Chapter 7 #2
Brady looked over at it and nodded. "I haven't had a lot of time to read lately."
I sighed. "Our time is about to get busier. The party’s coming up.”
"I was hoping you could film more shows with me. The viewers are asking for you."
"Of course. Whatever you need. That's what this arrangement is about."
He raised a brow. "Our arrangement. Right."
I couldn't tell if he was annoyed by my characterization or not.
"Did you want to jump in the bathroom before I take a shower?"
"I should brush my teeth." I grabbed my toiletries from the dresser. In the bathroom, I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and changed into my pajamas. I tended to wear silky lingerie because I lived by myself.
I hadn't thought this through. I'd be sleeping with my best friend. It was too late to wish I had cotton pajamas to wear instead. I was going to have to go out there in this and hope Brady didn't notice.
I collected my toiletries, putting them back inside my travel bag, and opened the door.
Brady's brow furrowed. "You know you can keep whatever you want in the bathroom. You don't have to take it in and out each time. You're not a guest here."
"Oh. I wasn't thinking. Of course." I turned back to the bathroom, placing the bag on the counter. "I'd better get in bed. I'm really tired." I dove for the bed, wanting to get under the covers as quickly as possible.
I didn't take a deep breath until I was under the blankets. Brady was looking at me as if I'd lost my mind.
I stretched and yawned. "It was a big day. Moving and all of that. Do you mind turning off the lights?"
"Sure thing." He flipped the switch and disappeared in the bathroom, the water turning on a few seconds later.
I closed my eyes tightly. Brady was naked in the shower. There was nothing between us except for one door, and I was fairly positive I didn't hear him lock it. He was naked, water sluicing over his tight body. I wanted to lick the drops off his skin.
Would his thighs be as muscular as they seemed? Was his body hard from the work he did every day? Would his hands be rough on my skin?
My hand drifted under the covers and under the waistband of my shorts. I was already wet just thinking about Brady in the shower. It didn't take long for me to stroke myself to an orgasm. I bit down on my lip hard so I wouldn't cry out.
Afterward, I buried myself under the mound of blankets, wishing I hadn't acted so recklessly in Brady's bed. The sheets smelled like him. He was everywhere.
The door opened, and I jumped. I hadn't even heard the water turn off.
The bed dipped as he got under the covers. Then he reached for me. "Are you still awake?"
I squeaked, scrambling to get away from him. "I have to go to the bathroom. Be right back."
I ran out of the bed and into the bathroom, where I washed my hands with soap. I'd be mortified if he realized I was masturbating while he was in the shower, in his bed no less. What would he think of me?
This was only the first night together, and I was a mess. I opened the door and tiptoed to the bed. I slowly lifted the blankets and got in as quietly as I could. When I was on my back under the blankets, I finally let out a breath. I listened for heavy breathing. He must be asleep.
"Why are you acting so weird?" Brady asked.
I jumped. "I thought you were asleep."
"You said you were going to the bathroom. But you only washed your hands."
My heart was racing from the scare, but I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid. "I had to wash my hands. I forgot the last time I was in the bathroom."
Brady flipped up the blankets that we were still under, but there was no barrier between us. "Again, why are you acting so weird?"
"I don't think I am," I protested lamely.
"You are."
I threw up my hands. "Well, this is weird. I'm in bed with my best friend, wearing silky lingerie because I'm an idiot and didn't think any of this through."
"I noticed," he practically growled.
Before I could snag on that particular reaction, he continued. "This shouldn't be weird. Do you feel safe with me?"
"Of course I do."
"I'm not going to hurt you."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm making it awkward." That's what happens when you masturbate in your best friend's bed, thinking about him naked in the shower. I was definitely going to hell. And I'd never tell him what I did.
"Come here," Brady urged.
We'd cuddled before. But never in bed and never when only silk separated my bare nipples from his naked chest. When my hand collided with his bare chest, I asked. "Where's your shirt?"
"I always sleep in briefs."
I couldn't resist my curiosity. My hand drifted down his chest, noting the ridges of his abs until I reached the elastic of his briefs. "Mmm."
"You said you're wearing what you normally wear to bed. Neither of us thought this through."
"So I should change into sweatpants." I made a move to escape, but he grabbed me, pulling me back.
"I don't want you to change anything. But I'll put on a shirt if it would make you more comfortable."
"Oh, no. This is fine." His chest was hard and warm under my cheek. I could feel the steady beat of his heart, which was oddly comforting.
"Go to sleep."
How was I going to fall asleep on top of him? As much as I enjoyed touching him, I felt stiff. I waited, my mind running endlessly as his breathing evened out. It was going to be a long night.