I closed my laptop and walked over to her. “Today is your day, my love. You could’ve interrupted me. What do you want to do first? We could go get some hot chocolate and stop by that bakery you love by the bookstore and get a cake? The weather’s not too bad, so we could take Duke to the park and you could eat your cake there, or we could bring it back here? Or we don’t have to go out at all and I can have everything delivered.”
“Yes to delivery. I’d like to be a hermit today.”
“I approve of this plan. How about I run you a bath so you can relax while I get everything ordered? Then I’ll come join you.”
“You are so incredible, you know that?”
I shrugged and kissed her forehead before taking off to set up the bathroom.
I had just bought her a projection light that made you feel like you were in the ocean. It changed colors, so I set it to red and turned on the relaxing sounds.
She was a big bath person, so I also bought her a tray to go over the tub, a bathtub mat that had jets on it, and a pillow with suction cups on the side for her to rest her head.
Okay, so I might have gone a little overboard, but it wasn’t my fault. I was obsessed with her, and I wanted to give her everything I could. Hopefully she loved it all.
I threw in some relaxing bath salts and bubble bath and smiled at my work. It looked so peaceful and smelled amazing. I propped up her e-reader in its waterproof case I just bought, too, and made my way to show the birthday girl my presentation.
I practically floated out of the bathroom, so excited to show her. “Are you ready for a relaxing bath, baby? I know how much you love taking a bath, so I got you a few things.”
She smiled at me and put down her phone before standing up and accepting the hand I held out for her. She nodded and I led her to the bathroom, motioning for her to go in first.
The way her eyes lit up at the sight of what I’d done made my shoulders sink back to their original position. She liked it. I did a good job! Yay me!
She turned toward me, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You did all this? For me? I love it, and I love you.”
I pulled her in for a hug. The kind of hug that warmed my soul and calmed my racing thoughts. The kind of hug that made me feel safe and seen and loved. The kind of hug that I could get with only Kaia.
When we parted, she asked, “Can you help me? I’m just so weak that I don’t think I can undress myself.”
I rolled my eyes at her joke. “Hey, I was sick! I actually didn’t have the energy. But of course I’ll help you. I’d never say no at the opportunity to get you naked, doodle.”
Winking, I started to unbutton her pajama shirt. I shrugged it off her shoulders and placed it in the hamper by the door. I had to force myself not to linger as I curled my fingers underneath the band of her sleep shorts and pulled them down, watching them pool to the floor.
I’d have plenty of time to enjoy her in her birthday suit, and I would, but right now, I wanted her to take time for herself and relax, something she rarely did. That was one of the reasons I texted Drea for her while she was sleeping. She would’ve never taken her birthday off on her own.
Ihelped her step into the tub and loved that I could stare at her while she sank down and enjoyed the warm water coating her skin. “Is it okay? Too hot? Too cold?”
She shook her head. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
I smiled and kissed her softly. “Take your time and relax. I’m going to give you time for yourself.”
She pouted but nodded. I placed one final kiss on her lips before leaving the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I’d secretly check on her every five minutes, though, since I couldn’t hear if she needed me for anything.
After the cake and everything else I’d ordered arrived, I set it all up in the living room and went to check on Kaia again. She was still lying in the bath, head tilted back and the biggest smile on her face. I lightly tapped on the door so I didn’t startle her and undid the robe I had put on, asking if I could join her. She nodded and moved the tray out of the way so I could slip in with her. I lay behind her and she lay back on me, entangling our hands together.
I wasn’t expecting anything to happen in the bath. I just wanted to relax and be with her in that moment. I found myself throughout the days just checking to make sure she was still there. She’d tell me she loved me and would smile at me, forcing me to believe it.
After some more time relaxing, and a little time making out, we got out and dried off, wearing only our matching silk robes she’d gotten me for my birthday. They were both burnt orange, which was my favorite color.
We walked hand in hand to the living room, where she stopped at my setup. “What is all this?” she asked, eyes wide.
I had set up fairy lights behind the TV against the wall, candles all around the room, and a chocolate fondue, complete with Rice Krispie Treats, strawberries, marshmallows, and even little pieces of angel food cake.
I shrugged. “I wanted to do something special for your birthday.”
“I truly don’t deserve you.” She shook her head and tugged me in for a kiss.
“You deserve everything and more, my love. Please sit down and get comfy. What do you want to watch?”
