Page 77 of Suddenly Entwined

“Are you serious right now?”

“Super serious. Besides, I’ll probably have to actually work, anyway. Who knows what the hell this storm did to the job sites.”

I trace circles over Berg’s chest, worrying about my brother’s place. I hope this weather doesn’t set them back and they can still move this summer.

“Alright. I’ll give you a few days’ grace.”

“Really generous, Caro, thanks.”

“That’s me.”

“Now go to sleep.”

I press my face into his chest, breathing in the scent of the soap I lathered all over his torso, wondering if I really care to have the window fixed tomorrow morning, after all. I’d much rather spend my nights right here.

Chapter twenty-six

Berg

The next morning, I stare at a sleeping Caro for a long time when I wake, reflecting on our night. Having a woman in my bed should freak me out after so long, but there’s not a hint of worry clouding my mind. She fell asleep against my chest and we woke up with our legs entangled and as far as I’m concerned, she’s welcome again tonight. During the night the power is restored and I work on resetting the time on all the flashing clocks in the kitchen while I wait for the coffee to brew. The girls are still sleeping, so I softly set a mug of coffee on Caro’s bedside table then slip into the shower. I’m applying a thick layer of shaving cream to my throat when she cracks open the bathroom door and grins at me in the mirror.

“Thought you were committed to air drying?”

“Old habits die hard,” I tell her as she rests her head against my back, her hands clasped over my chest for a morning hug.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” she says, turning to go.

Privacy? Screw that.

I snag her around the waist and deposit her on my bathroom counter. “No, thank you. I won’t be needing any of that today.”

Or tomorrow. Or the next day.

She laughs, crossing her legs and leaning back against the slightly foggy mirror.

“Love you in my clothes,” I say, placing the plug in the sink and turning the tap to hot.

She hums in agreement.

I slosh my razor in the steaming water a few times.

“First time I came home and saw you in my clothes, it drove me crazy. In a good way,” I add.

“Yeah? What else should I borrow? Some overalls? Reflective vest with nothing underneath?”

I chuckle, trying to hold still while I shave over my Adam’s apple.

“Quit that, I’ll cut myself.”

Caro trails her fingers over my bare shoulders.

“Am I distracting you?”

“Yes,” I say, voice hoarse as I rinse the razor and tidy up my cheeks. “I’m almost done. Stay put.”

Mischief fills her eyes, and she slips off the counter. “Now that just sounds like a challenge, Berg.”

Ah, she woke up this morning and chose chaos and I fucking love it. Reaching out, I click the lock on the bathroom door, never taking my eye off the mirror.