Page 59 of The Stars

“This is heaven.” She sighed as she leaned into the powerful jets.

“Tell me about it.” He rolled his shoulders.

She closed her eyes, letting the hot water work its magic on her tense muscles. The steam rose around them, cocooning them in warmth and silence. The jets of water felt like they were washing away not just the dirt and sweat from their long days but the weight of everything they had been through. Everything that had led them to this moment.

She moved closer to him, her wet skin sliding against his. He opened his eyes and she smiled up at him, droplets of water clinging to his lashes as she tilted her head up. “You look like you’re in bliss,” she teased, running her hands over his shoulders, her touch gentle but firm.

“I am,” he admitted, his voice low and content. He reached up and tucked a wet strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s been a hell of a few days.”

She nodded, leaning into his hand as he cupped her cheek. “I know… but we’re here now.” Her fingers traced the lines of his chest, leaving a trail of heat in their wake, despite the water cascading over them.

He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pressed his forehead to hers. “That’s all that matters.”

For a moment, they just stood there, the water pounding around them the only sound in the room. The world outside felt far away, as though it didn’t matter—at least not in this moment. Here, it was just the two of them, finally able to breathe, to relax, to be.

Amy’s hands slid up to his neck, her fingers playing across his shoulders. “So… about that bed,” she murmured, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

He chuckled, leaning down to capture her mouth in a slow, lingering kiss. “We’ll get there,” he whispered against her lips. “But I’m in no rush.”

She had never experienced sex in a shower before and was thankful for the shower seat and the pebble tile flooring for grip. Not to mention Dante’s strength in keeping them from slipping and falling.

“That was a little dangerous,” Amy joked as they stepped out and wrapped towels around their bodies.

“I’m thinking of installing a few handholds for safety.” He laughed as she started to dry her long hair.

“I know it’s probably three in the morning, but I’m still wired.” She slipped on a tank top and shorts she’d brought in her overnight bag.

She glanced over and watched him pull on a pair of gym shorts. God, he was amazing, everything she’d ever wanted throughout all time.

“Want to see what I have in the kitchen?” he suggested.

“I am dying for something with refined sugar in it.” She laughed.

A few minutes later, they sat in his living room watching television while eating any junk food that he had in the house.

It was by far the most normal thing they had done all week and one of the best times that she’d had in her entire life. They laughed together over old shows until they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms on the sofa.

The next morning when his alarm went off, he groaned.

“Sorry,” he mumbled. “I’m forgot that I’m scheduled to work today.” He rolled off the sofa and searched for his cell phone somewhere in the house.

“That reminds me,” she said, sitting up. “I should charge my phone. I need to share the photos of the writing from the temple with the others today. We’re meeting for coffee at eleven.”

She ran her hands over her face while he turned off his alarm.

“I’ll try to make it.” He glanced at the time and winced. It was hard shifting their minds back to normal life. “I’ve got to get going. I’ll drop you back off at your place.”

She stood up and nodded. Seeing the look in her eyes, he quickly moved over to wrap his arms around her. “I’d love for you to pack up more than just an overnight bag. I don’t want you to go.”

She smiled up at him. “Did you just ask me to move in with you?”

He chuckled. “Move in with me,” he said softly.

“Okay,” she sighed and then kissed him.

“You’re sure?”

“Very sure.” Her heart jumped in her chest. “Dante, we go beyond time and space. It’s not going to be easy to get rid of me.”