Chapter 49: The charged connection
When Bella woke up the next morning, she found herself enveloped in the comfort of a fluffy, warm bed. The sweet lime scent of the room freshener filled her nostrils, adding a touch of freshness to the cozy room. Soft sunlight filtered through the cracks of the thick beige curtains, bathing the room in a gentle glow.
Still groggy with sleep, Bella sat up and looked around, squinting slightly. It took a moment for her to recognize where she was. The recognition seeped through her conscience – this was Theodore’s place, where she had deposited a very inebriated him a few nights ago. Apparently, the roles had reversed last night.
She had fallen into such a deep sleep that she hadn’t been aware of how she had arrived here. A warmth spread through her heart, gratitude welling up for his care and consideration. She climbed out of bed and left the bedroom, padding softly down the hallway, her eyes scanning for Theodore.
She didn’t see him, but she heard his voice coming from the right. It seemed that he was speaking on the phone.
Following the sound, she stepped out onto the porch and came to an abrupt halt. There he was, standing tall with his back to her, phone pressed against his ear. His bare skin was glistening with sweat beads, highlighting the sculpted muscles of his back and shoulders.
The sight was mesmerizing. The morning light glinted off the sculpted planes of Theodore’s bare back. His physique, honed to perfection, seemed the work of a meticulous craftsman. Broad shoulders tapered to a powerful V-shaped torso, giving him an athletic look. Defined biceps, like those of a seasoned boxer, flexed beneath sun-kissed skin.
Bella’s breath hitched slightly as she took in the scene, her eyes wide and appreciative. She was momentarily frozen, unable to tear her gaze away from him. A heat, both unexpected and unwelcome, bloomed on Bella’s cheeks.
This was the first time she had seen him shirtless, and the sight was enticing to behold. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, anchoring her feet to the spot. The gratitude she had intended to offer evaporated completely.
"Yes, keep updating me." With those words, Theodore turned, his gaze collided with Bella’s, catching her red-handed in her surprised admiration.
She almost leaped in surprise, her cheeks burning hotter. Self-consciousness washed over her, and she fumbled for words, her mind a frustrating blank slate.