Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 102355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
I nod and promise to shout for him if I need anything.
“Also, if you don’t like my soap, there’s—”
“Cristiano.” I laugh, trying to reassure him. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
With a final nod, he walks out and closes the doors behind him.
Chapter Nineteen
Isabel
I feel suddenly tiny in the expansive bathroom. I undo my bra and slip off my panties, padding lightly over to the shower. I soak myself from top to bottom, and it feels so decadent to rub Cristiano’s soap onto my skin. I run my hands up my neck and inhale deeply. I’ll have his scent on me through tomorrow if I’m lucky.
Once I’m done, I rinse and step out, wrapping a plush towel around myself. Cristiano’s given me a Real Madrid T-shirt, and I slip it on with the pair of borrowed boxers. Since I don’t want to go digging through his things, I’m left to finger-comb my hair. There’s a soft knock. Cristiano walks in and sees me warring with my long hair. Without hesitating, he goes to the vanity to take a brush out of a top drawer for me, but instead of handing it over, he motions for me to spin around. Slowly, starting at the ends, he runs the brush through my hair, working out the tangles so tenderly it’s like he’s scared to hurt me.
“Do I smell like you?”
“Yes.”
Even without looking up, I know he’s smiling.
“Sorry in advance. I took too much soap because I love the scent. You can bill me for it.”
He runs the brush down my scalp, and featherlight tingles spread down my spine. When’s the last time someone brushed my hair for me? Was it Winnie? When we played hair salon as children?
I peer at him in the mirror as he concentrates on his task. “Is this your thing? You woo girls with your fancy bathroom and your nice-smelling soap and your hair-brushing?”
His dimples bookend his smile. “Do you feel wooed?”
I smile and reach back to take the brush from him, intending to finish the job—not because he wasn’t doing it well, but because I liked it too much.
“Yes. Now stop before I pass out.”
He laughs, then tugs a toothbrush in a plastic wrapper from the pocket of his suit pants. “From a guest bathroom.”
“Thanks.” I’ve stopped brushing my hair in favor of concentrating on him working the knot loose on his tie. It’s a glimpse into a life someone else will live after me, the sheer enjoyment of watching this man undress after a day of work.
He tosses the tie over the suit jacket. His dexterous fingers start to work on the buttons of his shirt. Finally I swallow and look away. “Where’s your toothpaste?”
He gestures toward the far sink with his chin. “That first drawer, on top.”
Once I find it, I can’t help but sneak another peek at him. This time he’s shirtless, and I am utterly defenseless against the sight. What’s a girl to do faced with all that temptation? Apparently, look away with red cheeks while she loads up her toothbrush.
Cristiano walks into his closet off the bathroom to continue changing in there, and I brush my pearly whites until they shine, all so I can scurry back into the bedroom as quickly as possible.
Cristiano has killed the overhead lights in his bedroom and switched on the bedside lamps. He’s turned down the sheets, docked his phone on his nightstand, and placed my purse on the one opposite it. Seeing it lying there, I’m reminded that I forgot to text Simone and Annika when Cristiano picked me up outside Aura. I know they’ll worry when Simone finds the apartment empty. I grab my phone.
Isabel: Staying the night at a friend’s house. I’ll see you tomorrow.
A response comes right away.
Simone: So it’s true!!! You left with Cristiano! Mia said he was outside waiting for you in a tuxedo!
Isabel: Just a suit, not a tux.
Simone: What’s the bloody difference?! I can’t believe I missed it.
Isabel: I’d snap a picture for you but he’s not wearing it anymore.
Simone: Oh my god. I’m having real heart palpitations, babes. You can’t do this to me. Are you going to sleep with him?!
Cristiano turns off the faucet in the bathroom and I shove my phone back into my purse, but not before it buzzes one more time.
Simone: Have the best night ever but don’t forget about our plans tomorrow. We’re still going to Solaría! I already bought tickets and everything. We can shop for outfits in the afternoon.
Tomorrow is not my problem. Right now I’m wondering what exactly I should do until Cristiano is done in the bathroom. I’m tempted to slip into bed and burrow beneath the blankets. The white sheets look so soft and inviting and I’m exhausted after my shift.
I run my hand along the camel-colored cashmere blanket tucked at the end of the bed and then immediately pull it back once I realize Cristiano is behind me in the doorway. He’s changed into black pajama pants. No shirt. He’s out of the suit finally, but it’s not enough. He’s still not without his weapons: that jawline, those eyes. The look he gives me is closed off, but I swear I see a hint of impatience and need.