Merlina stepped out of the bathroom, steam curling around her like a ghost reluctant to leave. She patted her face dry with a soft towel, then moved to the mirror over the dresser.
Her skin still glowed from the hot water, a faint flush on her cheeks. She smoothed on a light serum, the cool gel sinking in, then a dab of moisturizer that smelled faintly of vanilla and rose water.
Bed was already calling, the sheets already turned down, but she lingered, brushing out her damp hair, letting it fall in loose waves over her shoulders.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She almost didn't want to look, fearing the interruption, yet the name popping on the screen pulled her in like a magnet.
@craiglesnar
'Meet me. Tonight. Anywhere you choose'
