Page 48 of Fragile Touch (Fragile 1)
He nodded and went to work on the dishes.
“So, Andrew. If you’re at a stopping point with your wine, I’ll show you around my penthouse.”
“Charming.” He put on an accent and offered his arm. Lillian took it and led him through the house.
“This is your bathroom,” she pointed out. “The maid cleaned it today with organic lemon cleanser and fairy dust.”
“It does smell wonderful.”
She laughed. “It gets very hot, though, so don’t get in until it’s just right. I can’t believe I don’t have burns from it.”
“You use this bathroom, too?”
“I have my own, but it’s the same way. I don’t know if it’s where the water heater is or the pipes are always piping hot.” She giggled. “Pun slightly intended. Come in here.”
Andrew stepped into his room first. “This is so nice, Lillian. Thank you.”
“The sheets and blankets are clean. Your towel is on the chair. There might be some cat hair in here, but other than that it’s all yours.”
“Where’s your room?”
A question like this would never have made her think twice except for Cayden’s earlier remarks. “It’s over there,” she pointed down the hall. “It’s messy. Don’t go inside.”
“Don’t you organize people’s houses for a living?”
“Yeah. Funny, huh?”
“Guess it’s the same as how hairstylists usually have the worst cuts.” He stretched his arms. “I’ll go get my stuff from the car.”
“Do you need help?”
“Nah, I travel light. Only got one bag.”
While Andrew went out the car, she joined Cayden in the kitchen. He was wiping off the table. “Hey,” she murmured, as if speaking too loudly would scare him.
“Hey.” He squeezed the water out of the cloth and hung it on the faucet to dry.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m cool.”
She frowned. “Somehow I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t think right now is a good time to talk about it.”
“When is?”
“Where’s Andrew?”
“He went out to get his bag.” She touched Cayden’s arm. His muscle was round beneath his shirt and she felt a little tremor run through her core. “Do you want to go to your place?”
His face softened. “Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”
“Maybe. I also want you to tell me what’s on your mind.”
“What’s on my mind should be easy to understand. I mean that actually and sexually.” Taking a breath, he asked, “Yeah, could we walk to mine for a little while?”
“Let me go tell Andrew.” She trailed her finger down to his wrist. The front door closed and she met Andrew there. “Hey, I’m going to Cayden’s for a bit. I believe you have everything you need for now. If the cats start harassing you, good luck.”
