SNOWBARRY: Sometimes Runs, Sometimes Can't

Chapter 8 - Ironic

Caitlin's POV

Barry was one of the few people who could make me smile, but making me blush? That was something new, he seemed alarmingly good at.

As I shut my bedroom door and leaned against it, my cheeks were burning red.

Oh my God, Caitlin, what are you doing? 

Walking around in just a towel, lingering in the doorway like I was... inviting something. Was I crazy?

Maybe. 

But the truth was, I felt free with Barry in a way I wasn't afraid of,  and definitely not ashamed of. And if I were being brutally honest with myself... I hadn't been looked at like that in a very long time.

As I got dressed, I figured Barry would probably want to go home and freshen up, too. But since he'd stayed over, the least I could do was be a decent host and offer him my shower.

I opened the door, still wrapped in my towel. "So, Barry, if you want, you can use my shower."

He had this look on his face. Then, "Sorry," he shook his head. "Did you say something?"

"Yes," I chuckled as I realised what had caused the confusion.

So I repeated myself, "I was saying, if you want, you can use my shower while I get ready, and then we can both enjoy breakfast."

He hesitated. "Maybe it's better if I go home to do that?"

I couldn't tell if he meant it or if he was just being polite.

"Barry, you'll be ready faster than I anyway. Might as well take advantage of my shower," I said, not realising until it was out of my mouth how... suggestive that sounded.

His grin and lifted eyebrow told me he'd noticed. "Oh, such an honour, Dr. Snow. How could I refuse?"

I blushed like a teenager. And there it was again, that look. 

The one that reminded me I was half-naked. One that made me forget all the logical reasons why he and I shouldn't be doing this dance.

At times, Barry and I fit together so perfectly that it was almost scary. But then, reality crept back in and reminded me how ridiculous a thought it was.

Still... this morning, his words last night. 

No.  I wasn't going to think about right and wrong. Not today.

I looked in the mirror. My hair was still damp and I realised what I initially intended to do. "My blow dryer. Shit... It's in the bathroom."

I knocked on the bathroom door, fully aware I was looking for trouble.

"Barry, would you do me a favour?" I asked, trying to keep my voice flat. 

This is ridiculous.

From inside, his voice came back just as teasing. "Interesting. What sort of favour do you need from a naked man in your shower?" as he opened the door.

Good question. Great job, Cait. Really smooth.

Really. Really smooth. 

"I just need my hairdryer, second drawer," I said sharply, trying to summon logic, common sense. Anything. 

What's wrong with me?  I've seen this man shirtless before.

"That's a lame excuse," he replied,  turning around to reach the drawer and handing it to me.

And oh, I was not prepared.

First, he looked infuriatingly good after a shower. Second,  he was standing there with a towel slung low around his waist. The irony hit me instantly.