Chapter 26
The moment Suzanne closed the bathroom door, she clutched her chest, her heart racing wildly. It felt like it might leap out of her chest at any moment.
After a while, she managed to calm herself in the bathroom. Once dressed, she slowly opened the door.
When Suzanne saw Austin, she couldn’t help but recall the scene from earlier, and her cheeks reddened uncontrollably.
She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes, and softly asked, “Didn’t you say you’d be back in three days? Why are you back so soon?”
If she had known, she would’ve made sure to bring her pajamas into the bathroom, avoiding the awkwardness.
Austin’s deep, piercing gaze remained locked on her. “I finished earlier than expected.”
Suzanne couldn’t endure his intense stare. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and quickly adjusted her top.
She hummed in response and pointed toward the bathroom door. “Oh, then you can take a shower first.”
It wasn’t until the words left her mouth that she realized something felt off. She had just showered herself and was now suggesting he do the same. The implication felt too suggestive!
She hurriedly added, “How are we sleeping tonight?”
As soon as the words escaped, she froze, wishing she could slap herself. She had sounded too eager for something to happen.
She dared not lower her gaze or look at Austin. Instead, she stood awkwardly in place, feeling uneasy.
Austin’s usual cool expression softened, and a faint glimmer of amusement twinkled in his eyes. He was clearly tempted to tease her further.
He said calmly, “We’re married. How else are we supposed to sleep?”
Suzanne stiffened. It seemed like there was nothing wrong with what he said, but…
She lowered her head and bit her lip tightly. She wasn’t used to this yet.
Austin noticed her flustered demeanor and decided not to tease her further. “I’ll take a shower first,” he said as he stood up and walked to the closet.
He grabbed his pajamas and headed to the bathroom.
Suzanne lay on the bed, listening to the sound of the running water from the bathroom. Her mind was a chaotic mess. Why hadn’t she taken her pajamas into the bathroom? She could’ve avoided the awkwardness. If she hadn’t been so nervous, she wouldn’t have tripped. And if not for that, the towel wouldn’t have fallen!
Plus, with the two comments she made earlier, would Austin think she was desperate?
This was so embarrassing!
Suzanne buried herself under the blanket, too ashamed to show her face.
Time passed as Suzanne remained lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, she felt the bed dip, and her body froze. She dared not move.
Austin smiled faintly and suddenly lifted the blanket. Suzanne instinctively closed her eyes—not only because of the sudden brightness but mainly because she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. The earlier scene still replayed vividly in her mind.
Austin smirked slightly as he said, “Staying under the blanket the whole time can’t be comfortable. Sleep properly.”
His voice was deeply magnetic. Although it was a simple statement, it stirred something within Suzanne. She responded with a hum but still didn’t dare open her eyes.
Austin smiled in amusement but said nothing as he switched off the bedside lamp.
Just when Suzanne thought she could finally relax, she felt the blanket lift slightly again. Then, she felt Austin slip under the covers.
Was he sleeping here tonight? And under the same blanket?
Suzanne’s heart raced. Austin simply adjusted the blanket over them and said softly, “Go to sleep.”
Suzanne’s breathing faltered. It seemed sleep would elude her tonight.
After a long silence, Austin’s slightly husky voice broke the quiet. “I’ll give you time to get used to it, but I hope it won’t take too long.”
Suzanne’s eyelids quivered, and her body began to relax a little. At least she wouldn’t have to face it tonight. She knew Austin was being considerate. She replied softly, “Thank you.”
But the moment the words left her mouth, Suzanne regretted them. She had instinctively thanked him again, even though he had told her not to.
In the next instant, Suzanne felt the bed shift slightly, and before she knew it, she was already being held in Austin’s embrace. Startled, she cried out. Her scream was silenced as Austin leaned in and kissed her lips.
