Page 62 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

From consequences...

From the voice in my head screaming,this is a colossal mistake.

I grasp at the only lifeline I can think of. “We can’t. What about the subscriber challenge for today?”

Ethan responds by holding up his phone to the rain-lashed window. The camera clicks, and he starts dictating, “It’s stormy outside, so here’s the deal: I dare you to gift a Cherish Channel subscription to a friend. If we hit 100,000 new subs today, we’ll dance in the thunderstorm. Let’s make it happen! #CherishChallenge.”

He taps the screen. “Posted! Now, how about you take a few bites and join me in the shower?”

“Are you telling me what to do?”

Ethan responds by standing up and peeling off his shirt.Oh, sweet Lord have mercy.

“Not yet,” he says, his voice low and husky.

I watch him stride to the bathroom, my gaze drinking in every inch of his stupidly perfect body as if I’m dying of thirst. He pivots, flashing that cocky smirk that has me battling the urge to kiss him and then promptly knee him in the junk. His thumbs hook into the waistband of his boxers, and suddenly they’re gone. He stands there, bare-assed and beautiful, the light behind him outlining his form like some kind of asshole angel.

His hard dick demands attention.

Ethan turns on the water and steps into the shower, leaving the door open.

He’s got this “come hither” act down, that’s for sure. I see why he’s banged half of Hollywood—this routine works. But it’s not supposed to work on me. Sure, breakfast was sweet. And yeah, that shower invite is tempting as hell…

But no. I’m too fucking smart for this.

Aren’t I?

Once is like,Oopsies, my bad, your dick just slipped right in there.But twice? That’s on me.

I shove a few pancake bites in my mouth, trying to ignore how flavorful they taste. The fluffy texture is exquisite with the zing of the lime. Abs like thatandhe can cook?

My stomach growls, reminding me just how hungry I am after last night’s… activities. I chug the orange juice, feeling the sugar rush sing through my veins.

A deep groan echoes from the bathroom, and either my imagination or my memories run wild. Ethan’s in there—naked and dripping, water cascading down his chiseled chest. He’s stripped down and waiting, like a dirty gift that’s already been opened.

You know what?Fuck it.Let’s see what happens.

My heart races. This feels so reckless. So daring. So wrong, but in the most delicious way possible. I stumble toward the bathroom, stripping off the borrowed shirt as I go.

I enter the steam-filled room with a rolling inferno of emotions. My internal firestorm is far outweighing the actual temperature of the misty warmth. With a deep breath, I pull back the shower curtain and step inside.

Ethan’s reaction to my naked body sends a thrill straight through me. Before I can say a word, he comes to me, his lips crashing against mine in a sizzling, electrifying kiss.

Oh God.The world melts away. All I feel is the exquisite sensation of his mouth. Heads tilting. Lips on lips. Tongues sucking and savoring every sweet second. I’m lightheaded with lust.

Ethan’s powerful arm snakes around my waist, effortlessly pulling me flush against him. He skillfully grinds his thick erection against me, causing all attention to go to my center. I crave the way this man makes me feel.

My clit throbs, desperate for the same mind-blowing ecstasy he gave me less than twenty-four hours ago. Hungry for more, I take control. My hands slide around to grab his ass—and oh damn, what a fine ass it is. Firm and sculpted. I’m greedy for it. I squeeze harder, feeling his cock pulse against my folds.

“Not this time, sweetheart. It’s my turn to be in charge,” he demands, breaking our kiss.

I hear the dominance in his voice, and… I don’t hate it.

The realization hits me like a thunderbolt. I’ve spent a lifetime keeping everyone at a safe distance—never letting anyone behind my carefully built walls. Am I actually ready to let someone in? And not justsomeone.Ethan. The man who’s seen me at my most demanding and difficult.

How can he look at me like I’m something precious?

This is definitely new territory for me. Instead of fighting for control, I find myself surrendering to the safety I feel in his arms.

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