Melting the Ice

TWENTY-EIGHT

“I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S HERE, CAROLINA. YOUR DAY HAS finally arrived.”

Carolina took in a deep breath, knowing it was probably the last time today she’d be able to breathe. She turned to her assistants and nodded. “It is. I couldn’t have done this without your help.”

Edward pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “You made this happen, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited as hell to be here.”

“You’re going to knock them dead out there, Carolina,” Tierra said. “And like Edward, I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

“Thank you. Both of you. Now let’s go get everyone dressed. Is makeup here?”

Tierra nodded. “Just arrived. Hair people are here, too. And Jessica is checking in the models.”

At least something was going right.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

She turned and gave a quick hug to her brother. “You made it.”

“Of course I did.”

“Are Mom and Evelyn here?”

“Yes. Mom’s so excited she couldn’t stop talking.”

Carolina grinned. “That’s great. I’ll go check on her.”

“Don’t worry about her. You have enough to do. Between Evelyn and everyone else fawning over her, she’s in heaven. She gets to meet big designers and magazine people today. And watch her daughter’s big debut.”

Just the thought of who would be out in the audience today made her stomach do somersaults. Other designers, along with the editors of some major fashion magazines.

She grabbed Gray’s arm. “I think I need to go lie down.”

He laughed. “You’re going to kill it. Now, where do you need me?”

“See that cute brunette over there? Just tell her who you are and she’ll tell you what to do and where to go.”

“Okay.” He kissed her cheek and wandered off.

Carolina took a moment to center herself before dashing off to see to the rack of clothes currently being guarded by one of her staffers. She and a few of her staff removed the clothes from the bags and began steaming any wrinkles while the models were busy in makeup and hair.

“All the models are checked in,” Jessica said. “Except for Drew Hogan.”

Carolina squeezed her eyes closed and counted to ten. She tossed Jessica her phone. “His number’s in there. Call him and ask him where the hell he is.”

This fashion show would be a nightmare without Drew. He was supposed to wear three of her menswear outfits. He’d promised her he’d be here. He’d already bailed on the print ad—surely he wouldn’t drop the ball on this, too, would he?

“No answer,” Jessica said, handing her phone back. “I called twice.”

Dammit. “Okay. Thanks, Jessica.”

Dread dropped a lead ball into the pit of her stomach. What was she going to do if he didn’t show up? She looked at the time on her phone. An hour until the show started. There was hair and makeup and coordinating the models into the lineups.

She wanted to tear her hair out from the roots, but her panicking wasn’t going to solve the problem. She had backup models ready to go in case of illness or no-shows.

She found Tierra. “Get Gerard into hair and makeup and prep him for Drew’s outfits.”

Tierra nodded and ran off.

Though Carolina had a million things to do, her thoughts drifted to Drew.

He’d let her down.

Again.

But there was nothing she could do about that. She checked on her models, who were mostly prepped and getting into their outfits. The stage manager gave her instructions, and she sidestepped security to finish up last-minute details. With her mother in the audience, security was extra tight today, Secret Service being doubled because of the expected crowd. Even she and Gray had Secret Service protection today, though she mostly ignored them. It was enough to know they were there, extra bodies in an already tight space.

When there was a rush of crowd noise, she turned around to see Drew running toward her. Sweat poured down his red face.

“I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?”

“Goddamned taxi rear-ended the car in front of us three blocks away. Traffic is a fucking nightmare. I finally got out and just ran the whole way.”

“Oh, Drew. I’m sorry. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Sure I did. I promised I’d be here, didn’t I?” He looked around at the models getting dressed around him. “Am I too late?”

He was sweaty, his hair wet from his run. Actually, he looked perfect. “No.” She grabbed his arm and took him into hair and makeup. “Gel his hair, give him a rough edge. He doesn’t need much in the way of makeup other than to tone down the redness from running. Otherwise, he’s good to go.”

“Probably a little deodorant would help, too,” he said with a smile.

She laughed. “Whatever. I’ll see you on the runway.”

He’d made it. He hadn’t blown this off. Her heart swelled with joy. One less thing to worry about.

In short order the models were lined up, Drew was in that fantastic outfit, and everyone was ready.

Carolina took in a deep cleansing breath, let it out, and when given her cue, stepped onto the runway.

“Good evening. My name is Carolina Preston, and I’m so thrilled to be here today to showcase Carolina Designs. This has been a long-held dream of mine, and I’m happy to set it free today. I hope you enjoy the show.”

