Page 161 of We Can't Be Friends

Fully clothed, with no second thoughts, I step over Tucker, pushing open the glass door.

The rainfall shower pelts my back.

Shit, it’s cold. The water is freezing—it has to be on the coldest setting. Quickly glancing at the setting not wanting to take my eyes off her, it’s as far left as it can go. She’s been in here long enough for the temperature to plummet.

I get on my haunches, trying my best to lock my eyes with hers but they are glassy, distant, haunted—a possessed appearance.

My butt hits the shower floor, slipping on the wet tile. Scooting as close to her as I can be, my knees go on either side of her body.

“Daisy,” I call to her. Her eyes don’t change, she doesn’t even react. It’s as if she doesn’t hear or know I’m in front of her.

I move the wet hair from her forehead, tucking the soaked strands behind her ears. Using my thumbs, I swipe under her eyes removing the smudged mascara residue, wiping it on my pants.

“It’s going to be okay, Daisy. Whatever is going on, we are going to get through this.” My tone is soft. My insides are unsteady, but I keep my exterior as steady as possible for her.

Time passes by. Minutes of us sitting here when her body shudders.

“You’re freezing, Chloe.” Goosebumps are all over her body. Skin is pale. “We need to get you out of the shower and into something warm. I’m going to pick you up. Okay?”

Using both hands, I find her waist and pick her up. When I place her on two feet, she sways, legs barely able to support her. I scoop her up into my arms bridal style. Her head falls to my chest.

We walk through the water, and Chloe shakes under the cold stream. I cradle her closer to me, hoping I can warm her up.

Out of the shower, I set her down on the counter. She’s still unresponsive. “Sit here. I’m going to get you a towel.”

I grab the towel hanging from the hook on the back of the door and toss it to the floor.

“I’ll be right back.” I plant a kiss on her forehead. “Tucker, keep an eye on her.”

He sits in front of Chloe, chin propped up on her knee.

Sprinting to my room, I grab two new ones from my room and change into sweats.

Wrapping one towel around her shoulders. “I need to wrap the other around your body. Can you stand?” She nods. A ping of relief. I take her hand to help her stand, then raise her hands above her head. “Arms up, Dais.”

For the first time since knowing she’s naked, I look at her body. I’ve seen it once before, but that was different. My eyes roam upand down her body, my stare heated. Her full breasts, slim waist, and muscular legs.

None of that is important right now.

The only important thing is Chloe. She’s always been important to me—will be forever.

I pick up the warm towel off the counter, unfold it, and wrap it around her body. My left hand meets the right, bringing the corners together and tucking the towel into itself.

Setting her on the counter, I run my hands up her arms.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She shakes her head no.

“Okay. If you change your mind, I’m here for you.” I kiss her temple, then her nose. “Or if you want me to call Emerson.” Softly, I kiss her lips.

Color is slowly returning to her skin and features as she warms up.

“Where are your makeup wipes?” I ask her, pulling open drawers. She nods faintly when I open the middle drawer of the vanity.

Pulling out a cotton pad, I pour micellar water on it and gently swipe it across her face to remove her makeup. We repeat the process with her hair brush, but I carry her to her bed before brushing it.

I sit behind her, up against the pillows on her bed. Pulling her between my legs, I let her lean back into me. Brushing her hair, untangling the semi-matted wet strands. Running my hands along her scalp and shoulders.

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