Elise glanced up and noticed William was breathing heavily.
A faint flush colored his cheeks.
She pressed her lips together, lowering her eyes.
She focused on washing her hands, pretending not to notice anything as William exited.
But her mind wandered as she scrubbed her fingers.
Various images flashed through her thoughts...
She quickly shut off the faucet and dried her hands.
Then she stepped out of the bathroom.
William wasn't in the room.
She caught a glimpse of movement from the walk-in closet.
Elise walked over slowly and entered the closet.
She found William changing his clothes.
He wore another pair of black boxer briefs.
They looked nearly identical to the pair he had just discarded.
He noticed Elise in the full-length mirror before him.
Surprise flickered in his eyes briefly.
"I'll be out once I'm dressed," he said.
"Can you manage getting dressed on your own?" Elise inquired.
"Yes," he replied.
"Won't you risk irritating your scars?"
"I'll be careful... Huh?" William murmured suddenly.
He swallowed hard as he felt Elise's warm, delicate hands touch his back.
Elise likely had no clue how perilous her actions were in that moment.
"I'm sorry, William," she apologized softly. "I become overly protective when it comes to James. I shouldn't have confronted you like that the other day."
William's throat felt dry and tight.
His voice emerged husky. "So? Are you planning to comfort my wounded pride with your body?"
He asked with a slight smile, making it sound like a joke.
He didn't actually expect much.
He knew Elise would never get physically intimate with him while he remained entangled with Victoria.
That was why he often restrained his urges, forcing himself to endure.
"If you'll allow me," Elise whispered softly, resting her cheek against his back.
Her voice was barely audible, but William heard every word.
And he heard them clearly.
His body tensed immediately.
He even wondered if Elise was joking like he had been... but this kind of joke could easily escalate beyond control!