CIAN
I looked away immediately. Goddess, I turned my head so fast I felt something in my neck protest. Heat flooded my face. The embarrassment that clawed over me was immediate.
"I am sorry," I said quickly. "I thought... I thought my mother was here."
I heard her shuffle. Heard fabric moving and her breathing evening out.
"I will go out," I added.
"No." Her voice was steady now. "It is fine. You can turn back now."
I hesitated. Then slowly turned my head back toward her.
The towel was secured properly now. Tucked tight against her body. She looked composed despite everything.
"Is there a valid reason why you barged into my room," she asked, "or did you just miss me that much?"
The words landed wrong and made my spine go rigid.
"I thought my mother was here to give you hell," I said. "I guess I was wrong."
Then the second part of what she said registered. The joke about missing her. About wanting to see her.
