Page 48 of Idle

“Geez.” I point. “That might not leave a scar, but it has to hurt. Here, let me get you an ice pack.”

His large hand covers most of the mark. “It’s fine. I’ll be fine.”

I hustle to the kitchen, take out a baggie, fill it with ice, and cover it in a towel. “Everyone on earth knows that when a woman says she’s ‘fine’ it means anything but. I’m assuming it works the same way for men.” I approach my partner. Moving his hand, I place the ice on his chest, causing his entire torso to constrict. Damn, that’s sexy.

WHAT???

“It’s cold,” he complains.

“It’s ice, silly. It’s supposed to be cold.” I move his palm so he’s holding the pack on his chest. His well-defined, naked chest. Not that I’m looking or anything.

“I know you didn’t come out here to check on me. Did you want a glass of water or something?”

“No. I knew I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t want to bother Mary Ellen, so I was going to work on our designs a little bit. Something’s been bothering me about the bathroom all day, and I wanted to see if I could figure it out.”

“Can I help?”

“You’re injured.”

“Only my pride.” He moves the ice pack, causing me to arch my brow. With a sigh, he returns it to his chest. “I want you to know I gave as good as I got. Plus, I didn’t start it.”

“I believe you.” I can imagine Bo throwing the first punch. Probably sucker-punched Jesse, although his face seems clear. At least that’s good. Now’s not a good time to remind him about the hidden cameras around the ViewPad.

He prompts again. “So, what can I do to help?”

“It’s stupid, really. I’m sure the bathroom won’t be a big deal.”

He moves the ice pack off his chest again, offering me a clear view to his tight, little nipples. Replacing it before I have time to react, he says, “Everyone wants a spa-like retreat in their primary suite nowadays. I thought that’s what you were delivering?”

He picked up a sense of serenity from my drawing? I settle into the sofa next to him. “You’re right. But the bathroom is the same old thing.” I hold up my right hand and use my left one to point to my fingers. “Toilet, double vanity, shower, tub.” I wave my palm in front of my face and pretend yawn. “I think it needs something else.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know.” This is the point where he should give me a good idea. He remains silent. I open and close my mouth several times, but get nothing.

“You’ve given the main components of any bathroom. What would make it stand out?”

“A clothes closet? A linen closet? Not enough room in there for a separate water closet, though. I measured in every possible direction.”

“Too bad. WC’s are always welcome.”

“I know.” I flip through my two closet ideas, but nothing calls out to me. In my mind’s eye, I walk through the bathroom and use it as an owner would. The space, while not small, isn’t overly large either, since we stole square footage for the laundry room.

Sighing, I say, “I guess a linen closet makes the most sense.” My fist bounces off my thigh.

Jesse’s gaze lands on my fist and I don’t move my bare leg. His chest is on display, so my legs can be as well. He licks his lips. “You’re unhappy with this decision.”

“It’s so—expected. The judges always harp on creativity, so that’s what I want to give them.”

He tosses the ice pack onto the coffee table. “Don’t try to force your creativity. It’ll strike when you’re least expecting it.”

Since I have no other option, I agree. Flipping through our designs, we discuss the primary bedroom and make some more decisions about the furniture I’ll be making for it. Because I’m not as skilled as Jesse, we decide to pare down the legs on the side tables. Curved legs require a step more experience than I have. Other than that, we’re good.

I place my design notebook next to his ice pack and turn to face him. His chest begs for my attention. Above his head, the oversized clock reads two. “I guess we should turn in. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan.” His full lips curve upward. “Who knows? You may dream up the bathroom solution.”

“Maybe.” I drop my hand onto his forearm. “In case I didn’t say it before, thank you for standing up for me with Bo earlier. I can’t believe what he said.”

---