"Do as I say, not as I do, is that it?" Elizabeth huffed, though her tone had softened considerably after William's outburst.

Seriously? William had been a father since he was twenty-one!

"Get out," William commanded, no longer willing to entertain her presence.

Elizabeth rose reluctantly, a habit of obedience she couldn't shake. She moved toward the door but paused, glancing back. "Aren't you worried you'll suffocate under all those covers?"

William ignored her, pulling the duvet even tighter around his form.

Elizabeth suddenly remembered Elise mentioning she was going out to buy William some clothes.

Could it be...

Was he completely naked under there? Wow! How intense had their night been? So he was guarding his body like some sacred temple, accessible only to Elise? Not even his own cousin?

'Oh, this virtuous man! May all the male compatriots in this world learn from your example!' Elizabeth thought sarcastically as she stormed out, slamming the bedroom door behind her.

Knowing her cousin's temperament, he might actually murder her if she caught even a glimpse. She decided to wait in the living room instead.

Thirty minutes later, Elise returned with a shopping bag containing men's clothing and headed straight for the bedroom.

"Try these on. See if they fit," Elise said, handing the clothes to William.

William saw a black windbreaker, a crisp white shirt, khaki trousers, and black boxer briefs; she'd even remembered to include a pair of black socks.

He threw the covers aside, and Elise spun around instantly. "Are you an exhibitionist?" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. Did this man have no shame? "Only for you, Miss Scott," William replied smoothly.

Seriously? He said it as if it were some kind of privilege!

"Which part of me haven't you seen already, Miss Scott?" William added with a teasing smile.

Elise clenched her fists, biting her lip in frustration. She moved to leave, but William's voice stopped her.

"Don't open the door yet, Miss Scott. I'm not fully dressed. Elizabeth is outside. It would be... inappropriate if she saw anything."

He knew it was inappropriate, yet he chose to change right here instead of using the walk-in closet? Elise took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm.

After a moment, William finally announced, "I'm done."

Elise turned slowly, half-afraid of what she might see. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the man before her. She had simply grabbed the first suitable outfit she saw at the mall, letting a store clerk pick something for her. She hadn't expected that even in simple casual wear, William would look this devastatingly handsome.

Did God spend extra time sculpting this man?!

"Does it look that bad?" William asked, noting her expression.

"No, it's fine," Elise said quickly, her usual mask of indifference sliding back into place.

"Does everything fit?"

"Yes," William replied. Without hesitation, he added, "You have an impeccable grasp of my measurements, especially my trouser size—"

Elise didn't wait for him to finish. She turned on her heel and marched out of the room.

Give him an inch, and he'd take a mile! Elizabeth was bored out of her mind, having waited so long she thought she might perish from sheer tedium. She'd been slightly worried they might start their morning... no, afternoon activities again. Thank goodness they emerged. She'd been starving all day, waiting to eat with them.