Chapter 10 Inside the Bathroom
859 Words
Amber's POV:
"Morning, Mr. Sidney," I greeted him, setting the oatmeal and toast on his desk. After last night, I'd managed to compose myself around him again.
"Morning," Sidney replied, though his voice was lower than usual. It was obvious that he was in a bad mood.
I had a feeling it had something to do with last night's less-than-successful practice.
"If you're up for it, I could help you practice again after breakfast," I offered, trying to sound casual.
Sidney looked at me, surprised for a second. Then, without a word, he set his breakfast aside and wheeled himself closer. "Let's do it now."
I blinked. 'That eager?' But I quickly understood—he was probably anxious about having another bad reaction.
I didn't say anything more and slipped the blindfold over his eyes.
Feeling the tension in his body, I leaned in and whispered softly, "Relax. Today's going to be a good day."
"Is that so?"
"I don't lie. We'll start small, just a warm-up, moving around the room."
Sidney's posture let his posture ease, sinking back into his chair. He trusted me more than I'd expected.
'Too bad I'm about to break that trust,' I thought as I pushed him straight out of the room without hesitation.
The second we left, Sidney seemed to realize something was off. "Amber, where are we?"
"By the couch," I blurted out automatically.
The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Of all the places I could've mentioned—by the desk, near the bed, even the closet—why had I said the couch? I could practically feel last night's awkwardness creeping back in.
Thankfully, Sidney didn't question it further, likely distracted by my answer.
The hallway was silent, the marble floor beneath us gleaming under the light from the chandelier. Its reflection caught both of our shadows, the space between us feeling smaller than ever.
"Amber, about yesterday, I—" Sidney began, and I felt my whole body tense.
I could sense the uncomfortable conversation looming, so I quickly cut him off, "Mr. Sidney, I've got good news."
Sidney paused, clearly thrown off. "What?"
"You did it." I pulled off the blindfold, revealing the long stretch of hallway ahead of us, adorned with beautiful paintings on the walls.
We'd gone farther than last time.
Sidney stared at the scene, blinking in disbelief. Just as I noticed the signs of another bad reaction, I swiftly wheeled him back to safety.
Today's progress was proof—yesterday wasn't just luck.
Sidney's eyes were lit with a mixture of excitement and confusion. "Why does it only work when you're with me?"
"Maybe," I teased, "I'm your lucky charm?"
Sidney didn't argue, but the look he gave me was sharp, almost dangerously intense.
"Okay, okay, I'm kidding." I held my hands up in surrender. "Now can we have breakfast?"
*****
While he ate, I went into the en-suite bathroom and started filling the tub with hot water. Mabel had mentioned that Sidney liked to bathe after breakfast.
By the time I came back, he was already finished.
"The bath's ready," I told him.
"Thanks." Sidney wheeled himself toward the bathroom but stopped at the door, turning back to look at me. "You can leave now."
"I don't think so. I'll be right outside," I said firmly. It was my responsibility, after all. "I need to make sure you're safe."
Sidney stared at me for a long moment, then pushed the door open, and wheeled himself inside without another word.
I waited outside, listening closely for any sound of trouble.
I heard the wheels stop, followed by the faint sound of fabric rustling.
My face warmed instantly, and the image of Sidney undressing popped into my mind—broad shoulders, a chest carved with muscle, every line taut and defined.
'Okay, I need to cool off,' I thought, my pulse quickening in ways I really didn't need right now.
Just as I debated stepping out for some air, a loud crash echoed from the bathroom.
My heart leapt into my throat. I knocked on the door urgently. "Sidney? Are you alright?"
There was a long pause before I heard his voice, weak but steady. "I'm fine. You can go."
Something was off. I could hear it. I fumbled for the spare key Mabel had given me, my mind racing.
"Amber, don't come in!" Sidney's voice was sharp, almost desperate.
My hand froze on the doorknob. I knew what was at stake. If I went in, I'd be crossing a line Sidney would never forgive me for.
I'd see him at his most vulnerable, and that was something he might never be able to get past. But could I really leave him like this?
'No. I can't,' I thought, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Mr. Sidney, but I can't do that," I said softly.
I turned, grabbed something from the room, and pushed the door open.
"Get... out!" Sidney's voice cut off abruptly when he saw me.
I caught the faintest flicker of relief on his face before he looked away.
Well, it seemed my plan had worked after all.
- Writer
