Millie left the study wired tight, Ethan’s teasing still buzzing under her skin. Evan’s near-miss had only twisted the knot. She didn’t get why the idea of him finding out scared her—nothing tied her to Evan—but the fear stuck.
Her room was empty. Clara hadn’t come back. The wall clock read 11:15 PM.
She peeled off her dress, grabbed a towel from the drawer, and wrapped it around herself. The ache between her legs wouldn’t quit. She muttered Ethan’s name like a curse.
Aidan was gone—flown out before dinner, a fast goodbye while she was in the kitchen. A small sting, quickly ignored. They weren’t anything.
She slipped into the bathroom, hung the towel on the hook, and turned on the shower. Warm water hit her shoulders.
Soap and washcloth in hand, she lathered up and scrubbed. More than
