I wondered where I’d be if Caleb hadn’t offered me his spare bedroom. I owed him, and I’d find a way to pay him back somehow.
Gathering my books, I opened the drawer on my bedside table to store them and nearly shrieked. The drawer was brimming with condoms!
Good God. Was this room where Lockhart slept with his groupies? I could only hope that he changed the sheets. What if he didn’t? Stripping the sheets, I decided to wash them later. Maybe sanitize the whole room too.
I took a shower and got ready for the day. I was double-checking everything in my bag as I left my room when I crashed into a very solid, wet body.
“Ow!” I cried out, rubbing my forehead.
“Hey, Red.”
I looked up and was rendered speechless.
Caleb was shirtless again, his unbelievable chest gleaming with sweat. His hands held the ends of a white towel around his neck. There were small bandages on his fingers, and I could see calluses on his hands.
“Going somewhere?” he asked. His green eyes twinkled like he was up to no good.
I cleared my throat and nodded, refusing to look below his neck. “Work.”
“Ah. I see.” He paused. “Always so serious.”
The heat emanating from his body was beginning to bother me. A lot. The way his vibrant green eyes studied me wasn’t helping either. I took a step back.
There was a naughty gleam in his eyes as he asked, “Wanna see something?”
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. “Not really.”
His smile widened before he shamelessly stretched his impressive biceps. The lines and curves on his arms were tight, his skin tan and healthy.
“Watch this.” With a wolfish grin, he turned to his side so that I could get a view of his butt. It was noticeably round and firm and… This was getting out of hand.
“Note the butt pop.” He winked. “I’m popping it, popping it just for you. Keep your eyes on me. I haven’t shown you the best part yet.”
He turned and started moving the muscles
on his chest. It looked like little bugs were twitching under his skin. It was creepy. I started laughing so hard that I had to wrap my arms around my stomach. This boy was insane.
“What do you think, girl? I got it good, huh? I got it really good.”
I shook my head. “The only thing going good for you is that no one has picked you up for the zoo. Your cage is waiting. You’ll be able to showcase yourself among your fellow apes there.”
He batted his eyelashes. “You’d pay to see me. Admit it. Hey, Red?” His face turned serious as he asked in a low, deep voice, “Want a strip dance?”
We both jumped when we heard the buzz from the intercom.
Rubbing his face with his hand, he muttered, “Damn. I forgot I’m supposed to go to a charity event with my mother today. Can you hide in your bedroom for a few minutes? Be really, really quiet.”
“Scared of Mommy?”
“Hell yeah. It might be awkward to explain why you’re staying here with me. Just give me a few minutes. Half an hour tops, then you can go.”
If his mom was going to have a problem with me staying here, then I’d better find another place as soon as possible. I needed to find a job today.
I let out a frustrated sigh. “I need to leave, Caleb. I have a lot of things to do today. I can tell her I’m housekeeping.”
“No! You don’t even have a broom with you. Trust me. I’ll get rid of her quickly, and you’ll be on your way. Okay?”
“Fine.” I headed back to my room.