Page 69 of The Perfect Melody

I’ve never taken off my underwear so quickly.

* * *

Cassie

Austin’s eagerness to join me boosts my confidence. Despite everything that happened in the bus shelter, I worried he’d change his mind once we returned to town, as if setting foot back in Pine Grove would break the spell we crafted out in the storm. Turns out I needn’t have worried.

Mere seconds behind me, Austin steps into the large shower cubicle completely naked, anddamndoes he look good. I shudder as the hot water connects with my too-cold skin, a sigh of contentment escaping my lips. With gentle fingers, Austin carefully tugs the hair tie from my ponytail until my long hair falls free around my shoulders. He takes my hand, slipping the hair tie onto my wrist before picking up a bottle of shampoo from the small shelf connected to the tiled wall.

“Turn around.”

“You’re going to wash my hair?” I ask, incredulously. When I suggested we warm up in the shower, this wasn’t what I pictured. I suppose his patience and determination not to rush shouldn’t be surprising. He’s intentional in everything he does.

“Yes.”

I arch a brow at him. “You do know that just because you’re my boss for now doesn’t mean you get to order me around outside of work, right?”

“Are you telling me youdon’twant me to wash your hair for you?”

“I didn’t say that.”

His low rumble of laughter is warm and makes something swoop low in my stomach. “Turn around and let me take care of you.”

Well, OK then.

As Austin gently massages shampoo into my scalp, I relax, giving myself permission to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about what might come next.

When he picks up a different bottle, I’m unable to hide my surprise. “You use conditioner?”

“No need to sound so shocked,” he replies, squeezing a dollop into his palm before working it through the length of my hair.

“Sorry, it’s just that a lot of guys don’t bother unless they’ve got really long hair.” Or so I’ve heard. Most of the guys I know have groomers who make sure their hair is always on point.

“I’ll admit, teenage me didn’t bother. It wasn’t until I started doing the weekly shop and had to buy it for my mum and sister that I realised it wasn’t only a girl thing.” He sounds embarrassed, making me feel guilty for pointing it out.

“Well, your hair always looks good, so it’s clearly working for you.”

He leans down to nip at my earlobe. “Was that a compliment?”

Turning my head to look at him over my shoulder, I smile. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replies, amusement lacing every word.

Austin places a soft kiss to the side of my neck then, without straightening up, he grabs the shower gel. The cap clicks open and shut, then Austin’s large hands are gently soaping up my body, all while he continues to trail teasing kisses along the column of my neck. Now I know where his tantalising bergamot and cardamom scent comes from. His hands ghost over my breasts, and I think this shower is about to get interesting, but he moves on quickly as if he has no intention of taking things any further. By the time he reaches my legs, I’m about ready to climb the walls—and him.

“Austin.” I’m too worked up to be embarrassed by the plaintive whine in my voice. It no longer matters that I came recently. My earlier orgasm may as well have been years ago for how much I want him again already.

“Do you need something?” he teases.

Hm. Two can play at that game. “It’s my turn,” I reply, reaching for the shower gel and squeezing some into my hand.

I spin to face him, immediately gliding my hands over his chest and shoulders, then down his arms. When it becomes clear I plan to exact revenge by dragging out the task just as much as he did, Austin’s lips twitch with amusement before he closes his eyes and relaxes beneath my touch. Really, he should not have this much patience when I’m standing in front of him naked and wet in every sense of the word. Clearly, I need to up my game if I’m going to snap his self-control.

My fingertips trail over his abdomen, and his muscles jerk as my touch gradually moves lower. His breathing turns ragged, and when he opens his eyes to meet mine, there’s enough heat in his gaze to set the room ablaze. I reach for his cock, but his large hand encircles my wrist, stopping me. “You said I could touch you anywhere I want.”

Without breaking eye contact, Austin lifts my hand to his lips and presses a kiss to my palm. “If you think I’m going to comebefore you, you’re mistaken.” Then he drops to his knees and hoists my left leg over his shoulder.

Water cascades over us, and droplets cling to the strands of hair around his face, making their usual copper colour appear almost brown. I grab onto his free shoulder for balance with one hand, the other sweeping the hair from his eyes.