Page 35 of The Proximity Effect

Her mouth dropped open, and the way she clutched her robe tighter made me want to push a little further. “You mean like... in the kitchen, right?”

“Nope.” I popped the ‘p’ with extra emphasis, enjoying the way her cheeks flushed darker. “Though I’m happy to hear about those too. Might give me some ideas.”

The scandalized look on her face was priceless, but there was a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth that told me she wasn’t really offended. “You’re impossible.”

“That’s not an answer, Chef.” I settled back against the wooden wall with my most charming grin.

I nearly choked on my own tongue when she answered. “Well... I haven’t exactly had a vast sampling, but I guess I prefer being on top?” She twisted the water bottle in her hands. “At least then I can... you know... make sure things happen for me.”

My brain short-circuited for a moment, images I shouldn’t be having flashing through my mind. I wondered if she and Liam...but no, that wasn’t my business. Even if the thought made something possessive curl in my chest.

“What about you?” She was clearly trying to move the spotlight off herself.

I grinned, seeing an opportunity that I couldn’t resist. “Ever heard of the Coital Alignment Technique?”

Her blank expression was answer enough. “The what now? That sounds like something from a medical textbook.”

“Oh, you sweet summer child.” I stood up, shrugging off my robe. Her eyes went wide, but I still had my boxer briefs on. “Here, let me demonstrate.”

“What? No!” She pressed herself into the corner like I might pounce at any moment.

“Relax.” I balled up my robe and placed it on the bench. “This is purely educational. Consider this a robe woman.” I gestured at the bundle with a flourish.

“A what now?”

“Work with me here.” I positioned myself over the bundled robe. “See, it’s all about the angle and pressure. Instead of the usual in-and-out motion?—”

“Oh my God.” She covered her face with her hands but peeked through her fingers.

“You shift your position higher so there’s constant contact...” I demonstrated the sliding motion. “It creates friction in all the right places, plus it hits the G-spot naturally. It’s foolproof if done correctly.”

Tessa made a strangled sound and grabbed her water bottle, chugging it like she’d just run a marathon. When she finally came up for air, her face was redder than a tomato. “That’s... that’s very... educational. Yes. Educational. Like a very adult version of Bill Nye the Science Guy. Not that Bill Nye ever... oh God, now I’m picturing Bill Nye!”

I couldn’t help laughing as I retrieved my robe and sat back down. “Want me to demonstrate again? Maybe with a volunteer this time?”

She threw her empty water bottle at me. “You’re terrible!”

“That’s not what the robe said.” I caught the bottle easily, winking at her. “Actually, I think the robe gave me a standing ovation.”

“I can’t believe you... with the robe... and the...” She gestured vaguely at the space where my impromptu demonstration had taken place. “Are you always this...”

“Helpful? Educational? Incredibly attractive while discussing sexual positions?”

“I was going to say ‘shameless.’”

I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “You didn’t seem to mind the show.”

“I minded! I minded very much!” But her eyes kept drifting to where the robe demonstration had happened.

“Sure you did.” I stretched, making sure my own robe gaped open enough to be interesting. “You know, we still have five minutes left in here. I could show you another position...”

“Nope!” She stood up so fast she nearly slipped. “I think I’m sufficiently steamed. Steamed up! I mean... heated. No, that’s worse. I’m... I’m going to go now. To the shower. Alone! Very much alone. To my room!”

She practically fled the sauna, leaving me grinning like an idiot. God, she was adorable when she got flustered. And the way she’d watched my little demonstration...

I adjusted my robe, suddenly very grateful for its loose fit. Maybe a cold shower wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

I stood outside Tessa’s door, my hand hovering over the wood like I was about to knock on the gates of heaven or hell—I wasn’t sure which yet.

---