Then he heard water running in the tub and headed toward the bathroom. He caught the scent of something feminine. Shelby had brought a couple of her things with her a few nights before-shampoo and lotion and such. He told her to leave it-something he'd never invited a woman to do before. Things like that always made him claustrophobic, but this time it made him feel extremely good, as though he wouldn't have to release her too soon. As if holding her shampoo and lotion hostage meant she would stay with him for a while. He
In this passage, the character hears the sound of running water and is drawn to the bathroom, experiencing a sense of intimacy tied to the presence of Shelby. The scents of her personal items, like shampoo and lotion, remind him of their connection, and he reflects on how this situation is different from his past experiences. Unlike before, where he felt suffocated by such things, he now finds comfort in them, suggesting a deeper bond with Shelby.
This unexpected sense of security indicates a shift in his emotions, where the act of her leaving personal effects in his space makes him feel hopeful about their relationship. He perceives it as a sign that she may stay longer, and the thought of her belongings being "hostage" in his home gives him a sense of pleasure, marking a significant change in his outlook on companionship.
