Let it smolder.

The toothbrush, toothpaste, and pajamas had been easy to find. Now Troy was in a bit of a conundrum, standing in front of the meager bikini selection.

He was willing to play the long game to get to Carrie. He was quite certain tonight would not be one of sex, probably not even a blowjob. But tomorrow, when her anger towards you had smoldered into a white-hot flame and then compared to the generosity of her host to your betrayal, well... the least she could do would be take an afternoon swim.

He finally settled on an orange bikini, a size too big in the bust, a size too small in the waist, he hoped.

He returned to car, placed the items in the trunk (making sure to hide the bikini for the time being).

The ride to Troy's house (mansion was the first thing Carrie thought) was quiet. When they arrived he was gentlemanly, opening Carrie's door, putting her in the guest suite (with a lock, in case she felt better about it). He even avoided touching her as he said goodnight.

Carrie's mind was racing in a hundred different directions as she began to strip down to take a shower. Troy was kind, not the jerk you had described - maybe he had changed? Maybe you were the asshole?

She set her phone on sink counter.