“I need a shower.”
“No shower. A bath is better.”
Picking me up, Kash cradles me in his arms and walks us to the bathroom. He gently lowers me into the hot water, then nudges me to lean forward so he can climb in behind me. His large arms wind around me, as we settle in the tub. The water is hot and feels amazing against my worn-out body. It’s just big enough for the two of us.
“Are you really okay?” he asks softly in my ear.
Nodding my head, I lie back against him and relax. I skim my hands across his arms, still feeling the need to touch and stay connected to him. “Yes. I would have used my word if I wasn’t. I promise.”
Kash is quiet for a moment, then kisses my head. “Thank you, Mila.”
Snorting, I turn to face him. “Um, I’m pretty sure I should be thanking you. I just got three orgasms back there.”
Laughing, Kash nods. “And don’t you forget it either, but seriously. I appreciate the way you defended me at your parents’ house, and the way you trust me with your body and your heart.” He runs his hand down my arms, squeezing as he goes. “I don’t think you’ll ever be able to truly understand the depth of my feelings for you.”
Kissing him softly, I pull back and meet his gaze. “I think I’m starting to.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Kash
I’m practically bouncing on my heels with happiness. Mila went to work early this morning so she could get some things prepped with the girl they just hired. Kate started a few weeks ago and I think it’s been going well so far. Hopefully, having someone else there early will offload some of the strain on my girl. She works so hard, and sometimes she gets mad when I tell her I think she workstoohard.
I don’t understand how she functions on five or six hours of sleep. Some nights when I get home from the shop, I crawl into bed next to her and try to be as quiet as possible. Other times, she’s up, waiting for me, and neither of us get much sleep. It’s been perfect.
She tried to sleep in her old room once. I got home late after a longer session with a regular client. Dax is a cool guy, but we had to adjust his piece, and it took forever—well, at least it felt that way. I made it home closer to midnight, walking in as quietly as possible so I didn’t disturb Mila.
Grabbing some boxers from my dresser, I decide to use Mila’s old room to shower. I don’t want to chance waking her up when I know she has to be up in a few hours. Taking the quickest shower known to man, I’m surprised to find her lying in bed asleep.
I stand there for a solid five minutes, running through all the reasons why she would be sleeping in here instead of our bed. Did she not want to walk the thirteen extra steps to our room? Did she not want to sleep without me next to her? Or maybe she was folding laundry, got tired, and just fell asleep, under the blankets with no laundry basket in sight.
Pulling back the blanket, I find Mila completely naked, and I briefly curse Dax and his stupid tattoo. I carefully pick up her sleeping form and carry her into our bedroom, laying her down gently. No longer needing boxers, I shove them down my legs, then slide in next to her. She briefly wakes up when I pull her into my arms, giving me a sleepy smile. I swear to God, my heart stops.
“Hey, Casanova,” she whispers, her voice heavy with sleep.
“Hi, Wifey. Sorry I’m late.”
Yawning, Mila stretches her smooth legs against mine. I’m hard as a rock, but I’m ignoring it. She needs sleep. I know she does, and so does she. “Mmmm. S’ok.” She closes her eyes again, laying her hand on top of my chest, rubbing slow, smooth circles. “Are you naked, Kash?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to...”
“Naked cuddle you? Absolutely,” I whisper, kissing her forehead.
She cracks an eye, looking at me with a curious expression. “Isn’t that just sex?”
“No.” I pull her tighter to my body, drawing her in so she’s all but lying on top of me. “Naked cuddling is me holding you close, your skin to mine, knowing that nothing else is as important as this moment.”
“Sounds good, Casanova.”
“Good.”
Opening the door toTwin Roasts, the scent of coffee and baked goods hits my senses. I can practically taste the maple scone I see in the case, just waiting for me, but first, I need to see my girl.
Mara stands behind the counter, helping a customer. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s almost smiling. Walking past her, I’m about to go into the kitchen when I hear her voice. “Don’t even think about it, Kash.”
Freezing in place, I spin to glare at her. “Don’t think about what? I know you’re not telling me I can’t go see my girl.”
