Page 141 of Waiting For A Girl Like You
Behind Michael, the not-quite-there shadow moved again, trailing its ghostly fingers down his spine when Jessica wouldn’t budge. “Taylor said we would have free rein over this place, and once we arrived with you still here, we assumed it meant you were finally ready to play. And I, for one, was excited. You’re lonely and so fucking gorgeous. There’s not a woman here who wouldn’t let you have them, me included.”
Michael ran a hand through his hair, switching on the charm. “I’m sorry, Jessica. I’m tired and still have to deal with the problem currently gaping at me from my bed.”
Snapping her mouth shut, Jamison squared her shoulders. “I’ll be happy to leave if you two want to be alone.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Michael opened the door, giving Jessica a roguish smile. “I’ll see you later.”
Jessica left without comment, a blush painting her cheeks, and Michael locked the door this time. “You need to take a shower.”
The man really was insane if he thought she was going to remove any of her clothing in this house. “Uh, no.”
Michael’s charming smile disappeared, and he looked tired again. “The dress is ruined. Your feet and shins are covered in dirt, your food is too hot to eat right now, and I need to check if it’s been drugged.”
“Don’t you decide who gets drugged?”
The shadow playing tricks on the wall appeared to almost hug Michael from behind, resting its head on the center of his back. Jamison decided right then that the drugs must be driving her insane, especially when it looked like Michael leaned into the thing’s touch.
“Tomorrow is a big day for us both.” He wouldn’t meet her gaze as he spoke, instead staring at the reading nook in the corner. “You need to rest, and the best way to do that is to get clean and have a full stomach. There are clothes in the bathroom cabinet you can wear.”
The constant chill in the air worked its way into her bones, and a shiver crawled through her body. “I said no.”
“Whatever.”
In one smooth motion, Michael reached behind his neck and pulled his shirt off. She gasped and lifted her hand as if she could block the sight of his naked chest. “I don’t need to see that.”
“But you don’t mind.”
Stupid bastard. She snatched one of the many throw pillows on the bed and launched it at him. Dipping his head casually to the side, Michael avoided the projectile as it sailed past his ear.
“Your aim sucks. Now go shower, or you’ll be subjected to a lot more than just me shirtless.”
He arched an eyebrow when she didn’t move, his fingers going for the button on his pants next.
The moment the zipper lowered, she was on her feet and staggering to the bathroom. “Asshole.”
Slamming the door shut, she was momentarily taken aback by the sight of the massive bathroom. Black marble tile flooring with beautifully textured smokey black walls stretched outward, ending at a muted gray stone soaking tub set beneath ten-foot balcony doors. To the left, a long dark-wood cabinet ran the length of the space with twin glass vessel sinks sitting on top. Various potted plants were scattered throughout the space, and thanks to Abe, she recognized a few.
“What the hell is this?” she whispered.
Like the bedroom, the bathroom held the same understated elegance. Crafted and constructed with care and love. Taking hesitant steps forward, she found towels and women’s clothing stored in the cabinet, just as Michael said.
And tucked away on the very top shelf, neatly folded and still in pristine condition, was a stack of navy-blue nurse scrubs.
Jamison ran a hand over the dark material. “CeCe.”
Something rustled in one of the plants behind her, and she fought the urge to squeal. Whatever else was in this bathroom, she didn’t need any more surprises, even if it was just a wayward lizard. “Go away.”
The shower was around the corner from the soaking tub, and after she figured out which of the many buttons to press, she lurched back when water came from all directions.
Narrowly missing the streams, she peeked through the windows in the shower’s alcove while waiting for the water to heat up. This balcony was more concealed than the one in the bedroom, with trees standing tall and close, like they’d grown to protect the room inside.
“Okay. Let’s get this over with.”
It was a struggle to remove her mother’s ruined wedding dress, and she ended up ripping off a button or two to get the halter off. When her growl of frustration echoed through the bathroom, a light knock at the door sounded.
“I can help,” Michael’s deep voice offered through the door.
“No, thank you!”
