The bath bomb I had used made the bathroom smell like flowers and peaches, her favorite scent. “Did you...use a bath bomb?”
“When we were packing your things to bring here, I grabbed a few from your bathroom. I hope this scent is okay.”
“It's...perfect. Thank you.” Her voice cracked as she spoke.
“There's more, but get in and get warm first.” I held her hand as she stepped into the tub. As soon as she was settled, I put the candle on the windowsill next to the tub and brought her the wine.
“Wait, all this? Really? For me?”
I knelt down and kissed her gently. “Anything for you, Sunshine.” She returned my kiss as a thank you.
I grabbed the shampoo and conditioner bottles from the shower, and the cup I brought with me. “Can you scoot forward real quick?”
“What are you—”
“Taking care of my girl.” I kept my voice soft, leaving no room for doubt in her mind about whether I loved her. As she opened her mouth to protest, I held up my hand. “Nope. None of that. Lean forward please,” I said with a teasing tone.
She leaned forward and I filled up the cup with warm water from the spout, then gently tilted her head back as I poured the warm water over her hair slowly, so it didn't splash too much.
Rae let out a soft sigh, her shoulders relaxing under the stream. I ran my fingers through her hair, spreading the warmth through each strand before reaching for the shampoo.
I worked the shampoo into a lather between my palms, then gently massaged it into her scalp. My fingertips moved in little circles, not rushing a thing, wanting her to know I would take all the time in the world to care for her.
Rae’s lips parted slightly, her eyes still closed. “Mmm...that actually feels amazing.”
I smiled, more to myself than anything. “Good. That’s the goal.”
I took my time rinsing the soap out, pouring cup after cup of water, shielding her face with one hand and letting the other smooth the water down the back of her head. When I added conditioner, my fingers moved, working it through to the ends. I gently untangled her soft waves and then rinsed out the conditioner.
I saw her wipe her cheek. “Did some of the shampoo get in your eye?” She shook her head and let out a shaky breath.
“Hey, what's wrong?”
“I'm so sorry. Nothing is wrong. It's stupid.” She laughed as she cried.
“What's stupid?” I continued to gently rinse the conditioner out of her hair.
“Don't worry. These aren't tears from fear or me being sad.” She let out a choked laugh.“You're just so sweet, taking care of me like you've been doing since I got here. I've never had someone care for me the way you do.” She looked at me, tears making her eyes glisten.
“Well, get used to it.” I kissed her temple as I grabbed her hair wrap and wrapped her hair up in it. Then I placed a rolled up towel behind her neck and encouraged her to lean back on it. “Cause I plan on taking care of you, if you'll let me, for the rest of my days, Sunshine.”
Rae smiled and thanked me as I stood. I passed her the glass of wine, and she took a sip.
“If you need anything, I'll be right out there in the living room. You just lie here and relax.”
“Wait, you're leaving? Can you stay?” She paused and a blush appeared on her cheeks. “There's room in here for two,” she said quietly, like she was afraid I may say no.
“You want me to join you?”
“You deserve to relax, too. We could relax together if you want.” She gave me the sweetest smile.
I nodded and turned to the counter. I'd been holding it together decently, from her stepping out of the shower without hiding from me to her trusting me as I washed her hair. Just being around her drove me wild. That smile, though, added onto everything else, did me in. I was trying to control my mind before I went back over to her. Every muscle in my body tightened, desire stirring low and sharp. The ache was impossible to hide, and when I stripped down to my boxers, there was no hiding what she did to me.
I heard her start to refill the tub with warm water as I turned towards the shower, needing to rinse off before getting in the tub. She giggled. “You struggling, Ranger?”
“Only every time I think about you. So, constantly.”
Her cheeks flushed again as I stepped into the shower.