She turned and headed back behind the curtains, listening to the polite applause. She knew it wouldn’t be wild clapping. She hadn’t earned that yet. But she hoped her fashions would show that she was a capable designer.

The music queued up, and she sent her first model down the runway. As she watched them on the monitor, it felt a lot like giving birth.

The men were going first, and they looked spectacular from casual slacks and button-up shirts to Drew taking the runway in a weekend outfit of drawstring pants and a fitted Henley. He grinned at the end of the runway, turned, and oh, God, the way he walked. Confident arrogance. No one could have done that outfit justice better than Drew. And Gray in a suit was something to behold.

The guys dashed back and changed, then went out again, everyone moving with precision. So far, so good. Gray came out next in a weekend casual piece, still very elegant, but oh, he looked so good. And Drew in jeans and a button-down shirt made her salivate. Every piece of her men’s line had turned out perfectly. She could tell the audience was captivated. She hoped it was the same when it came time for the women, who were up next.

First down the runway was her camel leather jacket and beaded mini. She felt such a sense of pride seeing something she’d created walk the runway at Lincoln Center. Then came the flirty dark print skirt and body-hugging sweater, followed by the low-slung pants and matching knee-length coat.

Outfit after outfit walked, and with each one Carolina wrapped her arms around herself, her eyes shimmering with tears. She hoped—oh, she hoped so much they were well received.

And when Esme walked out in her gown, she heard the collective gasps, and knew she had the audience by the throat. The applause as Esme disappeared was loud, and as the men came back out, followed by the women, people were on their feet, the applause deafening.

She’d done it. It was over. And it had been damn good, so she no longer cared what anyone thought.

“This is your moment,” Edward said, squeezing her arms. “Go take it.”

She nodded, turned to her assistants who had been right there by her side since the beginning. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Go,” Tierra said, laughing.

She walked out behind Esme. All the models clapped for Carolina. When she reached the end of the runway, she took a bow, then clasped Esme’s hand and mouthed “thank you” to her. Esme grinned and they walked hand in hand down the runway toward the curtain.

After, her staff surprised her with champagne. It was nonstop media and interviews and her mother and Evelyn came backstage, too.

“Oh, Carolina. You took my breath away,” Evelyn said.

“It was more than even I hoped for you,” her mother said, pulling her in for a tight hug. “Your designs are stunning. I’m so very proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She did a few interviews and talked to some fashion editors, who gave her very favorable reviews. One, a very prominent editor with one of her favorite magazines, said she’d love to do an interview and article about her. She had to keep from squealing, so she did it on the inside.

“So . . . you did good.”

She turned to her brother and Evelyn. “Thank you for doing this. You looked amazing today.”

Evelyn laid her hand on Gray’s chest. “He did, didn’t he? You know I’m going to want a suit like that for him.”

“And I’ll be happy to make one for him. On the house, of course.”

“Now how are you going to make money for Carolina Designs when you do it gratis.”

“Only for my fantastic brother.”

“I’m really proud of you, Carolina. I think you’re fantastic.”

That was high praise coming from Gray.

“Thank you.”

“I have to agree with Gray. You are a top-notch designer.”

Drew came to stand beside her.

“Thanks,” Carolina said. “And thank you for running three blocks to get here in time. You didn’t have to do that.”

He shrugged. “I’m sorry I was late.”

Gray frowned. “What happened?”

“Taxi rammed the car in front of us and then I got stuck in traffic, couldn’t find another taxi. It’s ridiculous out there. Who knew clothes were so popular?”

Evelyn laughed as she looked over at Carolina. “Men. They know nothing.”

“Nothing about Fashion Week, anyway. But I do appreciate it. Were you hurt?”

“Nah. I’m fine. Just pissed off at the taxi driver, who was mad at me for wanting to leave. And he wanted me to pay him the fare.”

“Seriously?” Evelyn asked, her eyes wide.

“Yeah. I cussed him out and told him he could chase after me if he wanted to, but I was already late and if he hadn’t been zigzagging in and out of traffic, he wouldn’t have clipped the car in front of him. Asshole.”

“Man, you need a drink,” Gray said.

Drew laughed. “In the worst way.”

“Come on. Let’s go get one. Carolina, can you get out of here yet?”

She looked around. The place was still filled with media, her assistants, and models. “I’m sorry. I can’t. But you go on.”

“Okay. We’ll catch up later. Maybe for dinner?”

“Definitely. I’ll text you when I’m free.”

They left, with her mother and Drew and the Secret Service, which gave her a little breathing room. She and her crew wrapped up the clothing and took care of clearing everything out. Tierra and Edward were going to follow the truck back to the studio with the clothes.

