Chapter 115: Can I Have a Baby Brother?
Inside the bathroom, Zeke splashes cold water onto his face, trying to cool the heat creeping up his skin. He exhales slowly, gripping the edge of the sink. Get a grip, he tells himself, glaring at his own reflection.
After a moment, he unwraps the pajama set Nolan bought him. Thankfully, Nolan had thought ahead, there’s a fresh pair of underwear and even a new toothbrush. Of course he did, Zeke thinks, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Nolan always thinks of everything.
He showers quickly, letting the water rinse away not just the sweat but the tension clinging to his body. But when he finishes and reaches for a towel, he realizes there isn’t one.
Of course.
Still dripping wet, he hesitates, then cracks the bathroom door open just enough to peek his head out.
"Cass," he calls softly, "do you have an extra towel?"
Cassidy, who’s sitting on the bed with Claire curled beside her, turns instinctively at the sound of his voice. Her breath catches when she sees him—Zeke’s head poking out, his shoulders bare, water trailing down his chest and collarbones.
Her face flushes instantly.
"There’s—" she stammers, eyes darting away. "There’s a clean towel in the bathroom cabinet. You can use that."
Zeke nods quickly. "Got it. Thanks."
He disappears back into the bathroom, leaving Cassidy with a heart that’s suddenly racing far too fast for no good reason.
Claire looks up at her mother, noticing the red creeping up her cheeks. "Mommy?"