Page 114 of Wild Embers
I throw on a pair of boxers and a shirt so large that it almost reaches my knees.
Exiting the closet, I’m met with the sight that tests my control. The need to laugh rides me hard.
Levi stands at the top left corner of the bed, while Santiago is positioned at the bottom left. Together, they tuck the corners ofa fitted sheet between the mattress and the floor, but after they do, the other corners come undone.
It’s almost alarming how quickly they got the old bedframe and mattress out of here.
“Bite your tongue,” Levi chastises. I’m not sure if he’s serious or playing around, but either way, I snap.
I laugh so hard that every inch of my abs cramps up. When I calm myself, I wipe the tears away and am pulled up short.
Levi and Santiago have discarded their task and openly stare in my direction. The tension in their bodies is almost too much for me to handle. I feel myself dampen between my thighs.
Clearing my throat, I stride to Bear’s makeshift bed, a couple of pillows covered with a blanket, and kneel next to him. “I need to go shopping,”
Santiago shrugs and goes back to securing the sheet. “No need.”
My eyes narrow as I pet the top of Bear’s head. “What do you mean? I already told you that I only have one pair of clothes. I’m not wearing yours every day until Walk decides to release mine from evidence.”
Levi finally gets both corners on the right side to stay in place. “Just let us take care of it.”
I quirk a brow at him. “You don’t know my size.”
“Yes, we do,” Santiago disputes, his side also tied down.
Excuse me?
I’m not sure if I’m flattered or concerned.
Glancing around the room, my mind wanders to the missing third in their trio. “Where’s Walk sleeping? Ya know, buddy system and all. Is he even here?”
Levi strips off his shirt. “He’s showering in one of the guest bedrooms.”
Santiago does the same, then unbuttons his pants.
My eyes fall to my lap. “Oh.”
I fiddle with the hem of Santiago’s shirt, unsure if I’m suddenly bashful from the idea of Walker in the shower or from all the skin on display.
Either way, my imagination betrays me.
Absolutely not. We’re not doing this today.
Santiago snickers. “Is that a blush?”
Levi teams up with Santiago. “That’s definitely a blush.”
My head snaps up toward them. “Shut up.”
Levi sports a smirk. “I’m sure he won’t mind if you take a little peek,” he teases with a wink.
These two together are all sorts of trouble.
I throw my arms up. “Who are you kidding? I wasn’t born yesterday. That man would kill me.”
“Walk wouldn’t touch a hair on your beautiful head,mi Cielo, and you know it.”
They finish making the bed and getting ready to sleep in silence, but the knowing looks they shoot my way feel louder than a gunshot.