“I’ll finish up here and then I’ll meet you back at the studio,” she told them.

“No, you won’t. Go take some time off,” Tierra said. “You’ve earned it. Today is a day to celebrate. We’ll take care of the inventory.”

“And then Tierra and I are going to go pop a bottle of champagne and have a very expensive dinner. On you.”

Carolina laughed. “You two both deserve it. Enjoy. And thank you again.”

After she finished up, she texted Gray, who informed her they were all still at the restaurant. She managed to finagle a taxi despite the crowd and made her way over.

She was instantly handed a glass of champagne by Evelyn.

“I wish I could drink with you, but unfortunately, it’s sparkling water for me today.”

“Raise your glasses everyone,” her mother said. “To Carolina Designs. May today be only the beginning of many wonderful years of beautiful clothes.”

Carolina blushed as glasses were lifted toward her. “Thank you, Mom.” She took a sip of the wonderful champagne, and for the first time that day, sighed in relief.

“Glad it’s over?” Drew asked.

“Absolutely, deliriously glad it’s over.”

“But it’s just beginning, honey,” her mother said. “Now the real work begins.”

Judging from the texts and emails she skimmed on her way over, that could be true. She had requests for interviews and orders from some very prominent celebrities who wanted to wear her designs, including an Oscar-nominated actress or two who insisted they come by to discuss wearing her for the awards. One wanted to wear the dress Esme had worn today.

Holy. Shit.

“I’m going to be busy, I think. Which is a wonderful, incredible, mind-blowing thing.”

“I think the first thing you should do is call that former designer you worked for and tell him to suck it,” Drew said.

Carolina laughed. “That would be very unprofessional.” But she grinned just thinking about it.

“Drew is right about that, though of course you shouldn’t call him. He didn’t appreciate your talent. And look at you now.” Her mother was beaming.

“Thank you. All of you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“You did it on your talent, Carolina. Nothing more.”

Her gaze shifted to Drew. “Thank you.”

They had all eaten already, and her mother had a plane to catch.

“We have to get going, too, unfortunately,” Evelyn said. “Some race car business something-or-other that my fiancé claims to need to do in Florida.” She rolled her eyes, then winked.

“Thank you all so much for being here today. It meant everything to me.”

She hugged her mother and brother and Evelyn, and they left, Secret Service making a path for them.

“A lot quieter now,” Drew said.

“Yes.”

He signaled for their waiter. “And you should eat something. Have you even eaten today?”

“I don’t remember.”

“That probably means no.”

The waiter stood by while Carolina perused the menu. She was suddenly starving, so she chose a baked chicken breast with asparagus and rice.

“You don’t have to sit here with me while I eat.”

He cocked a brow. “Trying to get rid of me?”

“Not at all. I just know you’ve all eaten already. I’m sure you’re busy, too.”

“No game today. I’m all yours.”

She leveled a smile at him. “Thank you.”

“About that. I have to apologize to you.”

“For what?”

“For bailing on you.”

Confused, she frowned at him. “You showed up today. Even with a car accident. My God, Drew, you ran three blocks.”

“Not that. The advertising campaign.”

“Oh.”

“I was in my own head about the road games, trying to figure out what was going on and looking for something, anything—anyone—to blame.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I blamed you.”

“Me? Why?”

He shrugged. “Because you were as convenient an excuse as anything else. Sometimes, in sports, they say dating a woman during the season is bad luck.”

“Oh. And you think I’m your bad luck charm.”

“Something like that.”

“Okay.” So this was his breakup conversation. At least she was getting honesty from him, a reason behind his recent behavior. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense to her, but it was better than a disappearing act with no explanation.

“The problem was, it wasn’t you. It was all me.” He pointed to his temple. “It was all in my head. Still is. Whatever problem the team is having winning road games, it isn’t you causing it.”

“Good to know.”

He grasped her hand. “I’m sorry I let you down, Lina. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I acted like a selfish jackass and I hope you can forgive me.”

Oh. So it wasn’t a breakup conversation. It was an apology, and one she hadn’t expected from Drew.

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

“I know you had to scramble to find someone else to do the photo shoot.”

“Drew, I—”

“I know it came in the middle of you preparing for the biggest debut of your life.”

“Drew, really, I—”

“And that makes me the shittiest boyfriend in the world.”

Boyfriend? He’d called himself her boyfriend? They’d never once defined their relationship.

“You’re my boyfriend?”

