Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (book club recommendations txt) 📗

was so ready for a hot shower and to just lie in bed, relax and not think of anything. Something I hadn’t done in six whole weeks.

 

39

I stepped out of the shower, dried off and wrapped a towel around me. I looked through all the drawers, cabinets and anywhere else I could think of for a toothbrush. Nothing. I found nothing. Josh’s toothbrush it would be. I found a small comb, however, and used that to comb my hair. I felt better, more awake even. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked pale, worn and tired. I had dark circles under my eyes but that bruise Gator Leg had left on my cheek had faded nicely. That was a good thing. That way, my parents or Josh didn’t have to see it.

I walked out, still wrapped in the towel. Josh was already in his pajama bottoms and shirtless, looking tempting. He was sitting on his bed with his legs up, busy reading something on his laptop. I strode to his dresser and took out the first shirt I could find. I put it on before taking my towel off. I glanced over at Josh. Whatever he was reading had his full attention because it didn’t seem like he even knew I was out of the shower. I rummaged through his drawers to find some underwear and could not find any. Hm, he did say he hadn’t been here in weeks, so maybe he hadn’t done laundry. Or, maybe they were packed in an overnight bag somewhere, except I didn’t remember him bringing in a bag. No underwear it was then.

I took the towel back to the bathroom and decided to head to the kitchen for some water. Josh was still engrossed in his work and I didn’t want to disturb him. His face looked tense, almost angry. Whatever he was reading or doing had him looking intimidating. I did not want to be the one to bother that look.

I didn’t turn on the lights as I walked through his living room. I looked over my shoulder, admiring the view as I headed to the kitchen. We were twenty stories up and I could only slightly hear the wind. Whoever designed the building must have made sure to have noise-canceling glass walls. I found the glasses and noticed that his fridge had a water dispenser. I placed my glass in the cubby and pushed the button for water.

“Hey, green eyes.”

“Gah!” Josh startled me; I must have jumped three feet away from him.

“I’m sorry, baby, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you but what did I say about just getting up and leaving?” Josh’s low, sultry voice and his shirtless torso made my pulse quicken. His eyes were dark and intense. He took my hands and pulled me to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“I know, I know, but you looked really busy and I didn’t want to bother you plus, I didn’t think you noticed I was out of the shower anyway.”

“Baby, I notice everything when it comes to you. And go ahead and bother me. I love you and you could never be a bother.” He clasped my back with his broad hands, pressing me against his chest. He was bending over and gently kissing me on the lips—once, twice, three times. My breath hitched at his touch. My hands ran up the sides of his ribcage, feeling every muscle. My right hand stopped on a rough, bumpy spot in between his ribs and his abs. My fingers traced the pattern. I looked down to see what I was touching but couldn’t make it out in the dark.

“It’s where I got shot that day in your office.”

“Does it hurt?” I wondered.

“No, it just aches every now and again.”

“I’m sorry for not giving you the benefit of the doubt, Josh.” I looked down at the floor, unseeingly. I felt ashamed.

“Shh…” He took my chin in his thumb and index finger, tilting my head up. “We’re together now and that’s all that matters. Let’s go to bed. I can see your dark circles even in this dim light.”

“I can see yours too,” I replied. “How much sleep did you get in these six weeks?”

“Almost nothing.”

“Yeah, I got slim and none and slim has just left the building,” I smirked.

“Baby,” he chuckled, “you sound just like your father. Those are the sort of things he would say.”

“Sounds like you’ve been spending a lot of time with my family.”

He took my hand, led me back to his bedroom with my water in his other hand. “I was with your parents every day for six weeks. Your brothers joined us shortly after you were kidnapped.”

“And my dad’s parents? When did they get here?”

“Just last week. Your father didn’t want to call them until we knew for sure we were able to get in and get you out.” He handed me my water. “Speaking of which, I called your father while you were in the shower to let them know we were at my apartment. I hope you don’t mind.” Josh was putting his laptop away and turning down the bed while I drank my water.

“Why would I mind? I completely forgot to call my mother or my father so I’m sure they’re grateful for you.” I yawned, placing the glass in the bathroom.

“Good. I told them you would call them in the morning once you woke up.”

I only nodded and crawled into bed with Josh. He turned out the lights and scooted closer to me, spooning me. His body heat engulfed me. It was heaven, lulling me to sleep. He held me tight, kissing the back of my neck.

“I love you, Isabel Grace,” he whispered.

I woke with a jolt, sitting up. I looked at my surroundings and nothing registered. I squeezed