Chapter 421

Rosalind gazed through the rain-streaked window. The storm showed no signs of letting up. How would she ever make it back to campus in this downpour?

"Rosalind," Lillian spoke softly, "it's too dangerous to travel in this weather. Stay with us tonight."

Margaret nodded in agreement. "Yes, dear. You can share Lillian's room."

Though Margaret adored Rosalind, she maintained clear boundaries. No way would she allow Rosalind to sleep anywhere near Everett.

Rosalind smiled gratefully. "Alright then. Looks like we're having a sleepover, Lillian!"

Lillian beamed and linked arms with her friend. "Come on! I'll show you my room."

Inside Lillian's cozy space, she pulled out a brand new nightgown. "Here, you can wear this."

"Thanks," Rosalind said, accepting the soft fabric.

"You should shower first," Lillian suggested.

The Sinclair home had three modest bedrooms - one for Margaret, one for Everett, and this one for Lillian. The bathroom was shared between them all.

Rosalind clutched the nightgown as she stepped into the hallway. "Be right back."

She nearly collided with Everett in the narrow corridor. "Just staying because of the storm. Don't worry - I'll behave."

Everett glanced at the torrential rain outside before meeting her gaze. "Where are you sleeping?"

Rosalind winked mischievously. "With you, of course."

Everett stiffened, his expression turning serious. "Rosalind!"

She laughed. "Kidding! I'm bunking with Lillian. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

She slipped into the bathroom, leaving Everett standing frozen in the hallway. He knew she was teasing, but didn't she realize how dangerous such jokes could be with a guy? Some things weren't funny.

He poured himself ice water, trying to cool his thoughts.

A deafening thunderclap shook the house. Simultaneously, Rosalind's terrified scream pierced through the walls. "Everett!"

He dropped the glass and sprinted to the bathroom. "Rosalind? What happened?"

Silence.

He twisted the knob and burst inside. "Are you—"

Everett froze. Rosalind sat on the tile floor, having slipped. Worse, her clothes were in disarray, revealing far too much smooth skin.

He swallowed hard.

Rosalind hastily covered herself, her voice shrill with panic. "A mouse! There's a mouse!"

Her greatest fear had materialized - the tiny creature had darted out, startling her into falling.

Everett averted his gaze. "Where?"

"There!" She pointed frantically. "Get rid of it!"

At that moment, the mouse scurried straight toward Rosalind.

She shrieked and launched herself at Everett. "Help me!"

Instinctively, he caught her. She clung to him like ivy, legs wrapped around his waist, arms locked around his neck.

"It's coming! Hurry!"

Dazed by her sudden closeness, Everett barely registered the mouse's escape. Her warmth pressed against him, making breathing difficult.

"It's gone," he rasped.

"Really?"

Rosalind peeked down. No mouse in sight.

Then realization struck - she was still wrapped around Everett in a scandalously intimate embrace.