“Yeah?” Her voice sounds tired but relaxed.
“I’ve got a snack for you. And some water.”
“Thanks Miguel.”
“I’ll just leave it here,” I reach in and try to set the stuff on the counter without glancing in the mirror or in the general direction of the tub.
“It’s okay, I want you to come in.” She says as water slushes around.
“No, I better not.” I can barely utter the words through the sandpaper in my throat.
“Miguel, please.”
My knees buckle as they move me into the small room.
Laney is leaning forward and her entire side body is on display as she reaches up into her hair. My eyes trace from her fingertips against her golden locks up to the bend of her elbow, down her cut bicep, to the curve of her breast popping forward above her ribs and pressing into her thighs.
“Can you help get this braid out? I think it got tangled in the water.” She says and I trace my eyes back up to her hair.
“Yeah, I’ll help.” I agree as I kneel down outside the tub.
Her hands lower and she sighs gently. She hugs them across herself, hiding the side of her chest I will never forget.
Focusing on my task, I begin to untangle her hair. Without a word needed between us, she hands me some conditioner and a wide tooth comb. I take them and set them down before handing her the snack.
Her hair is wet and darker than the usual sunshine hue. I work my way through the strands and once everything has been brushed straight I sit back on my heels.
“I think it’s done.”
She reaches back and combs her fingers through it. “Yes, oh thank you, Miguel. It feels so much better.” She says as she turns to smile at me.
My eyes nearly explode as I keep them focused on her face instead of wandering anywhere else.
Her hand reaches out and she lays her palm against my forearm. Her touch is warm and I am so fucking thankful she’s recovering.
“Did it hurt?” She asks as she pulls her arm back into the water and hugs her knees.
“What?”
“The lion tattoo.”
“Oh, I suppose it did, but that was kind of the point.”
“What do you mean?”
“He represents inner strength, power, courage. And when I got him I needed to be reminded of those traits.”
“That’s cool.”
She sounds distant, a little sleepy.
“I’m going to go.” I grunt out as I stand up and turn away from her. I need to get out of here. I need to regroup. “I’m going to bring your bike back but stay in that bath until the water feels cold and then rest up.”
“Yes Coach.” I can hear the smile in her voice. The teasing.
She either knows exactly how irresistible she is or she has no idea.
I can’t decide which is worse.
