He removes the towel from his head and looks at me. I almost think I’m seeing things when his eyes move south and then quickly find mine again. Then I remember I’m in a white tank top…a wet white tank top…and I’m not wearing a bra…and my nipples are…
“Oh god!” I exclaim, reaching for my towel and holding it to my chest. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t even think when I got dressed this morning!” The heat in my face can only mean that I’m the deepest shade of red I’ve ever been in my life. “I can’t even imagine what must be going through your head.”
“I think it’s safest if you don’t even try,” he says with a nervous chuckle. “I, uh, have to run into the office to do a few last minute things before my trip. I’ll grab a pizza on the way home?”
I still can’t even look at him. In the course of a day, this poor man has been subjected to my lacy underthings and now my may-as-well-have-been-naked boobs. These are the last things he wants to see.
“Sounds good. I have a bit more studying to do, anyway.” He’s just turning to head back inside when I stand up and say, “Hey. We’re cool, right? I know I’ve royally messed things up today, but I don’t want things to be weird between us.”
“It’s fine, Juliette. I think this will just take some getting used to.” He offers me a smile, but it’s not the crooked one that makes his eyes shine; this one seems reserved—maybe even slightly forced. “I’m going to go change and head to the office. I’ll be back soon.”
“Yeah,” I say softly once he disappears into the house. “Soon.”
Back in my room, I strip out of my wet clothes and have a quick shower before dressing comfortably in a looser-fitting t-shirt (with a bra this time) and another pair of shorts. These ones aren’t nearly as scandalous, having decided that Greyston has seen enough of the female body to last him an entire lifetime.
According to my alarm clock, Greyston’s been gone for a few hours by the time the front door opens and he calls my name. I launch myself through my bedroom door, dash down the hall, and look down over the banister to see Greyston coming in with a pizza box in one hand.
His eyes find me in an instant and he smiles my smile. “Sorry I’m late. Callie had a stack of paperwork on my desk that had to be signed before I leave.” He holds up the pizza. “I brought dinner.”
I bound down the stairs to take it from him, happy that he seems to have returned to his old self. “It smells great. What kind did you get?”
“Tropical chicken,” he replies, shocking me because it’s not a common choice. Most people think I’m crazy, because “Alfredo sauce doesn’t belong on pizza.”
I freeze, looking at him inquisitively. “That’s…my favorite.”
He laughs, moving around me to lead the way to the kitchen. “I know. I called your mother.”
“You did?”
“Yeah, after how I behaved this afternoon, I wanted to make it up to you.” He shrugs, looking innocent. “I wanted to surprise you, so I gave her a call. It’s a strange choice, but I’m intrigued. Alfredo sauce, chicken, pineapple, and bacon, huh?”
“I see.”
He nods once before meeting my gaze, smiling. “What do you say we grab a couple slices of pizza and go watch a movie?” he suggests.
Excited to chill out in front of the TV after a day of studying and craziness, I grab the plates from the cupboard and hand one to Greyston so we can dish up our dinner. I grab two slices of pizza and a glass of milk and start toward the living room.
It was the best way to end a day that started out a little rough. I can only hope to keep from messing up anything else. While I know it’s bound to happen, I want to remain as optimistic as possible that I’m through making an ass of myself.
Chapter 13
There’s a light knock that rouses me from my sleep. With a groan, I lift my head and see that it’s barely after seven in the morning.
“Come in,” I call out in my hoarse morning voice, rolling off of my stomach and pushing myself up so I’m propped up on my elbows.
The door opens and in steps an always well-groomed Greyston. His eyes widen when he finds me still in bed, his gaze travelling down to see the entire length of my naked leg is exposed before turning around and looking out my balcony door. He’s clearly uncomfortable with it, so I tuck my leg back under my blanket and apologize.
“Don’t worry about it,” he says roughly. “I just wanted to let you know that my ride is here to take me to the airport. You’re sure you’re going to be okay for a few days? I can call Callie and see if she’ll come check on you.”