The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 46 I clenched my fists , trying to steady my nerves .

Lorraine was kind and understanding far more than I deserved right now .

Thanks , I … am really sorry about this .

The rest of my words trailed off as she stepped aside and motioned toward the room .

Come on in , she said with a small smile .

Lorraines room was spacious , with a big bed that would offer plenty of distance between us .

I reassured myself I could handle this .

I wouldnt let things spiral out of control .

At least , that was what I told myself .

But as soon as we were in the same room , the air felt heavier , and I couldnt stop fidgeting .

This bed … is pretty soft , I said , patting the mattress stiffly .

Lorraine couldnt help but laugh at my awkwardness.

Why are you so nervous ? Are you afraid I might try something ? she teased , her tone light .

She was usually so quiet and sweet .

It was the first time Id ever heard her joke like that .

No , no way .

Y Youd never … I stammered , trying to explain myself .

Her teasing seemed to loosen the tension , and the awkwardness between us started to fade .

Lorraine glanced toward the bathroom and asked , Do you want to take a shower ? Oh , yeah , sure .

After the long day we had , I was drenched in sweat .

I had planned to shower earlier , but Yvonnes sudden appearance derailed everything .

The bathroom smelled faintly of her body wash a soft , subtle scent that filled the space without being overpowering .

I had noticed the same fragrance on Lorraine before , thinking it was perfume , but now , I realized it was just her soap .

It was warm and sweet , just like her .

Halfway through my shower , I froze .

Oh , crap .

I had forgotten to bring my underwear .

I stood there , dripping wet , staring at my reflection in the fogged up mirror .

How could I make such a stupid mistake ? Now what ? I couldnt just walk out there Lorraine would think Id lost my mind .

But asking her to grab it for me ? That seemed even worse .

No matter how I spun it , this was bad .

I remembered very clearly that I had packed my underwear .

But I forgot everything once Yvonne got back .

I groaned and muttered to myself , Come on , Cole , think .

You had one job .

The knock on the bathroom door startled me .

C