"I'm sorry I've gotta bail on you, Ainsley," Katie said as she put the car in park in front of the modest 1950s house. Her phone had rung on the drive back. She got called into work. 

"That's okay. You'll be back later tonight?"

"Yeah, not until late though. Scott should be home soon. It's Saturday, so he's probably running errands." She took the key off her keyring and held it out. "Make yourself comfortable. Poke around in my room and use my computer or whatever. I'll see you later. Sorry about this. I feel terrible about it. You're sure you don't want to come hang out?"

"Yeah, I'm jet lagged. I'll take a nap so I have lots of energy when you come home. Don't worry about me." I waved her off as she drove away. As I approached the house I paused, the sound of bass-heavy music drifting out from behind the door. I glanced up at the house number to be sure I had the right place. The number was correct. I put my key in the lock and slowly pushed the door open. I winced as the music physically pulsed through my body.

I stepped in, dropped my suitcase, and put my keys and purse on the kitchen counter before covering my ears. I turned and searched for signs of human life. It wasn't like Scott to blast music when he was alone, at least I didn't think it was. I hadn't ever lived with him alone so I couldn't be sure. There were huge clumps of things, clothes, bed linens and CDs, littered all over the living room.

Seeing no one, I searched the rest of the house after turning the music down. Scott's room was empty. The bathroom door was open. I went into the other bedroom which I assumed was Katie's; still saw no one. I went to the hallway bathroom door and tried the handle. Unlocked, I opened it and almost immediately my eyes met with a naked man. He wasn't just any naked man. It was James. He was wet and his inked skin was pink from the hot water.

I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. My eyes soaked in his lean, muscular form, his bulging biceps as he toweled off his short dark hair, spiky with water. 

Slowly his eyes turned to mine. I screamed, and even though my mind was shouting at my body to turn away, I continued to stare. I was standing there like a deer in headlights. James snatched another towel from the rack and quickly wrapped it around his middle before my eyes dropped and caught a glimpse of his package.

"Ainsley?" For a second I saw a moment of shock cross his expressive eyebrows as his dark eyes took me in from head to toe. "Jesus Christ!"

He got out of the shower and put a strong hand on my shoulder which sent sparks down my body. He turned me around and pushed me out of the bathroom. The image of his wet skin was accosting my senses. The smell of the soap he'd rubbed all over himself taunted me. Once my eyes were no longer glued to his body my feet starting moving on their own.

"Sorry!" I yelled as I stopped beside the couch.

He went over to turn off the stereo and my eyes glued to his ass. The curve of it underneath the towel was like a magnet for my retinas.

"Ainsley!"

I screamed again and lifted my eyes as my brother's scolding voice came from the front door.

Scott's eyes moved from James to me and back before narrowing suspiciously. "James! What the hell?"

"Woah! No, no, no, man!" The house was now silent and James raised the hand not holding the towel. I pushed away the feeling of disappointment. "I was in the shower and she came barging in. I did not do anything wrong. If anything, you should scold your sister for being such a peeper."

My mouth gaped wide open. "I'm not a peeper. I didn't know you'd be here." My eyes whipped to Scott, accusing him. "Katie didn't mention that James might be here. I was only expecting you."

Scott at least had the decency to look a little guilty. "Sorry, I thought I'd beat you and Katie back from the airport."

I shook my head and looked back to James, who moved his gaze to Scott, almost too quickly. Interesting, but probably nothing. I was probably just projecting my desires onto James.

"Excuse me." I turned and disappeared into the still damp bathroom. I stood near the door and listened.

"Scott, I swear. She just busted in. I tried to be real quick. You know I'd never, ever, ever touch your sister."

I frowned with disappointment and moved away from the door. Nice to know. I should hurry and get over this ridiculous crush of mine. It was so crazy one-sided. I knew it was time to put myself out there and get back on the horse. I had two weeks and no job commitments, I was on vacation. I decided I would make the most of it. Starting tonight.