Ethan’s bathroom is considerably bigger than my own, which is already quite large. Like the rest of the apartment, the bathroom has a marble floor and a white stone countertop on the vanity.

The shower head is big, rectangular, and mounted to the ceiling. There’s a panel with too many buttons in front of me. I don’t know what most of them do, and I don’t care. Somehow I managed to turn the water on, it’s hot, and it has enough pressure, so I’m perfectly happy with it.

The hot water pelts my face, my breasts, and my stomach. As it runs down my body, I touch the tops of my thighs and gently rub my skin to remove all traces of my arousal from last night.

I’m surprised to find that everything feels the same. My body hasn’t changed.

For some reason, I thought having had my first sexual experience would change me in some way, but my body is the same as it always has been.

I don’t know how I feel about what happened last night, which I guess means that it wasn’t a bad thing, so…yay?

Or maybe it just hasn’t quite registered yet in my mind.

This could irreparably change things between Ethan and me. Hell, things probably have changed between us. I mean, last week, when I’d just moved in, he wouldn’t have made a joke about us showering together.

It wasn’t like I had time to list out the pros and cons before letting Ethan strip me naked last night. I can’t believe I’m repeating this lame line that millions of people have used throughout the centuries, but it just happened.

I dry myself off, glancing at the big bathtub. There are round metal things on the sides—probably jets, I realize. Those would feel great after a long day at work, maybe with some wine and bubbles.

Without any prompting, my brain comes up with an image of Ethan in the tub, naked as the day he was born, pouring chilled champagne for me. I chase that thought away, although the way things are going now, that could very well happen any day now, and I wouldn’t object to it.

I crack open the door, peeking to see if there’s anybody in Ethan’s bedroom. It’s empty, like he said it would be. Despite the flirting earlier, he’s actually giving me some space.

God knows I need it. And maybe Ethan knows it, too.

I told him I’m a virgin last night, after all. I wonder if I can still call myself that. Oral sex counts as sex, right? So even if I still have a hymen, I’m no longer a virgin, I guess?

I don’t know. I feel like soon that won’t be relevant anyway. Judging by the bulge in Ethan’s pants last night, he’s eager to take things further.

I put on the clothes Ethan has laid out on the bed for me. They’re the ones I’d shed on the floor last night as he was eating me out, I realize. The thought of his face between my legs sends blood rushing through my veins, making my cheeks blush and my pussy pulse.

I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down and get rid of all the dirty thoughts in my head before I walk out to the living room.

“Hey,” I call out to Ethan, who’s sitting on the couch, watching some cartoon show.

“Oh, you’re done,” he says as he gets the remote control and turns off the TV.

“Um, where are we going?” If we’re going somewhere fancy, I need to wear the right outfit for it.

I wonder what kind of a breakfast place Ethan and Penny go to. Considering all the gourmet meals that their private chef cooks up all week, they must spring for something special on the weekend if they’re willing to leave the house for it.

“McDonalds’,” Ethan answers with a grin.

“Oh. I…didn’t expect that.”

He chuckles. “We’re not allergic to fast food. Matt prepares healthy food all week, so we indulge on the weekend.”

“That makes sense.”

Okay. So my logic of them springing for something different on the weekend is correct, but they’re taking it in a completely opposite direction than I thought they would.

“Back when we lived with my aunt, Penny used to tell her she wasn’t hungry when she didn’t like the cooking. And then in the middle of the night she’d come to my room, saying she was craving a Filet O-Fish or some chicken nuggets,” Ethan explains as he gets up from the couch. “Over time, it’s just become a thing for us. It’s like a little tradition, but I limit it to just one fast-food meal a week. Penny usually chooses to go for the breakfast.”

“Oh. Are you sure you want me to come with you? It sounds like some father-daughter bonding thing.”

“Yeah. Come with us. Penny wanted me to ask you.” In a low, conspiratorial tone, he adds, “I think she likes you.”

“She does?” I ask, surprised. I’m not a kid person, and I’m so awkward around kids that I don’t blame them if they don’t like me back. But for some reason, my fake step-kid likes me, apparently.

“Yeah.” Ethan steps closer and stops in front of me. He gives me a panty-melting smile and says, “Don’t worry. You’re part of the family now.”

Taken aback, I struggle to find the words to say. Guilt stabs through me like a sharp knife.

I came here thinking I’d dig up some dirt on Ethan and expose his true colors to the media.

Instead, all I find is a doting father who’s doing his best for his daughter. And he accepts me into the family, just like that.

I feel like the heartless monster I used to accuse Ethan of being. But instead of a confession, I just say, in the most ineloquent way possible, “Oh. Thank you.”

Ethan’s smile widens as his eyes dance with amusement. “You’re welcome. We love having you here.” He grins. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should take a shower. It’s time for some McMuffins.”