worry about making too much noise.” Her suggestive wink is not missed by Aiden.
“Stephanie!” I hiss.
“What?! I just figured since you guys are a new couple…you know…” Her brows shoot up and down suggestively. “Am I wrong?”
Aiden laughs, thoroughly enjoying this.
I move to the window, hoping to divert the conversation.
“Wow!” I say quickly, my voice high-pitched and loud. “It’s so pretty! Look at the view of the stars.”
I can’t quite see the stars because the lights are on in the room and there’s a sharp glare on the windows, but no one calls me out on my bullshit.
“Yes, that’s the other bonus about being in this bungalow: nothing blocking your view. Now, there’s a bathroom just over there and a mini fridge with snacks and drinks inside the armoire. If you need anything, the main house won’t be locked, though there is wildlife in the area, so please be careful walking around outside at night.” Then she starts to head for the door. “Make sure to get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow!”
She leaves and we’re left alone in our room. Me and Aiden, in a desert bungalow with a queen-sized bed to split between us. Of course, one of us could offer to sleep elsewhere, but there’s no couch in the room, just two mid-century modern armchairs. The floor is out of the question too since it’s stained concrete. I’d probably fracture a hip trying to sleep on it.
I don’t say a word, waiting to see Aiden’s reaction. He walks around the room, taking in the decor before disappearing down the hall that leads toward the closet and bathroom.
“Someone hung up our clothes in here,” he says, his voice echoing through the space.
I should be glad, but I’m not. I could have busied myself with that task for a good while, at least until we got used to the idea of sharing a room like this.
He emerges from the hallway a second later, looks at me, then looks at the bed.
“You look worried.”
“I hadn’t considered our sleeping situation.” I grimace. “I kind of figured we’d each have our own room.”
He shrugs, utterly at ease. “I could go find Stephanie, ask her if there are any open beds.”
I shake my head. “She’ll think it’s weird considering we’re supposed to be a couple.”
“I could tell her I snore really loudly or, y’know, you’re saving yourself for marriage.”
His suggestions make me laugh, and once I do, my shoulders sag in relief.
“It’s fine, really. What’s the big deal?” I ask aloud. “We’ve slept with people before.”
“Well, I hope you know I sleep in the buff.”
“Aiden!”
“I’m kidding. C’mon, Maddie. Relax. Let’s get ready for bed and then we can…” He looks around, hunting for something to do. When he comes up empty, he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t know. We’ll figure it out then.”
I head toward the closet to grab my pajamas.
“I’m going to rinse off really quick if that’s okay.”
He nods. “Sure, no problem.”
Well, easy for him to say. The entire architectural design of this desert compound is based on minimalism, so there’s no door that separates the bedroom from the bathroom. Fortunately, there is a door to the water closet, so at least people can do their business in peace, but I’m not getting much privacy with my shower.
I’ll just have to be quick.
“I’m going to shower now,” I warn Aiden as I turn on the hot water.
“Sounds good.”
I reach for my shirt but hesitate before I pull it off over my head. “I’m going to undress.”
He laughs. “Yeah, kind of figured you would.”
“Well, just…you know, the way the mirror is hanging, if you walk on the left side of the bed, you’ll be able—”
“Maddie, just shower.”
I whip off my shirt and bra then push down my pants and panties before leaping into the shower and grabbing for some shampoo and soap. At once, I clean my hair and body, bathing with superhuman speed. I bang my elbow against the glass wall and curse. Aiden asks me if I’m all right, and his voice sounds suspiciously close. I cover all my private bits and scream at him that I’m fine.
Then I squeeze more body wash out onto my hand and lather up my legs and feet.
In total, I’m probably in there for three minutes tops. It’s pretty impressive right up until I cut the water, turn to step out, and realize I don’t have a towel.
I look around the bathroom in panic. There’s no linen closet, no