I clenched my fists, trying to calm my nerves. Lorraine’s kindness felt undeserved.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, “I… I’m really sorry.”

She smiled, stepping aside. “Come on in.”

Her room was spacious, the large bed a reassuring distance between us. I told myself I could handle this, that I wouldn’t lose control. But the air thickened the moment we were together. I fidgeted.

“This bed… is pretty soft,” I said, patting the mattress awkwardly.

Lorraine laughed. “Why so nervous? Afraid I’ll try something?” she teased, her voice light and playful—a side of her I’d never seen.

“No, no way! You’d never…” I stammered.

Her teasing eased the tension. She glanced toward the bathroom. “Shower?”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” After the day’s events, I was soaked. Yvonne’s sudden arrival had ruined my earlier plans.

The bathroom smelled faintly of her body wash—a soft, subtle scent I’d mistaken for perfume. It was warm and sweet, like Lorraine herself.

Then, halfway through my shower, I froze. “Oh, crap.” I’d forgotten my underwear.

Dripping wet, I stared at my reflection in the fogged mirror. How could I be so stupid? Asking Lorraine for them seemed even worse. I’d packed them, I knew I had, but Yvonne’s return had wiped everything from my mind.

I groaned. “Come on, Cole, think! You had one job!”

A knock startled me.