Page 64 of He Loves Me Knot
Steam soon billowed over the top of the shower door, and she stepped into the stream of water, relaxing in the heat.
Given the ridiculous situation that had brought them here, drama today seemed inevitable. She’d better get in as much pampering while she could.
She took her time in the shower, even shaving her legs, before stepping out and wrapping herself in a robe. The sheer act of cleansing made her feel more balanced, as though it stripped away some of the awfulness from the day before.
She towel-dried her hair, then combed her fingers through it, leaving it loose and down her back. Unready to get back into her clothes yet, even if it meant Callum seeing her in a robe, she tied the knot on the robe tighter and stepped back into the room.
The scent of freshly made coffee filled the room.
Callum was awake, but he wasn’t the first thing she saw.
He’d gotten out of bed and pulled back the curtain to their room, flooding it with light. On the patio that hid behind the curtain, the outdoor world they hadn’t bothered to peek at the night before came into view. Arenal, the tall, conical-shaped volcano, graced the sky like a sleeping giant, completely unobstructed from cloud cover.
The sight stole her breath.
She watched the majestic volcano, her heart thudding in her chest. People from all over the world came to see this magma-filled crater, and she’d read in the guidebooks that it was notoriously difficult to see it this time of year.
It hadn’t been something she’d come to Costa Rica thinking she’d get the chance to visit because Elle’s wedding plans took priority, but here she was—and she’d practically stumbled here by accident.
This is breathtaking.
Movement from the patio caught her attention, and Callum shifted into view beyond the sliding glass door. He’d gone outside with a cup of coffee, and the sight of him made her blink.
He wore an undershirt and boxer briefs—what he’d slept in. She’d been so tired, she hadn’t cared. But now she got a good look at him, realizing she hadn’t seen him in short sleeves. Every other shirt he’d worn had also been a long-sleeved, lightweight fabric.
He had a half-sleeve of tattoos on his left arm, three-quarters on his right. One was various symbols devoted to different countries: Costa Rica, the US, England. A mix of flags and artwork. The other had what appeared to be some soccer-related symbols. She didn’t know too much, but she recognized crests she’d seen her friends wear jerseys for before.
Which made sense. He’d been really into football. Inked it on his body.
Maybe it was why he didn’t wear short sleeves, which was a shame.
A body as toned as his deserved to be admired. Taut, well-built muscles on his arms, broad shoulders that boasted of chiseled muscle, then tapered to his waist, and an ass and legs that made it clear he never skipped leg day.
God. He’s beautiful.
She bit her lip, feeling a little unsteady.
Admittedly, she had dated little, but there had been the occasional date in college, and those guys had definitely been boys. And in London, the few men she’d gone out with were her age . . . but none looked anything like this.
Callum wasmanlyin a way she didn’t even know how to verbalize. Nothing about him hinted at physical awkwardness.He probably knows exactly what to do with those hands.
She averted her eyes as a flush went through her.
She’d been staring at Callum with a major case of lust for the last minute.
And he appeared to have noticed.
He opened the door and stepped through. “I made coffee if you want some.” He nodded toward the in-room coffee maker.
“That would be amazing.”Why am I suddenly self-conscious about being in this robe?
She went over toward him as he poured the coffee. “Did you sleep well?”
“Like a rock. There’s sugar and powdered milk.”
Liddy shook her head. “Black is good.” She took the cup from him. “Slightly more comfortable than on the floor, huh?”
Callum’s lips tipped upward in a smile as he stepped back. “Yeah, just a bit. It made the whole hassle of the day yesterday almost worth it.” He tilted his head back toward her backpack, which was open on the table. “Though I hope you don’t mind, I stuck some of the fruit into the mini-fridge and had some, too.”