“Of course.” He stood aside, and Jillian looked down at herself, still wearing the purple lacey bra and panty set she’d been wearing going on three days. “Don’t worry. I’ll grab you a towel. Follow me.”
Wrapping the sheet around her once again, she got to her feet and followed Conner to the kitchen. Score-marks from a chainsaw scarred the boards that made the surface of the table. Jillian glanced around, realizing that just about everything except for the woodstove had been crafted by hand. Conner crossed the living area that consisted of two armchairs and a sofa, disappearing into one of two rooms that connected to the den.
Jillian scooted away from the wood stove that was putting off a shocking amount of heat. Practically every wall contained built-in shelves. Stacks of books and artifacts added a splash of color to the otherwise earthy tone of the room. She scanned the cracked bindings and leather spines of the various volumes. No two of them looked alike.
“You a bookworm?” Conner emerged with a stack of clothes and a towel folded over his arm.
“I majored in English Lit in college.” She shrugged.
“That doesn’t answer my question.” He opened the front door and jerked his head, inviting her to follow. She cracked a smile and headed out after him. The crisp air outside filled her lungs, and she smiled into the sunshine.
“It’s nice out today.” She held her hand up, hooding her brow. “A little on the warm side.
“Wait till you get in the water.” Conner squinted into the sun.
“Is it one of those outdoor showers?” She stretched.
“Something like that.” He chuckled. “Come on.”
She tensed a little, following him through a grove of trees to a clearing next to a stream that wasn’t quite wide or wild enough to be considered a river. The sun shone through the clear water, glinting off the mossy rocks on the bottom. A few meters out, the creek bed faded off into a murky area, indicating deeper water.
Conner hung up what she now realized were two towels on the low branch of a gnarled tree. Placing the folded clothes on a large rock, he stripped off his shirt and dropped his pants. Jillian averted her eyes, holding up her hand next to her face as she turned around.
“You are not bashful at all, are you?” She blushed.
“You’ve been walking around in that sexy little number ever since you got here.” He dove in with a splash before popping back up and spitting a stream of water out. “Besides, I have it on good authority that male nudity isn’t as provocative as female nudity.”
“Uh-huh.” She looked back, relieved that the ripples were hiding the details of his anatomy, though she had to make a conscious effort to keep her eyes at the level of his face. “That sounds like some sexist crap from the last century if you ask me.”
“Actually, no. It was a study they did at the community college in my hometown. They took a pole of people reacting to a picture of a naked man versus a picture of a naked woman. Both were in average physical condition, both in identical neutral poses.”
“And what were their findings?” Jillian crossed her arms.
“Almost everyone who saw the male photo either laughed, looked away, or made a comedic remark. People who saw the picture of the woman commented on what they found attractive or not.”
“And what was the point of that study?” She cocked her head to the side.
“That our society oversexualizes women, and no one gives a shit about a dude taking a bath.” He scratched his chin before waving her out. “Come on, the water feels great, and I have some amazing shampoo stashed out here.”
“Oh, no freaking way am I skinny-dipping with you.” She giggled. “I’ll wait until you’re done.”
“Suit yourself.” He let out a long, satisfied sigh. “My shampoo has tea tree in it.”
“All right, fine.” She huffed, glancing around. “But only because I can’t stand being smelly anymore.”
“Yes!” Conner pumped his fist. “Gender equality.”
“Try that play on a freshman, and you might get somewhere.” She twirled her finger in the air. “Turn around, and no peeking while I get in.”
He turned around, covering his eyes with one hand. Jillian unhooked her bra and slipped her panties down around her ankles, picking them up and placing them on the ground next to the rock where their fresh garments were stacked.
“Are you in yet?” He took his hand off his eyes but didn’t turn around.
“Don’t you dare.” She covered her breasts as she waded into the water up to her waist. “Jesus Christ, this is freezing!”
“It’s warmer on the other side where the sun has been on the shallows all morning.” He started to turn, and she scolded him again, huffing and panting until she was able to get all the way in.
“All right, this is okay.” She tiptoed to the deeper part and started swimming. “I can handle this. Where’s that shampoo you promised?”
“You have to promise not to tell the guys where I keep it.” He leveled his eyes at her.
“Okay.” She laughed.
“I’m serious.” He frowned. “I don’t get to go into town very often, and there’s only one salon that carries it.”
“Fine.” She blew bubbles as her mouth went under the surface. “Scouts honor.”
“You were not a scout.” He smirked.
“How would you know?” She gaped with mock indignance.
“A scout wouldn’t have hyperventilated over the water being a little chilly.” His cocky little grin was driving her out of her
