Rolling over, I stretchand moan. I feel so rested. Last night was unexpected and amazing. Smiling, I open my eyes, expecting to see Rowan. I don’t even feel timid about waking up beside a virtual stranger. Something just feels right with him.
He’s compassionate and I trust him now. He’s also gone.
Frowning, I sit up. The soft sheet sliding against my skin reminds me that I’m completely naked. I slept beside a man naked and we’re not even dating.
Lips twisting in a smile, I scan Rowan’s bedroom. The black-and-red theme is masculine, bold. It suits him. Sliding out of bed, I grab his T-shirt resting on an armchair beside my clothes. I need to find him to ask where I can shower before I get dressed. And to tell him thanks for last night. I won’t tell him that I like him even more now because that might scare him off.
I know I said I wasn’t looking to get seriously involved with anyone right now, but the way Rowan looked out for me mentally and emotionally last night... I’m hotter for him than ever. In the light of day, I can say for certain that when I lose my skin tag, I want it to be with him.
Peeking into the hallway, I call, “Rowan?”
There’s no sign of him.
Finding the staircase, I hurry down. “Hey, Rowan? Would you mind if I showered before...?”
The house is quiet. I don’t even see Ember dashing around and destroying Rowan’s obviously expensive things. Maybe he took her for a walk.
Deciding that he won’t mind if I borrow his bathroom, I aim for the stairs but stop when I hear footsteps coming from the foyer. I turn with a smile, waiting to greet Rowan. But as the steps near, I frown. It sounds an awful lot like heels tapping on hardwood.
A woman rounds the corner. “Rowan, sweetheart,” she sings.
My heart stops for a millisecond. Sweetheart?
When we come face to face, she freezes. She’s stunning with her bone-straight black hair and green eyes. Her pouty lips are painted crimson, and she’s rocking a sleek black skirt suit that clings to her tall, lithe frame.
I guess this is why Rowan insists I’m too young for him—because he’s got an older, sophisticated girlfriend. Or wife. I practically feel my heart splinter.
The woman’s perfectly arched eyebrows draw together. “Who the hell are you?”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out as my mind races. Maybe Rowan prefers to remain a mystery because he’s living a double life. I can’t believe he played me like this... and I made it so easy for him.