Chapter 254

Sophia tiptoed to grab a shoehorn from the cabinet, holding her breath as she crept toward the kitchen.

The kitchen door swung open abruptly.

Ethan Roscente leaned against the doorframe, twirling a cookie tin between his fingers. His gaze dropped to the weapon in her hand, one eyebrow arching. "Planning to crack my skull open?"

"There's... there's a mouse!" Sophia hid the shoehorn behind her back, forcing a nervous laugh.

Water droplets still glistened in his damp hair, tracing paths down his collarbone and over his sculpted chest. Her eyes involuntarily followed one bead as it journeyed across his defined abs before disappearing beneath the edge of his white towel.

"Enjoying the view?" His deep voice held amusement.

Sophia jerked her head up, meeting his teasing gaze. Her ears burned as she snapped, "Stop staring!"

"Can't blame me." Ethan suddenly closed the distance, cornering her against the dining table. "Especially when you're practically drooling."

The minty scent of his body wash mixed with his body heat overwhelmed her senses. His arms caged her on either side, leaving no escape.

"I'll give you one chance." His breath tickled her earlobe as he leaned down.

Sophia gripped the table edge. "W-what chance?"

"To touch these abs."

He captured her wrist, pressing her palm against his bare chest. Heat radiated through her fingertips as she felt the ridges of muscle flex with each breath. Her fingers trembled, but his grip held firm.

"Ethan, you—!"

"Focus." He guided her hand lower, voice turning husky. "You've been eyeing them long enough."

Sophia felt her entire body combust. Her fluttering lashes cast delicate shadows beneath her eyes like startled butterfly wings.

His nose brushed her burning ear. "Want to see... something else?"

"N-no thanks!" She shoved him away, nearly tripping in her haste to flee.

Low laughter followed her. "Running already? Weren't you hunting mice?"

Sophia slammed the bedroom door behind her, sliding down against it. The searing imprint of his skin still burned against her palm.

A deliberate knock sounded through the door.

"Sophia."

"My towel's slipping."