“I’m glad I could open your heart again,” I said to him as I stroked his legs.
I rested my head against his body and let the tranquility overcome me. He caressed and washed my entire body with a peach-scented soap. My senses were overwhelmed.
“Are you hungry?”
“A little bit. My stomach feels almost normal again,” I replied while rubbing a hand over my belly.
“I’m going to make us something to eat. I want you to rest in bed while I cook,” he said to me before kissing the back of my head.
Kayden helped me out of the bath and grabbed a towel. He slowly and methodically dried off my body, and my heart melted. He was so kind and gentle. After he was done, I walked back into the bedroom and crawled into bed. Kayden entered the room right after me and tucked me in like my father used to do when I was a kid.
“Rest a while. I’ll be back in a bit to check on you.” He kissed me on the lips. I watched as he disappeared into the hallway, and I closed my eyes and thought about Kayden.
“Sophia. Wake up, sleepyhead.” I heard Kayden whispering while touching my face.
“I’m awake. Now.”
“I’m making chicken soup, and it’s simmering on the stove. I thought I would come pamper you a little more,” he said to me as I sat up in the bed. “Can I brush your hair for you?”
“Really? You want to brush my hair?” I replied with wide eyes and a dopey grin.
“Yes, I love your hair,” he stated matter-of-factly, walking toward my brush on the dresser.
“Knock yourself out,” I said.
“Come here and sit in front of me,” he said as he crawled onto the bed and patted a spot in front of him.
I did as I was told and sat in front of him. My hair was long and thick, and I hated brushing the tangled mess. He worked through each section of hair methodically and took his time. He made sure not to pull too hard or snag my hair. I sat there and reveled in the feeling of being pampered by him.
“All done,” he said all too soon as he handed me the brush.
“Thank you. That was so relaxing. I’ve never had anyone, besides my mother, brush my hair,” I said as I turned to face him.
“I’ll do it for you, always,” he said as he kissed me on the lips. I wanted to believe what he said was true. “I have to go check on the soup.”
“I’m sure it’s warm by now,” I said, not wanting him to leave.
“Silly girl. I’m not reheating something from a can. I made it from scratch while you were sleeping,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
“You made me homemade chicken noodle soup?” I asked, still not believing he took the time and care in feeding me.
“I never eat soup from a can, gross. Stay here while I go check on it, and if it’s ready, I’ll bring you a bowl,” he told me as he stood up.
I didn’t want this dream to end.Was I still asleep? Did this man really draw me a bath, brush my hair, and make me homemade soup?
He walked back into the room with two mugs brimming with steaming liquid. The smell wafted from the doorway and reminded me of home. We stayed barricaded inside his room all day watching movies, snuggling, and enjoying his homemade soup.
Light filtered through my eyelids and woke me from my sleep.Hot.My body felt like I was sleeping next to a fire, but it was Kayden’s naked body. I scooted away slowly just far enough to escape his heat. He was still fast asleep, and from my new position, I could watch him sleep. He slept peacefully, barely making a sound. He had a shadow on his face from his beard growing in, and his hand was tucked under his cheek. He looked almost childlike, unlike the wild sexual animal I knew was brewing under his cool façade.
His eyes fluttered open, and I quickly shut my eyes. I didn’t want him to know I had been staring.
“Good morning, beautiful. I saw you looking at me,” he said.
Busted.“I didn’t want you to think I was a weirdo,” I said as I opened my eyes and smiled at him.
“I already know you’re a freak in the sheets. Why not add creepy sleep watcher to your resume,” he laughed.
“I’m not creepy,” I said as I smacked him playfully on his shoulder.
