Linda scrolled quickly on her phone. “The weather guy says roads are icing fast and visibility is limited. They’re telling people to stay put.”
Mark exhaled. “Looks like I’m not going anywhere tonight.”
She nodded. “You’re staying. That’s settled.”
“I need to call Karen,” he said and pulled out his phone, stepping into the dining room for a little privacy. It rang twice.
“Hey, it’s me. Yeah, the storm hit early. Roads are closed. The storm will probably get to you in a couple hours. I’m stuck at Mom’s ’til it clears. It’ll probably tomorrow at the earliest.”
There was a short pause while Karen answered.
“No, I’m fine.,” Mark said into the phone, “Just tell the kids I love them. I’ll text in the morning.”
Another pause.
“Okay. You too.”
He ended the call and walked back to the kitchen. Linda frowned at his damp and soot-streaked clothes.
“You can’t stay in those. You’re filthy and wet.”
“I know. And I’ll need a shower to wash the soot off. Do you have any of dad’s old stuff?”
She shook her head. “I finally donated everything to Goodwill. I’m sorry, honey.”
They both just stood there silently for a beat. Both were unsure what to do.
“Go get in the shower,” Linda said decisively. “Just leave everything outside the bathroom door. I’ll throw it all in the washer. It will be clean in a couple hours. In the meantime, I’ll dig something out for you to wear and bring it in.”
Mark started down the hall. “Spaghetti for dinner?”
Linda smiled. It had always been his favorite. “Spaghetti sounds perfect.,” she said. “I have some sauce in the freezer and just need to reheat it. Now go get clean!”
He gave her a quick nod and headed for the bathroom.
***
Mark closed the bathroom door behind him and let out a slow breath. He started running hot water. He peeled off his damp, soot-smudged shirt, jeans, socks, and boxer briefs. He balled everything into a quick pile just outside the door. He shut the door again and stepped into the shower.
The water hit him like a pleasant warm wave. He groaned under his breath and tilted his face into the spray. Then he turned and let the water pound the back of his neck and shoulders. For a minute he just stood there with his eyes closed, letting the warm water run down his back.
In his mind’s eye, he saw her standing in the doorway when he arrived. He thought about her heavy breasts pressing into his chest when she hugged him. The faint vanilla and mint scent of her skin. He pictured her turning to the sink after she took his coffee mug. He thought about that round, full ass in her jeans. He remembered the exact moment he’d wanted to step forward and slide his hands over those curves.
He remembered her comment about having a man around to handle “all kinds of things.” Jesus, he thought, he wouldn’t mind handling some things for her.
He squirted body wash in his hands. He lathered his chest, his stomach, and then his cock. Very quickly, he was fully erect. He leaned one forearm against the tile and rested his forearm on it. The hot water drummed on his back.