***
The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. I swallowed hard, sitting upright, trying to gather my wits to guess where Josie could be and why she wasn’t here.
My heartbeat was erratic as I rose from the bed, and only returned to normal when I heard the water running in the second bathroom.
I debated waiting for her to come out so we could talk... but why postpone the moment?
I grinned as I approached the door, hearing her sing a catchy tune. My Josie was in a great mood. I hadn’t known that she sang in the shower, never heard her at the apartment.
I opened the door, grinning from ear to ear at the sight of her. She was dancing under the spray of the water, eyes closed as she rubbed shampoo in her hair, swinging her hips and that perfect little ass from side to side.
I couldn’t bring myself to even feel guilty for looking. I merely leaned against the doorframe, crossed my arms over my chest, and watched this fascinating side of my best friend.
Unfortunately, I was so focused on following the movements of her ass that I didn’t realize she’d seen me until she yelped, nearly slipping.
“Hunter!”
“Good morning.”
“How long have you been standing there?”
“Since the last time you sang the chorus.”
“And you didn’t think about announcing your presence?”
“Nope. Had a great view. Got distracted. Can you blame me?”
“I totally can, and I am.”
“I’d apologize... but I’m not really sorry.”
“I didn’t know you were a shameless peeping Tom.”
She grinned, and I grinned right back. I stepped closer, then into the shower.
Josie swallowed, lowering her gaze to some place on my chest. I brought my hand under her chin, lifting her head. Then I couldn’t help myself and kissed one corner of her mouth, nibbling at the other until I felt her shudder.
“I don’t want to forget about last night,” I said before realizing this wasn’t how I was supposed to go about this. I knew Josie, and she needed time to adjust to changes. Hell, she’d already turned her life upside down to help me. I was supposed to ask her what she wanted, be the gentleman, not make any demands.
Josie didn’t say anything, but I was still hovering with my mouth over her jawline, feeling her hot, short breaths on my cheek. If she wanted us to forget about it, then I’d respect her wish. The next three years would be excruciating, but I’d respect her wish.
“What do you want exactly?” she asked in a small voice, which was unlike her.
“Why don’t you tell me what you want instead?” I wanted to look her straight in the eyes, but one other thing I knew about Josie was that she didn’t like eye contact when she was figuring things out. It unnerved her.
“I... I don’t know. I mean, last night was incredible. And I don’t want to pretend it didn’t happen, or that I didn’t want it to happen. Because I did. I’m just... afraid this will change our friendship.”
I pulled back then, looked her straight in the eyes. “It won’t. I promise. You’re my best friend.”
Something passed through her eyes, quick as a flash. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Why do you doubt me?”
“Your recent track record about keeping your word is against you.” She was smiling now.
“Is that so?”
“Remember what you asked me on the wedding night? And yet here we are, not even forty-eight hours later.”