I watch Jamie’s eyes on my ass before they dart away. “You’re welcome to join me, though.” Stepping into the shower, I let the hot water melt all my tension.

While standing under the spray, I keep glancing over at the six-foot shadow leaning against the wall, his black T-shirt allowing the gorgeous tattoos on his arms to be seen. Whoever did those is so fucking talented.

“I didn’t want to say anything, but you kind of smell. Maybe you need a shower too.”

“I don’t smell.”

“Foul. You should shower,” I insist.

“I’m not doing that.”

“It’s offensive. Like tuna in the sun and moldy beets.”

“Why beets?”

Shrugging, I close the opaque shower curtain with a smirk. “Just saying. I don’t want to have to tell Hunter that his best friend has bad hygiene. I’m kind of embarrassed for you.”

“I doubt you’re capable of embarrassment.”

Grabbing shampoo, I wash my hair. “Oh! Is that why Hunter moved out? That has to be the only reason he’d willingly live with Mark.”

“Your love for your best friend is touching.”

I peek out the shower curtain. “He’s the most important person in my life, and I will cut a bitch if they breathe weirdly in his direction.” Grabbing Jamie’s soap, I smirk. “This bottle is soooo heavy. If only I had a tall tattooed man to help me uncap it,” I whine, twisting the cap. “So tight!”

“You’re a pain in the ass.”

“I prefer to bottom.” Watching through the curtain as he seems to get closer, I see him bend forward.

What is he doing?

Hearing shuffling, I watch him carefully. “How ever will I get all my special places alone. My poor nooks and crannies!”

“Does your smart mouth ever stop?”

“If you want me to shut my smart mouth you better—” The curtain whipping open makes me jump back, and Jamie steps into the shower, water drenching his T-shirt and boxers. “Well, hello there.” Okay weird, he’s still wearing clothes, but I’m not going to be picky.

“Give me your soap.”

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