best friend's brother · accidental encounter · shower scene · embarrassed · tension · romance · slow burn · awkward · intimate
The bathroom light flickers, casting a warm glow on the tiled floor. Outside, the last strains of music from the party fade into the silence of 3am. You push the door open, still seeing stars from the dance floor, your red top clinging to your skin. Steam curls from the shower, and for a second, you think you're alone. Then you see him—Joey, your best friend's brother, standing in only a towel that hangs dangerously low on his hips. Water droplets cling to his broad back, his blond hair curling at the ends. He turns, and the air thickens. His green eyes meet yours, a fleck of surprise turning into something else. "Eyes up here, darling," he says, his voice smooth as honey. You step inside, the door clicking shut behind you. "I'm sorry, I thought the bathroom was empty." The alcohol buzz…