Lue practically shouted thest part, loud enough for Shanley to hear even without speakerphone.


    “Seriously, Juniper, what''s the point of a handsome face on a guy who can''t get it up?"


    Juniper watched as Shanley''s movements slowed, his intense gaze settling on her.


    “You should just kick him to the curb,” Lue continued,pletely unfiltered. "I don''t know why, but I''ve always had a bad feeling about him."


    Bad feeling? Shanley kept staring at Juniper, a shadow falling over his handsome features. “Is Mr. Langley referring to me?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.


    “Uh.” Lue''s rant came to an abrupt halt. “What was I just saying?" she asked, trying to sound casual. "Sorry, I''ve had a bit to drink. My memory''s a little foggy."


    "Anyway, Juniper, something''se up. I''ve gotta go," Lue said, and the line went dead.


    A heavy silence filled the room as the two stared at each other.


    After a few moments, Shanley tossed the towel onto a chair and strode to the bed. He braced his arms on either side of her, a faint smile ying on his lips. “Juniper... did you tell Lue I can''t perform?"


    "I did not," she said, forced to tilt her chin up to meet his gaze. His warm breath on her skin made her cheeks flush. "Lue found out about your alleged impotence and preference for men all on her own."


    "What?" Shanley almostughed in disbelief. Impotent was one thing, but liking men? Was Mr. Langley intentionally spreading rumors?


    "Is that so?" he murmured, a low, maic chuckle rumbling in his chest. "Well, it seems Mr. Langley''s investigation was wed."


    They were so close, both in their pajamas, that the slightest movement from Juniper brought her into contact with his body. And then... she felt something. She might not have hands-on experience, but she wasn''t clueless. It only took her a couple of seconds to understand, and a deep blush crept up her face.


    "My body is perfectly fine," Shanley leaned in closer, his handsome face just inches from hers, his voice a seductive whisper, "And as for whether I prefer men or women... think you''re in the best position to know, aren''t you?"


    Her heart hammered against her ribs as she looked at him, so close she could feel the heat radiating from his skin. After a few seconds, she ced her fingers on his chest, gently pushed him back to create some space and then quickly dove under the covers, her voice muffled. "I''m going to sleep."


    She immediately rolled over, turning her back to him. If she looked at him for another second, she couldn''t be sure what she might do.


    Seeing the little lump under the nkets and feeling his own body''s reaction, Shanley backed away. "You sleep. I''m going to take another shower."


    With that, he walked briskly back into the bathroom, and the sound of running water started up again.


    Juniper frowned. Didn''t he just take a shower? Why was he taking another one? But before she could puzzle it out, she drifted off to sleep.


    ...


    When she woke up, bright sunlight


    was streaming through the


    windows. She shifted, realizing she was curled up against Shanley''s


    chest one Jeg thrown ?ver h his waist. He was still asleep, his features sharp and handsome, his corbone and chest exposed. He was quite the sight to wake up to.


    Juniper picked up her phone and replied to Lue''s message.


    Juniper: [He''s normal.]


    Lue: [?]


    Juniper: [Confirmed.]


    Lue: [Amazing!]