Page 34 of Something to Someone

Then there was the reality that he might be leaving and that somehow made everything even worse.

With a frustrated groan, I pushed off the door. Nothing was going to get solved in my bathroom while Ryder was still in my bedroom. I simultaneously wanted to go back out there and stay in the bathroom forever. He would have to leave eventually, anyway.

I used the restroom and proceeded to search for my favorite robe for way too long. It wasn’t in its usual place hanging on my closet door.

I flipped through every single piece of clothing I owned until I remembered I’d left it in my bedroom on top of my dresser. Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths and braced my shaking hand on the bathroom door.

EIGHTEEN

CARO-LICIOUS

Ryder

The bathroom door closed,and I tugged my hands free. When I’d made the joke before about Caroline running and leaving me tied up, I didn’t expect it to almost be a reality.

I sat up and stared at the door Caroline disappeared behind as I massaged my wrists. Her expression was serious as she undid the restraints and slid off the bed. But I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. The weight of what we’d done had slammed down on me as it likely had her. Although my reaction was fucking elation, I guessed hers was a little more complex.

Part of me wanted to bust down the bathroom door and talk her out of her spiraling thoughts. But I knew Caroline, and she processed best when uninterrupted. Nothing I said would be helpful in that moment, and it was better to let her have the space she needed.

No matter how much it killed me to do so.

I watched the door for a few minutes, and when she didn’t appear, I managed to slide off the bed. My body was a little sore from being in the same position, with my arms pulled out to my sides and above my head for almost an hour, but the tension in my muscles made me smile. I would let her restrain me every time if it meant I’d get to experience her again and again. Although I’d eventually go crazy not touching her. But what was a little insanity when I got my dream girl.

Since Caroline was occupying her main bathroom, I walked two feet down the hallway and quickly used the spare to wash up. When I came back less than two minutes later, her bathroom door was still closed.

I found my jeans and slipped them on. When I was reaching for the button, the bathroom doors finally swung open.

Caroline stood in the doorway with her chin high and no evidence of a freakout on her face. She wasn’t wearing anything, and I felt my cock give a little kick. A few more minutes, and I’d be ready to go again. God, she was more stunning than I ever imagined. Long legs and supple curves, her lips were swollen, and her eyes were still a little glassy.

I didn’t say anything, instead, I finished putting on my pants and found my black T-shirt on the ground as she stepped into the room and looked around.

“Where the hell—” she began to say, but her words quickly cut off. We both stopped and looked at one another. I thought the sound had been in my head, but it was obvious Caroline had heard it, too.

Her eyes went inhumanly wide when a voice carried down the hallway from the front of the house. “Care!”

We both recognized my mom’s voice instantly. I should have been nervous, but honestly, it was just fucking funny. What were the chances?

Frantically, Caroline looked around the room, probably searching for something to wear, but there was nothing there for her unless she dug through the drawers. And I could hear my mom’s steps echoing like she was getting closer.

Making a decision, Caroline yanked my T-shirt out of my hands and slipped it over her head. It was large through the middle but only long enough to barely cover her ass. As she hurried out, I stared at the lovely peek I got of the bottom of her ass, but she quickly spun and caught me.

Unbothered about where my eyes had been, she warned, “Stay here and be quiet. I’m so fucking serious.”

I raised my hands in mock surrender and nodded. Did I find karma hilarious in that moment? Absolutely. Was I going to make a scene in front of my mother? Hell no.

Caroline continued out the door and down the hallway. From where I was standing, I could see her at the edge of the living room, but hidden by the door, they wouldn’t be able to see me. Caroline brushed a hand through her hair and my T-shirt rode up enough that it showed off the side of her hip.

My mom stepped into view, and I caught a glimpse of her confused expression.

As much as Caroline was worried about what my mom would think, because I knew that was part, if not most, of her hang-up, I wasn’t concerned at all. Not only would it be hugely hypocritical since she was living with my best friend, but she also loved Caroline. Unless my mom knew something I didn’t, I couldn’t imagine a world in which she didn’t approve.

Other than me, and now Theo, Caroline was her favorite person in the world. We had that in common.

I had to strain to hear, so I positioned myself even closer yet still out of sight.

“Hey—what are you wearing?”

“Just a T-shirt, Nat. What’s up?” Caroline said quickly.

---