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Admittedly, that wasn’t what I expected her to say, and it definitely caught me off guard. I’m also not sure it’s the best idea since I’ve been thinking about getting her naked non-stop. But when I see her eyes soften, I know it was the right response. The dark circles encompassing her eyes and the visible exhaustion that’s taken over her body is concerning, and I’ll do anything to make her feel better. Anything to soothe her visible frayed edges.
“I want a bath… with you. Just a bath.”
Without another word, I turn, take her hand in mine and walk toward my bedroom.
Greer stands at the door of the bathroom, watching as I draw a bath for two.
When I bought this house, the oversized tub in the ensuite bathroom was one of the major selling points. As someone who uses their body to its fullest potential, I knew I’d want a place to soak away the day—a bad game, muscle strains. But never in my wildest dreams did I ever go here. A woman like Greer Bradley here, in my home, and wanting to have a bath. Withme. That was never part of the dream.
I’ve fucked a lot in my days, even though I loved someone once, but this is definitely a first.
Once the water is warm, I toss in some mineral salts and dim the lights. There are already towels in my warmer, so I do the only thing left to do and start shedding my clothes.
As I’m unbuttoning my shirt, I see movement out of the corner of my eye and notice Greer doing the same. Normally, when I’m around Greer, my body immediately responds—lighting up like a fucking Christmas tree—even when she’s fully clothed, but it’s like my autonomic response trigger knows now isn’t the time.
This isn’t about me.
It’s about her and what she needs from me right now.
And I’m more than willing to give it to her.
Slipping into the bath, I settle against the back of the tub, leaving Greer’s options open. She can either slide in on the opposite side or settle between my legs. Either is fine, but I’m hoping she chooses the latter, because as much as she obviously wants to be close to me, Ineedto be close to her.
Leaning back, I roll my head to the side and watch as she twists her hair up into a loose knot on top of her head—unabashedly naked and absolutely stunning. Her long lines are accentuated by the dim light and I take in every dip and curve, appreciating every inch of her.
As she steps into the tub, there isn’t a shred of hesitation as she turns her back to me and slowly lowers her body into the warm water, easing her back against my chest.
It’s perfect.
Her skin against mine.
Her emotions raw and on display.
Vulnerable.
Unguarded.
Real.
It’s absolutely fucking perfect, and oddly, exactly what I needed as well.
When I wrap my arms around her, she brings her hands up and grips my forearms, holding me right back. I say softly, “If you want to talk about it, I’m here to listen. But if you don’t, that’s okay too. I’m good just sitting in silence.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, turning her head and placing a soft kiss on my hand.
That simple gesture elicits a response I’ve never felt before—warmth erupts in my chest, and I want to pull her even closer than she already is. I want to guard her from the world and protect her from every evil.
For a split second, my body wars with the idea of how important this woman is becoming. Commitment is one thing I’ve always avoided because I didn’t feel like I had the capacity to care for another person, not like they would need.
My happiness has been wrapped up in the game. I’ve found true friendship and family in my teammates, and fulfillment in taking care of my mom and giving back to my community.
I’m just not sure if that’s enough anymore.
Greer seems to sink even deeper into my chest, her head lolling to the side.
“Tell me something.”
“What do you want to know?” I ask, brushing my lips against her hair, completely immersed in the moment and feeling like the rest of the world doesn’t even exist, only this—me and her.
