Chapter 93

Nathaniel emerged from the bathroom, having caught every word of that disastrous voice message.

Harrison stood frozen, her mind completely blank. She sprang up in panic. "Wait, I can explain-"

In her frantic state, her phone slipped from trembling fingers onto the bed.

Gabrielle's voice continued blaring: "Nathaniel must have killer abs under that shirt! And I've heard men with long fingers are incredible in bed. Harrison, you should totally sleep with him tonight!"

Harrison's attempted explanation died in her throat.

She wanted to jump out the window.

Holy hell. What had started as a serious conversation had spiraled into this inappropriate mess.

The air between them thickened with unbearable tension.

Harrison forced a laugh, glancing at the man by the bathroom door. "That was all Gabrielle talking, just so we're clear."

Better to sacrifice her best friend than face this humiliation alone.

Nathaniel stood there freshly showered, water droplets still glistening on his sculpted shoulders. His expression remained unreadable as he simply said, "Go shower."

"Right."

Harrison practically sprinted into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Three seconds later, Nathaniel heard her muffled scream of frustration through the door. His lips quirked in amusement as he leaned against the doorframe.

Harrison took an eternity in the shower, scrubbing away her embarrassment.

When she finally emerged, Nathaniel was already in bed, his muscular frame propped against the headboard as he scrolled through his phone.

One bed. No sofa. The hardwood floor looked painfully uninviting.

Nathaniel glanced up. "Stop hovering. Get in."

They were sharing the bed tonight.

It wasn't their first time, so Harrison swallowed her nerves and slid under the covers, squeezing her eyes shut.

Soon she heard Nathaniel set his phone aside and settle beside her.

Outside, thunder rumbled while lightning flashed, but the warm bedside lamp created a cozy cocoon.

Harrison's tense muscles gradually relaxed as sleep crept in - until the unmistakable sound of creaking bedsprings from next door shattered the peace.

The guesthouse walls might as well have been paper. The rhythmic squeaking grew louder, accompanied by breathy feminine moans - pleasure barely restrained.

It took Harrison's inexperienced brain a full ten seconds to process what she was hearing.

Her flawless complexion burned crimson from neck to hairline.

Of all nights. Trapped in bed with Nathaniel while strangers put on an X-rated performance.

She peeked at Nathaniel. He lay perfectly still, eyes open but giving nothing away.

Face still flaming, Harrison mumbled, "The walls are... thin."

Nathaniel turned his head, taking in her blush with visible amusement. "I thought you'd ask what they're doing."

Harrison went rigid.

Of course he'd think she was being suggestive.

Just like when she'd asked about the extra charges earlier. She yanked the covers over her head, wishing the earth would swallow her whole.

Nathaniel's smirk deepened. Her adorable embarrassment was clearly the night's best entertainment.