Crap, I need to get myself under control.
But that’s a bit difficult when some odd, hairy, hungry creature is chasing me. So, by the time I wrap my hand around the doorknob, the metal melts against my skin and drips down to the floor.
Cursing my ability, I trip into the bathroom and slam the door closed. Without a doorknob, though, the door won’t lock, so I press my back against it and brace myself for when the creature slams against it. Instead, an eerie stillness settles across the air that does nothing for my nerves.
Short gasps flee past my lips as I strain to listen, trying to pick up any signs of what the creature is doing. All I can hear, though, is the sound of running water …
Wait …
I peer around the spacious bathroom, suddenly hyperaware of the steam in the air, the foggy mirrors, and the spray of the shower running.
Oh, my God, someone is in the shower!
When Emaline showed me the bathroom, she said it was mine and that no one else would use it, so why is someone in here? Not that I’d care any other time, but right now, I care a freakin’ ton!
The only positive thing about this situation is that the shower is located in the far back corner and tucked into the wall, out of view. If I could see the shower, I’d probably erupt in flames, considering it has a glass door.
As the water is turned off, my embarrassment rises to my cheeks. I rack my brain for a solution to fix this soon-to-be very embarrassing moment, but the only options I can think of are to 1). bolt out of the bathroom and cross my fingers that the creature isn’t waiting out in the hallway to eat me, or 2). warn the person who’s about to step out of the shower that I’m in here. Neither choices seem fantastic, but when it all comes down to it, I think I’ll take embarrassment over being eaten by some hairy, little, nubby monster.
I clear my throat. “Um … whoever’s in the shower, you might want to wait to get out.”
A mortifying gap of silence passes.
“Sky?”
I cringe, recognizing Foster’s voice.
It just had to be him, didn’t it? Then again, I guess it could be worse. Easton or Hunter could have been in there …
“Yeah, it’s me,” I reply stupidly.
“Okay.” Another slamming heartbeat of silence goes by. “So, quick question.
Why are you in the bathroom with me while I’m showering? Not that I mind. I’m just curious.” His puzzlement is evident but mixed with amusement.
Awesome. Why do I have the feeling this moment is going to come back to bite me in the ass?
I silently beg my voice to come out evenly. “I’m not being a perv or anything,” I explain defensively.
“Glad to know.” Now he just sounds amused.
I release an exasperated sigh. “Some hairy, little creature woke me up this morning and chased me out of my room. I was a little hesitant to just run into a random bedroom, since you guys hide faeries and stuff in your house, so I ran in here because I knew what was in here.” I chew on my thumbnail. “Your mom said this was my bathroom and no one else would use it, so I thought it was safe to just run in.”
“Oh yeah, sorry about that. Normally, no one does use this bathroom, but Porter froze the pipes in the one I normally use, so I snuck in here … I thought you were asleep, so it wouldn’t matter.” He pauses. “I also thought I locked the door.”
“You might’ve, but I melted the doorknob, so …” I shrug, even though he can’t see me.
Another pause, and then he busts up laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I ask, totally lost.
“It’s nothing.” He works to get his laughter under control. “It’s just cute … You’re cute.”
Warmth consumes my cheeks. Luckily, he’s in the shower so he can’t see my reaction. “No, I’m not,” I mutter, moving to step away from the door. “I’ll step out so you can get dressed.”
“No, don’t,” he says quickly. “Ollie’s probably waiting for you to come out.”
“Ollie?”