Page 53 of Acadia Falls

“Don’t slip—and here, take off those clothes. You need to get into the shower ASAP.”

“But I don’t have anything else⁠—”

“I’ll do your laundry. And I’ll dig up some of Aunt Evie’s sweats, she’s about your size.” When I hesitated, Jack grimaced. “I’ve already seen you naked, Maran. Don’t be a baby. Your lips are literally blue.”

Still, he turned around and held a hand over his eyes for good measure. “Now I can’t see anything, okay? Use the towel I gave you, wrap it around yourself, and I’ll show you the bathroom.”

My teeth chattered as I did as I was told. Stripping out of my cold, wet leggings, socks, T-shirt, and sports bra was possibly one of the greatest moments of my life. “I’m ready.”

Jack uncovered his eyes and motioned me to follow him. “Come on. You can use the guest bathroom.”

I followed him through the gorgeous home. It was clearly an antique that had lovingly been refurbished. The wood floors gleamed. Every piece of furniture looked as though it was new. The whole house had a clean, crisp, luxurious vibe. When we got to the bathroom, I was so happy I almost cried. It was bathroom mecca, the cure for my freezing, soaked soul. It was vast and white, with an enormous, brand-new double shower and every high-end amenity known to mankind.

Jack hit a couple of buttons, turning on the lights. “The floors have radiant heat, and there’s a steam shower in addition to the regular one. You should feel better soon.” He reached in and turned on the nozzles, checking the water temperature as steam began to fill the room. “This is nice and warm, but not too hot. You need to bring your body temp up gradually. I’m going to make you some tea, okay?”

When he turned back to me, his expression had softened. Gone was the smug look, replaced by concern. “I don’t want you to get sick. Take your time, and I’ll get you some clothes and that tea.”

“T-thanks.” I wasn’t sure if I was stuttering because my teeth were chattering or because he was so damn handsome and was taking care of me.

Once he left, I checked my reflection in the mirror. My lips were blue, and I absolutely looked like a defeated water yeti. My mascara—what was left of it—was smeared beneath my eyes, and my arms were covered in goose bumps. My hair was a wet, snarly mess. Way to go, Maran. Jack looked as handsome as ever, and there I was, a complete wreck.

I dropped the towel to the floor and gratefully climbed into the shower. The warm water was a salve for me. It could never wash away my problems, but freeing myself from my hiking misadventure felt amazing. I used the luxurious shampoo and conditioner, working the knots from my hair. The steam-filled bathroom somehow cleared my head. My sinuses opened up. The vapors were warm and soothing, making the room seem tropical.

For a moment, I closed my eyes and relaxed. I wondered what it would be like if Jack returned and joined me in the enormous, decadent shower. I yearned to see his muscled body next to mine, his hands roaming my soapy back. Unf.

No, Maran. I remembered how he’d punched Charlie and almost drowned Trey—Jack was trouble. I should let it be, let the situation run its course. Also, I was only on the island for the rest of the summer and needed to study. If only I was capable of just having a fling with him. Then none of this would be such a big deal. But I wasn’t sure of what I was capable of anymore…

When he hadn’t called me, it hurt. It hurt bad.

There was a knock on the door. “It’s me.” Jack’s voice was low, husky. “Can I come in?”

You know when you’re on a diet, but you desperately want a piece of cake? And you know you shouldn’t, and that it’s going to wreck all your carefully laid plans, and bathing-suit season is right around the corner, and blah, blah, blah?

Fuck it. I loved cake.

For better—or more likely, for worse—I called to him, “Of course.”

Jack entered, holding some dry clothes and a large mug of tea. His gaze skimmed over me, then away. He set the things down, his back to me.

“Have you ever tried a steam shower?” I asked. My voice sounded way more confident than I felt.

“No.” He still didn’t turn around.

“It’s amazing. You’d love it. It feels very healthy—like a fancy supplement.”

He held still but glanced back over his shoulder. “Oh yeah?”

“Mm-hmm. There’s room in here if you want to try it now.”

“Really?” He sounded hopeful.

“Yep.” I smiled to myself. The sex with Jack was hot. I was most certainly going to get burned, but I intended to enjoy going up in flames.

Just like cake. I might regret it after, but right now? No, sir. I was not going to regret it one bit!

Chapter Twenty-One

JACK