Chapter 244
Chapter 244:
Brinley’s mind kept circling back to that moment in the bathtub when he had suddenly stopped.
He had told her he wanted to wait until the right moment, someplace that felt special.
Remembering his words sent a wave of warmth flooding through her chest—soft, comforting.
She slipped into a loose cotton lounge set, the fabric light against her skin, though it did little to hide the faint traces of passion.
When she stepped out of the walk-in closet, she halted in shock.
Austin hadn’t left. He was still there, leaning casually against the bedroom doorframe, a towel slung loosely around his waist.
Her footsteps caught his attention. His eyes moved to her, steady and unhurried, scanning her slowly from top to bottom. Under his lingering stare, goosebumps prickled along her arms.
“Why are you still here?” Brinley fussed with the hem of her clothes, heat crawling into her face. “It’s late. You should go back to your room p>
But Austin didn’t move. Straightening, he stared at her still-damp hair. “You haven’t dried your hair p>
𝖡𝘦 𝘵𝗁𝘦 𝖿𝗂r𝘴𝘵 𝗍𝗈 re𝗮d 𝘰𝗻 ѕ.сo𝗆
“I can manage.” She strode to the dressing table and tugged open a drawer, reaching for the hairdryer.
“I’ll handle it.” In just a few steps, Austin was behind her, pulling the hairdryer from the drawer and plugging it in. “Sit down. Don’t move p>
The low hum of the dryer filled the room as warm air swept through her hair. His fingers threaded gently through the strands, loosening damp tangles as he worked.
The warmth spread across her scalp and drifted down her neck, leaving a faint, tickling sensation that made her shiver. Brinley’s shoulders curled inward, her heartbeat thundering.
He was much too close.
In the mirror, she caught sight of him—bare skin, taut muscles etched in sharp relief, every line of him dangerously captivating.
Her eyes darted away at once, her ears burning hotter.
“Well…” She cleared her throat, her voice low and rough. “You should… maybe put on some clothes. This isn’t exactly appropriate p>
His hands paused, and their eyes met in the mirror. His gaze held a playful gleam. “What’s not appropriate p>
“That towel…” Brinley bit her lower lip, unable to bring herself to say the rest.
She wanted to explain how carelessly it was tied, how easily it could slip if he made the slightest exaggerated movement.
That would be too awkward.
Austin let out a low chuckle, as if he’d read her thoughts.
Leaning closer, he lowered his voice to a husky whisper, warm breath brushing her ear. “Even if it falls, what does it matter? You’re my wife—you’re entitled to that view p>
“Austin!” Brinley’s face flamed red as she pushed at his chest in flustered protest, but he caught her wrist, holding her still.
“Don’t move.” His grip tightened slightly. “Let me just finish drying your hair, and then I’ll go. Okay p>
His voice carried a gentle lift, almost coaxing, and before Brinley knew it, her resistance melted away.