“No. Only when I’m interrupted from such a comfortable sleep.” He carries me into the bathroom.
“A hot bath should help wake you up.” I look down to see the tub full of water and overflowing with bubbles.
I look up and smile at him. “Now you’re just sucking up.”
“Maybe a little.” He grins, his blue eyes shining.
I kiss him on the cheek, his skin smooth against my lips. He presses his face into the kiss and moans softly. Not a ‘you’re making me hot’ kind of moan. An ‘I love that gesture’ kind of moan. It makes me all warm and tingly inside.
“We have to hurry.” Kayne places me on my feet in the tub. “Ten minutes enough time to soak?”
“Yes.” I drop down into the water, the bubbles covering up my body. “I’m surprised you’re letting me bathe alone.”
“I figured you might want some time to yourself. Am I wrong?”
“Yes and no,” I answer, leaving it at that. “I’ll be out in a few.”
Kayne nods then walks out, closing the door behind him. I lean against the edge of tub and gaze out the picture window into the dark. I daydream about this afternoon. The way Kayne touched me, the things he said. “I love you.” It’s never been like that between us before. It felt like he was trying to give me everything. Every part of him. It’s overwhelming in a good and bad way. I don’t want to rush into anything, and I don’t want to feel too much, but Kayne is a force to be reckoned with; especially when it comes to sex, love, even emotion.
“Ellie?” Kayne knocks.
“Times up?” I answer.
“For now.”
I climb out of the tub and dry off. I walk out of the bathroom and head for my bedroom, thinking about what I should wear.
“Where are you going?” Kayne asks from the chair in the corner of the room. He’s holding his phone, regarding me smugly.
“To get dressed. My clothes are in the other room.”
“Not anymore.” He nods his head toward the door behind him.
I walk cautiously by him and through the doorway. I’ll be damned, he moved me in. Everything I stuffed into my suitcase is now hanging on one side of the closet, opposite his clothes, which are situated just as neatly.
“Been busy have you?” I ask as he stands behind me.
“I didn’t think you’d mind.” He kisses my bare shoulder.
“I don’t, but only because I hate unpacking.”
“See? I’m good for something.”
“You’re good for a few things. Like telling me where you hid my underwear.” I walk into the closet. It’s as big as the bathroom in my apartment.
Kayne follows me in and pulls open a drawer.
“Underwear and bras.” He opens the next one down. “Shirts.” And then the last, grazing my arm with his lips as he goes. “Bathing suits.”
“Are you always so organized?” I sigh from the heat of his mouth.
“Yes. Repercussion of military life. I’m always on time, too. So get dressed,” he hisses in my ear playfully then leaves.
Fine then.
I dress quickly in a black miniskirt and midriff top with a flowy sheer overlay stitched with a funky black, white, and peach pattern. It was an impulse buy, but I like it. Kayne will hate it. I don’t regret the rash purchase one bit. I throw my damp hair into a high bun and attempt some makeup. Lastly, I rub some shimmery lotion on my arms and legs to moisturize and highlight my tanned skin.
I walk out of the bedroom exactly twenty minutes later and Kayne’s jaw drops.
