Page 40 of I Can't Help It

She was showering and changing in here the whole time without the door being locked?

I would never take advantage of a situation like that, but what if she was stuck sharing a room with some other guy? Some other guy who wouldn’t hesitate to—

“Ava!” I practically growl, shoving the door open. “There isn’t a lock on this door?”

I don’t know why I’m presenting the information as a question; I very much KNOW there isn’t a lock on this freaking door.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you about that!” She pulls out a cream-colored cardigan from her suitcase and turns to look at me. “Don’t worry though, I won’t barge in there like a creep or anything. I promise!”

I can feel the back of my neck warming up, but it’s not because of the steam trapped in here from Ava’s shower. The thought of her walking in on me while I’m showering is…dangerous.

And inappropriate.

“Thanks,” I choke on the word. “Same here.”

Same here?

Dude.

I slide the door shut as fast as I can, and then I rest my forehead against it while trying to get my breathing under control.

Sharing this room with her is going to end me.

Needless to say, my shower was quick and cold.

It was the worst shower experience of my life.

And now I’m looking through my different shirts to see which one would be good for a first—and LAST—date.

Ava is back in the bathroom, doing her makeup, but I can feel the way she keeps stealing glances at me. I think it’s the tank top.

I resist the urge to flex on purpose.

You don’t want her to check you out, remember?

Right. Of course not.

I decide on a white, button-down shirt. It’s nice but not too nice, and I should be fine as long as I don’t spill food on myself like a child.

I slip my arms into the shirt sleeves and turn around as I start doing the buttons. That’s when I realize Ava’s full attention is on me.

She comes out of the bathroom, her freshly burgundy-coated lips forming a slight smirk, and then she says, “If I tell you something, will you freak out?”

“I don't know.” I fumble with the next button. “Maybe you shouldn't tell me though, just in case.”

Ava steps closer to me, and my fingers are still unable to get the freaking button through its proper hole.

“Here, I'll help you.”And then she's right in front of me. Her hands take hold of my shirt, and I almost groan when her knuckles brush against my chest.

Step away, Luke, step away.

But I don't.

I stay in the same spot, powerless and holding my breath, as she works the button through its hole.

“Do you want the very top button done too?

Her voice is hazy and low, a deadly combo that has me wanting to pull her even closer.

---