Page 66 of A Little Twist

He follows me into the generous space. “Everyone appreciates a good bathroom.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I stack two crates in the center of the garden tub. “Sit here, and I’ll grab my scissors.”

When I return with my roll of scissors and combs, I stumble to a stop. He’s sitting with his shirt off, looking up at me like a total snack. His hands are propped behind him on the crate, and the muscles in his arms are toned and flexed.

His broad chest is covered in a dusting of dark hair I remember tickling my sensitive nipples, and the lines in his stomach are mouthwatering.

A naughty smile curls his lips, and his eyebrow arches. “Should I have left my shirt on?”

“No.” I shake my head, lifting a towel off the rack. “I’ll just put this over your shoulders, and we can get started.”

“Do I need to wet my hair?”

Lord, I don’t know if I can handle seeing him wet again right now without bursting into flames. “I’ll do a dry cut.”

Catching the hem of my dress, I step into the tub in front of him. His clean scent of soap and warm woods meets my nose, and I thread my fingers all through his hair, gently pulling it out to measure.

“Cut it the way you like it.” His voice is quiet, and I nod, lifting my scissors.

My fingers slide through his silky strands, and my palm caresses his cheek. I take my time, doing my best to guide the clippings away from his body as I study his profile, his straight nose and full lips. His face is so close to me, I could lean down and trace my lips along his forehead.

After a few heated minutes, he glances up. “What happened last night?”

It’s a gentle question, not accusatory, and I thread my fingers in the back of his hair, my palm grazing his neck as I think about my answer.

“We got too close.” I move around so I’m between his legs again.

I could slide my fingers over his bare chest. I could straddle his lap and kiss his lips.

“Is that a bad thing?” His low voice tingles my core.

“No.” I swallow the thickness in my throat and confess. “But I felt a little overwhelmed. I needed to get control.”

“Did you?” I nod, and his hands move to the outside of my thighs, warming my skin through the thin material of my dress. “Is this okay?”

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation, and his hands move higher, around behind me, sliding over my ass.

“You’ve been on my mind so long, but I don’t know you. I want to know you.”

His hands move to the small of my back. They move higher to touch my bare skin under the laces, and I shiver. I’m not wearing a bra, and his touch is making my physical response very obvious.

“What do you want to know?”

Lifting his chin, he looks up at me, his arms around my waist, and smiles. “Why do you learn to do all these things?”

My hands are on his shoulders, and I lift one to trace my thumb across the top of his cheek. “Curiosity. I like a challenge. I like surprising people with what I can do.” I tilt my head to the side, studying his perfect face. “I like knowing how to take care of myself.”

“Are you finished with my hair?”

“I think so.” I put my scissors and supplies away. “I didn’t take off too much.”

“Thanks.” He takes the towel carefully off his shoulders and rolls it, dropping it on the floor, then returns his hands to my hips.

“I like having you here in my place. I like hearing you teach my daughter songs.” His face is at my stomach, and he lifts my left hand. “I like you wearing my ring.”

“I like it, too.” My fingers are in his hair, and I think I like it too much.

“Is this okay?” He kisses my stomach then looks up, smoldering hazel eyes meeting mine. “I don’t want you to run away from me again.”

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