Chapter 36

Taking a shower when we got home was a workout in and of itself. My legs were shaking and ached every time I leaned over to grab the soap.

I almost fell when I reached out to grab the towel from it's hook. Groaning, I dried myself off and tucked the towel under my arms as I emerged from the bathroom into the bedroom.

I was surprised to find Luca sitting on my bed, pulling the towel tighter around me as he stood up.

He stumbled over his words as he laid eyes on my towel-clad body.

"I-um.." he started, rubbing the back of his neck, "I have some stuff that I need to get done this afternoon. I just wanted to let you know I was leaving. I probably won't be home until late."

I nodded.

"That's fine."

Luca watched my reaction slowly and I realized I may have sounded too happy to hear he was leaving.

Giving me a lingering gaze, Luca backed away towards the door.

"I guess I'll see you later, then," he said.

I nodded again, following him.

Our eye contact didn't break until I had closed the door.