Chapter 2
Chapter
Two
IVY
He had my dirty period panties on his head!
Well, I guess they aren’t dirty anymore since they’re soaking wet and so full of laundry detergent that as I squeeze them, the bubbles are popping between my fingers.
“Well, Lass, you have some explaining to do. How did this feckin mess happen?” He manages to stand with the arrogance of a king while dripping like a drowned cat.
“Like I said. I only used one cap full!” He hums at me and, lifts the full bottle of detergent out of the bubbles, and shakes it.
“Sounds and feels empty to me.” I shake my head in confusion.
“No, I poured the cap into the water and turned to sort my clothes…” I trail off as the memory comes crashing back to me.
“Out with it then. I can see it on your face that you’ve figured it out.” He sounds stern, but there’s a slight lift to his lip as he crosses his arms across his chest.
It lifts his shirt to reveal toned abs and sharp angles that deserve to be licked.
“I must have knocked the bottle over when I moved the basket.” My bottom lip starts to tremble as his voice fills my head.
You can’t fucking do shit right! Look at this mess. You’re a useless waste of space!
I clutch my head, cover my ears, and crouch down as low as I can go.
Warm hands gently grasp my shoulders, and I start to scream instead of keeping quiet like I do in my memories. An accented voice breaks through my panic.
“Ivy, it’s okay. Open your eyes, love.” I shake my head, not ready to face the mess or my embarrassment at him witnessing my panic attack.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper between hiccups.
“It’s just a little water and soap. No harm done. Here, let me help you up to your apartment so you can get cleaned up and dry. I’ll take care of this and come check on you.” I open my mouth to argue but he closes my mouth with a hand under my chin.
“No, isn’t an answer right now. I dinna want you to catch your death in this damp basement. Now off with you, pretty girl.” He lifts me up to my feet and gives me a few soft pats on my back while escorting me to the steps, making sure I do not fall.
“Warm shower, dry clothes, and some tea. See you soon.” He turns to walk his way back into the laundry room through the ever-growing mountain of bubbles, and I gasp, turning quickly.
I rush up the steps to hide my red face.
His kilt was plastered to his ass cheeks on one side, leaving the other partially exposed. I suddenly don’t feel as embarrassed about my underwear anymore. Although, why did the sexy landlord have to find those and not the sexy black lacy thong?
“Ugh,” I slam my door closed with a little more force and scare myself.
I jump and yelp, clutching my chest, then cursing all the way to the bathroom, where I stop dead at my reflection in the mirror.
“Oh fuck,” I stare at my erect nipples through my white see-through shirt.
“WHY IS THIS MY LIFE?” I yell and pull at my hair.
I peel off my clothes and shower. I’m toweling off and searching for clothes to wear that makes me look like a nun when a knock on my door damn near gives me a heart attack. For a few seconds, I forget I’m safe here.
I pull on a robe and go to open the door but hesitate before looking through the peephole.
My brain and body expect to see angry black eyes on the other side but find soft dove gray ones instead. I unlock the door and keep my body behind the door.
“Feeling better?” Skull leans into the door jamb without pushing his way inside.
“Much. I truly am sorry for the mess and trouble. I can’t seem to get anything right lately, no matter how hard I try.” He shrugs and reaches out to take the tip of a curl that’s worked its way out of my bun in his fingernails.
He pulls on it lightly and then releases it while watching the hair return to its natural corkscrew curl.
“We have drains in the floor for just that purpose. Just needed to hose the room down and then set up fans to dry. Did you make your tea?” I shake my head, not knowing how to tell him I can’t stomach the stuff.
I’m a strict coffee drinker, but never this late.
“I can’t do caffeine this late.” I look away sheepishly and start to close the door as subtly as possible.
“Hot chocolate then. It’ll soothe your nerves. Try to get some sleep.” The way he says the words draw my eyes back to his.
He knows I don’t sleep.
“I try.” I’m not sure why I’m making excuses for him.
He’s practically a stranger. I don’t even know his real name.
“Skull, what’s your first name?” I snap my mouth shut immediately.
Where did I find the nerve to ask him that?
“Aye, Lass, It’s Milton.” A giggle comes from out of nowhere, and I slap my hand over my mouth.
“Laugh it up. It’s an old family name. I dinna pick it.” I smile behind my hand and nod at him.
“Thank you for your help tonight. I won’t pick on you. Pinky swear.” I raise my hand with my pinky out and then freeze.
I’m inviting a man to touch me.
WILLINGLY.
He takes my finger in his and shakes it once. Then, he drops his hold and straightens with a groan. His back pops and cracks a few times before smiling at me.
“Good night, Ivy. Try not to destroy the building tomorrow.” He winks and turns, taking the stairs to his floor two at a time.
I close the door, lock it, and set the alarm before letting out one long breath. I’m exhausted as I crawl into my bed. The apartment is warm, quiet, and perfect for sleeping. Until a loud crash of lightning rattles the window.
In a flash, I’m up turning on all the lights and turning the TV on full blast.
I guess there’ll be no sleeping for me tonight.