confusion.
“You need to warm up,” I tell her, kneeling
down to undo her shoelaces.
“Patrick…” she says, trying to object, but I’m
taking no notice. I’m here now, and I’m taking
care of her.
“I can do it by myself. And you need to dry off
and warm up too.”
I shake my head, signaling that she is all I care
about, and continue to undress her.
“Patrick, really.” She looks at me. “I’ll do it
alone. Thank you, but I’m okay to carry on by
myself now.”
I get up and reluctantly leave the bathroom,
closing the door. “I’m here if you need me.”
I go in the kitchen and put on the kettle. I take a
cup from the cupboard and prepare her a scalding
hot cup of tea with plenty of milk. I wouldn’t want
the caffeine to stir her up too much.
After a few minutes I decide to knock on the
bathroom door. “May I come in?” I ask before
entering.
The sight of her naked shoulders that are visible
above the water full of bubbles is paralyzing. I
catch my breath and quiver like a virgin schoolboy
that’s never seen a piece of nude female skin from
this close.
I swallow hard, more than once, and put my
other hand on the cup so as to stop it trembling
from the emotions I’m feeling. Then, I slowly get
