Page 29 of On Cloud Nine

“Sounds good. For now, I’ll take the side closest to the door.”

The most gentlemanly thing to do. Must he be so thoughtful?

Maybe in another life, where I’m a normal girl with a normal family, I could spend hours kissing a boy like Matthew Hudson. Touching his shaggy jet-black hair and gazing into his blue eyes while lying in the same bed. But that’s not happening tonight.

“Sure, if that’s what you’re comfortable with.”

“When I was younger, my parents would have all the kids share rooms during family vacations. Obviously, as the eldest, I had to take the bed closest to the door. You know, in case we were attacked by monsters or zombies.” He chuckles. “I guess I haven’t quite shaken the habit.”

“It’s nice to know that I can count on you to protect us from the boogeyman.” I smile.

I’m sure if I could see myself from the outside, I’d catch myself standing here, cherry red, hair a mess, mascara splotchy, and grinning like an absolute fool.

But he’s so nonchalant. I shouldn’t be nervous.

For the next hour, we get ready for bed. I took the first shower, and Matthew’s in there now. I dig through the neutral wardrobe my mother had the resort staff unpack for me. I hate it.

On the other side of the closet, steam pours out from beneath the bathroom door. My crush is naked. Only a few feet away. Suds likely cover his toned body as he lathers up his…oh my goodness.My core pulses. I gulp, slowing down my breath.

Pajamas. Focus on finding something to wear. I open the top dresser drawer. Inside are sexy robes, lace bralettes, and corsets.

Ugh, I’m gonna kill Lily for messing with my suitcase.

Why do I own all of this? There’s never been someone I’ve wanted to show my collection to. But lingerie gives me confidence—a sprinkle of self-esteem. A way to express myself, especially when I’m muted in plain clothes.

I open the next drawer. An avalanche of thongs bursts out.

“Oh no!” I yip, attempting to shut the drawer.

The bathroom door swings open, and steam follows Matthew out. “Everything okay out here?”

“Yeah.” I shove the fabric back into the dresser. When I turn to face him, Matthew Hudson is shirtless again.

Not only is he shirtless, but his hair is damp. Droplets of water cascade over his shoulders and bare chest. A towel hangs loosely off his waist. One sudden movement, and it could fall to his feet.

Gravity yanks my bottom lip down. We’re both half naked, standing a few feet from each other. Only a robe and towel between us.

This is a dangerous situation.

He smirks, inquisitively tilting his head to the side.

“Are you hiding something over there?”He knows about the thongs.Matthew must be a mind reader.

“I didn’t pack anything to sleep in.” I shrug casually.

“No pajamas?”

His eyes drop to the floor. Then I see it, a pair of panties—which is a generous term since it’s just a strip of lace.

“Uh, none.” My cheeks burn as I cover the thong with my foot.

“Do you normally sleep naked?” Matthew chuckles, readjusting the towel on his waist.

“I—uh, naked?”

“Well, if you didn’t pack any pajamas, one may presume you don’t sleep with any.” A hint of mischief ripples off his face.

My damp palms swipe across my robe. “No, um, I must’ve just forgotten to pack them.”

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