Hot Summer Love: A Multi-Author Box Set (Shifters in Love Book 2)

Could I not talk around him or what? I huffed out a frustrated breath.

“Come on now, I know you want one. Lay back. It’ll be easier to get your clothes off in here than in the bathroom.”

I hesitated, unsure if I could handle being naked in front of him yet. I wasn’t stupid, I knew I was going to have to let him help me, but I was scared of what he would think of my growing body.

“I’m not sure…”

“I’ve seen it all before, Sam,” he said firmly. “Let me help you. There’s no one else right now, and you agreed to come here.” He lifted his hand, palm up in a placating motion. “I promise I’ll be the perfect gentlemen.”

He was also right. There was no one else, and I shouldn’t care about what he thought of my body. There was no us anymore.

I lay back on the bed and took another deep breath. I had calmed down from the scare, but my heart continued to race.

Alex gently pulled the wet sweat pants down my legs, taking my panties with them. He left them on the floor, then moved to help me sit up. He lifted my shirt and deftly removed it along with my bra. His movements were matter of fact. He didn’t look or touch me inappropriately, and I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or disappointed that he didn’t take advantage.

When my bra was gone, I immediately covered my breast with my good arm. Alex’s stare was reproachful, but he didn’t comment.

“I’ll be right back.”

He was gone only a moment before he was back with plastic bags in his hand. He covered my casts so no water could seep in then lifted me smoothly into his arms.

Even as gentle as he was, my aching body still protested the movement. I couldn’t hold back the whimper, as my muscles and bones protested. Alex shushed me softly and kissed the top of my head, surprising the hell out me.

Alex carried me effortlessly, not jarring me once, yet I felt uneasy with our skin pressed together so closely. His body radiated heat, and it took every bit of my concentration to keep from wrapping myself around him. I sat stiffly in his arms, trying not to notice how good he smelled, or how hot his hands felt against my sensitive skin.

The sound of running water drew my attention. Light poured out of the bathroom, illuminating the dark hallway. It was enough to notice a shadow move slightly behind Alex.

Jordan stood by what I assumed was his bedroom door. I couldn’t see his features, only the outline of his body, as he watched us move towards the bathroom. I turned away, blushing hotly. I hated how these men could do that so easily. One look, and I turned into a tomato.

Alex glanced down quickly, not commenting. I wondered if he knew Jordan was standing only a few feet away. I shook my head, it didn’t matter.

Once we got to the bathroom, he lowered me into the small tub, taking care to place my foot over the side. The placement was uncomfortable and gave Alex a clear view between my thighs.

The water was warm, and I groaned at how good it felt lapping against my skin. I turned to tell Alex thank you, thinking he would leave me to my own washing. I was surprised to see him kneeling beside the tub with a cup and a washcloth.

“You’re going to use your arm for balance, as I wash your hair.”

His tone let me know there would be no arguments. He was going to help me, whether I wanted him to or not.

I slowly lowered my arm, revealing my heavy breast and placed it behind me so I could lean back a little. The move pushed my breast up, causing Alex’s gaze to sweep down. My nipples pebbled at the hot look he gave me, and I let out a small gasp. There was no controlling it, and I closed my eyes, not wanting him to see any more of my reactions.

Thankfully, he kept silent.

Using the cup, he began pouring water over my head and down my back. My cuts and scrapes stung a little, but soon they were a distant memory, as Alex’s fingers began massaging my scalp with shampoo. The feeling was so seductive and yet so relaxing, it had my head tilting back with a soft moan.

My muscles softened, as my body melted into his touch. It was the strangest sensation, to feel so relaxed and turned on at the same time. I felt boneless and yet my breasts felt heavy, and my nipples tightened. My sex tingled, begging for something else. I ignored my body’s plea, keeping my eyes shut and just enjoyed as he took his time.

We both stayed silent, as his fingers did their magic. He even used conditioner before rinsing my hair thoroughly.

Once he was finished, I opened my heavy eyelids to see him switch from the cup to a washcloth. Before he could dip it into the water, I stopped him.

“I can do this part.”

I hated the way my voice had turned deep and husky. I cleared my throat and shook my head, hoping to clear my fuzzy brain as well.

Alex’s eyes smoldered down at me, then dropped to my mouth. His tongue snuck out over his bottom lip. His face was so close to mine, and for a moment, I thought he might kiss me. Instead, he cleared his own throat and looked away.

Harmony Raines & V. Vaughn & Bella Love-Wins & Kate Kent & Vivian Arend & Michele Bardsley & Becca Fanning & C.E. Black & Scarlett Grove's books