Chapter 3

"I... I already put body wash on, but I couldn't rinse it off."

She hung her head, nervously twisting her fingers.

Only then did I notice a few faint suds clinging to her collarbone and shoulders.

Whatever shower gel she used had a subtle, soothing fragrance that smelled surprisingly nice.

I didn't turn her down. The faster she made her move, the faster I won the bet.

Entering her bathroom, I turned the shower handle. As expected, nothing came out.

She moved in closer behind me, pretending to check the showerhead with me, while subtly pressing her soft body against my back.

"How is it, Lucas? Can you tell what's wrong?"

Her lips brushed right past my ear as she whispered.

Feigning ignorance, I furrowed my brow and examined the shower fixture.

"Everything looks fine on the surface. That's weird."

Since she took the trouble to tamper with it, I was happy to let it stay "broken" for the night.

"Oh no... what should I do then?"

She frowned softly, her eyes flickering up at me with clear intent.

I knew she was waiting for an invitation, but I stayed silent on purpose.

Finally, she cracked.

"Lucas, could I use the shower in your bedroom?"

"Just for a few minutes. Please?"

Her voice was soft, laced with a practiced whine.

I nodded, but instead of following her in, I went to sit on the couch in the living room.

When she finally came out, taking her sweet time and intentionally flashing her slender, bare legs, I stood up.

"All done? I'm going to sleep."

She had no choice but to step aside and let me pass.

Act two, and the old man’s call came right on cue.

"See that? What did I say? Chloe is totally innocent!"

"If the heater hadn't broken, she wouldn't have even spoken to you!"

"Seriously, call a repairman right now to inspect all the appliances in the house! I don't want Chloe being uncomfortable!"

I rolled my eyes. He actually believed the water heater broke by coincidence. He didn't doubt her for a single second.

Thank God his lovesick stupidity wasn't genetic, or our family would have been swindled into bankruptcy twice over.

"Ah!"

A sharp cry pierced the air—coming straight from the guest bathroom.

I hung up the phone and hurried toward the sound.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Miss Vance? Is everything okay?"

"I... I slipped getting out of the tub. I can't move."

Her voice broke into a tearful whimper. "Lucas, I... did I break my spine?"

A spinal injury was no joke; that meant potential paralysis.

Without another thought, I kicked the door open. There Chloe lay on the tile floor, completely bare, eyes brimming with tears.