Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

Ronald was practically steaming when he finally stepped out of the bathroom- twenty minutes under ice-cold water, and he still looked like he needed another round.

With nothing but a white towel wrapped low around his waist, he looked every bit the picture of self-control, water still clinging to his hair and trailing down his shoulders to abs that would make any gym rat jealous. He radiated coolness— literally and figuratively.

Stella had just hung up with Susie, her best friend.

She turned to ask Ronald something, but the words caught in her throat when she saw him. She swallowed hard, unable to help herself.

God, she thought, it wasn't like she'd had much experience with this sort of thing. From first opening up to now, she'd barely gotten a taste. She didn't stand a chance.

Catching her staring, Ronald smirked, his voice teasing. "Do I look good?"

Stella nodded, honest as ever. "Yeah. You do."

His grin widened. "Wanna touch?"

She blurted out, "Yeah- I mean, no. No, I can't."

She'd barely nodded before she changed her mind, shaking her head quickly. If she touched him, he'd be back in the shower for another half hour of cold water, and they'd never get to sleep.

Ronald just laughed and grabbed his robe from the sofa, slipping it on in one smooth motion. As he pulled off the towel, those long, athletic legs of his made her mind wander all over again.

He climbed into bed, pulling back the covers on his side. He didn't immediately reach for her he was still ice-cold from the shower, and didn't want to chill her too.

right into his arms anyway, snuggling up

quit wiggling around,

but she really hadn't been wiggling-just trying to

voice softening. "Be good. I'm still

to gently nudge her away, but

I want to cuddle. Let

a cold,"

"How cold

amused. He wasn't about to push her

to ask you something," Stella said suddenly, propping herself up on his

him "babe" sent a warm rush right through him and He looked her even

called just now,"

fell for

looked at her, waiting

pout. "You knew, didn't you? All

time

she called before you

Why didn't you

a little hurt. Since when was he so

her into his lap. Stella

did