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That was the only appropriate word to use when a gorgeous man stepped out of a shower. Muscles dripping from water and sin.

My Lord. My mouth was watering.

I hadn’t taken enough time before to bask in the revelry of his chiseled godlike body.

Wow.

I’d missed out and since we were definitely not going to be friends or lovers, I had a feeling this would be the last time I’d be allowed to see the man in all his glory.

He seemed molded in the image of a Greek god.

Whereas I was gawking like some love-struck teenager, he was calm, cool, and collected, glaring at me for a solid ten secondsbefore bending over and retrieving the towel he’d dropped in surprise.

Or maybe on purpose.

My only hope when he slapped the terrycloth around his waist was that the material was itsy bitsy.

To my credit, I had thought he was out chopping wood or brushing Sadie for the tenth time so he could avoid me. I’d clearly seen him outside. Somehow, he’d snuck inside and right by me. Even Tank hadn’t noticed, curling up on the couch with me while I’d looked through several photographs I’d taken over the last day or so.

They were gorgeous, the best I’d ever done. I’d even managed to sneak a few of Mr. Grouchy when he hadn’t been looking.

If only I had my camera right now. Only I’d make certain to rip the towel from his hand.

How could a man that looked so hot and tasty be so downright nasty? My gaze lingered on his thick cock a little too long. Long enough he snorted.

“Do you mind telling me what you’re doing in my bathroom?” His tone was gruff as usual, but at least he hadn’t started yelling at me.

“Um, I was looking for some clean towels. There weren’t any in my bathroom and I searched everywhere else.”

He took his time drying his back, using both hands to rake the terry back and forth. He was doing it on purpose of course. Not just because I’d been caught, but because I could feel the heat on my cheeks. I bet they were fiery like red-hot candy.

“You didn’t notice I was inside?”

“I wasn’t paying attention.” That was partially true. Okay, mostly not true. As soon as I’d opened the door, I’d heard the water running, felt the steam and once I’d walked inside, I’d seen the outline of his massive body and thought I could be quick in glancing in the linen closet.

“Obviously not.” He didn’t bother trying to cover himself, now rubbing his arms.

My mouth had gone from liquid to completely dry. And I couldn’t seem to pull my eyes away.

“I’m sorry.” I pulled the towel I’d found against my chest, taking a step backward. As soon as I thumped against the wall accidentally, he came closer. His sinfully wry smile should piss me off, but this time I was the one caught with my hand in the cookie jar.

He had a way of being oppressive just by the look on his face. But with crowding me, coming closer and closer, I was no longer certain I was breathing.

He’d hurt me with what he’d said. More than I’d ever admit to him. I’d known he was just trying to make me hate him, pushing me away in whatever method he could. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t aching inside.

No, this wasn’t a lasting relationship in the making and there would never be any chance of love. God forbid, but maybe the hopeful girl inside of me truly believed in karma.

And it seemed fate had dropped us into a mixing bowl together.

“Do I suddenly make you nervous, Juliette?”

“Are you trying to?” I pushed my hand against his chest, regretting it the instant I did. The touch was too electric, too explosive and my entire body suffered because of it.

“I’m just being me and this is my house.”

“As you keep reminding me. I’m sorry I interfered.” I tried to slide away, but he planted his hand on the wall, keeping me from going anywhere.

He lowered his head very slowly until I was cross-eyed from trying to maintain direct eye contact. Yes, he was trying to make me feel uncomfortable on purpose.