Page 33 of Breaking Hollywood

“Okay. Right then. Just holler if you need anything.”

I back out of the bathroom and close the door behind me.

I hear the swoosh of his clothes being removed, and I try not to think about Gabe getting naked behind the door.

He’s naked in there.

Lord help me.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I force all thoughts of naked Gabe away. Then, I take myself out of there and into the kitchen where I give myself a much-needed infusion of coffee.

Ava

“Speedy!”

I hear the urgent call of my name, so I come running from the kitchen.

“You okay?” I call through the bathroom door. I don’t want to just go barging in there.

“Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for ages.”

“Ages? How long?”

“Well, I yelled your name, like, three times.”

“Three times is hardly ages, Gabe. And I was in the kitchen. What’s up?”

“Will you come in? Talking through the door is annoying.”

I push open the door, and there he is, in the tub, in all his naked glory. Leg hanging out of the bath. Cigarette in hand. Bubbles covering the important part. Olive skin as far as the eye can see. A smattering of dark hair on his ripped chest.

Dear God.

He looks sexy as hell.

My heart starts thumping, my pulse skyrocketing through the roof. My girl parts shimmy with pure joy.

Gulp.

I look away, lifting my eyes to stare at the wall, because, if I keep looking at him, I might do something crazy, like climb in the tub with him.

“I can’t believe you’re smoking in the tub.” My mouth has gone dry. I run my tongue around it.

“What else am I supposed to do in here?”

“I don’t know.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Relax.”

“I am relaxing—with a cigarette.”

My eyes come down to the ashtray perched on the edge of the bath. “It already has two cigarette butts in it.”

“Or three. I was bored, and you took ages to come.”

“Good Lord.” I lift my eyes skyward. “So, what can I do for you, Smoky?”

“I need help getting out of the bath. Seems getting in was easy—well, not easy but easier. Getting out, not so easy.”

My eyes flash down to him. “But…you’re naked.”