“I don’t know. Lover? The guy who’s in love with you. Whatever you want to call me, I suck at it.”

She shuddered in a breath. He loved her? “You love me?”

“Shit. I told you I suck at this.” He took her hand. “Yes. I love you. I should have told you sooner, Lina. Not that I deserve to have your love after what I did to you. I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. And I promised you I wouldn’t let you down again. I’m not a guy who goes back on his promises. Can you ever forgive me for that?”

She was so overcome by his words that all she could do was stare at him.

“This isn’t going like I thought it would. You could say something. Kick me to the curb, tell me to go fuck myself. Or tell me you forgive me. Something.”

She laughed. “I’m sorry. I was just stunned there for a moment. Of course I forgive you. We all go through things that are tough and emotional, and sometimes we take them out on the people we care about the most. First, I haven’t done the photo shoot yet.”

“You haven’t?”

“No. I decided to delay it until after Fashion Week. I did find someone else to do the shoot, but Drew, no one could replace you. Not in my head. I could only see you in those shots. You’re my perfect model for the print ad. I kept hoping you’d come around and maybe that’s why I delayed it until after the show. I kept hoping you’d change your mind.”

He lifted her hands and kissed them. “I’m a jerk.”

She laughed. “No, you’re not. Okay, sometimes you are. Sometimes I am, too. I can be self-absorbed and too into my own work. But the one thing that has consumed me for the past several months, sometimes to the detriment of my own work, has been you. I’m in love with you, Drew. I think about you all the time.”

He got up and came around to her side of the table, then pulled her into his arms and laid a kiss on her that left her breathless and dizzy. And despite being in a public restaurant, he continued to kiss her, framing her face with his hands, until she was certain that he was most definitely in love with her, because no man would kiss a woman like that in public unless he had genuine feelings for her. Because there was suddenly applause and catcalls and whistles, and when he pulled away, he ignored them all, focusing only on her as he smiled.

“I love you, Lina.”

She licked her lips, feeling as if this day couldn’t possibly get any better. “I love you, too, Drew.”

The waiter brought her food. Funnily enough, her near starvation of a few minutes ago had dissipated. But she ate anyway, while Drew watched her.

“You’re watching me eat,” she said.

“Yeah. So?”

“It’s a little disconcerting.”

He picked up the fork and scooped rice onto it. “Now I’m feeding you. Better?”

He slid the fork between her lips. She closed her mouth over it, but then found him watching her mouth.

“Now it just looks dirty.”

“Stop, or you’ll make me hard.”

She laughed, pushed him away, and finished her meal. They left the restaurant and went back to her apartment.

“When is your next game?” she asked as he opened the door for her.

“Tomorrow night.”

“Road game or home game?”

“Road game. New Jersey.”

He helped her with her coat. She turned to face him. “At least we have tonight together.”

He slipped his arms around her. “Yeah, we do, and it’s been too damn long since we were together. I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you, too. Now kiss me, undress me, and make love to me.”

“I’m all over that.” He gave her a wickedly sexy half smile she’d also missed—the one that tugged at her insides and turned her into mush.

He brushed his lips over hers, then pressed harder, opening her mouth and sliding his tongue over hers. She wound her hand around the nape of his neck to draw him closer, needing his hands, his mouth on hers, that connection they always forged that was emotional as well as physical.

The way he touched her, moving his hands over her body as if he were exploring her for the first time, never failed to send her nerve endings into overdrive. Her nipples peaked hard and tingled as he wound his hands down her sides and over her butt.

He dragged his lips over her jaw and across her neck, his hand roaming up her back to reach for the zipper on her dress. She shivered as he pulled the zipper down.

“Cold?” he asked.

“A little.”

“Come on. Let’s go to your bedroom.”

He took her hand and led her into the bedroom, stopping next to her bed. He turned her around and pulled the dress from her shoulders, kissing the top of her spine. Goose bumps pricked her skin, but this time it wasn’t from the cold. She pulled the long sleeves of her dress from her arms, then let the dress pool to the floor.

“Now there’s an outfit,” he said.

She looked down at her peach and cream lace and satin bra and panties, and the heels she still wore. She sat on the bed and lifted her foot for him to remove her shoe. He took one shoe off, then massaged her foot.

“Oh, God, that feels so good.”

“You were on your feet all day.” He took the other shoe off, holding the stiletto heel in his hand. “How do you women walk in these things?”

“We make sacrifices for the sake of beauty and to make our legs look good.”

He tossed the shoe to the floor and rubbed her foot. “You could wear bunny slippers and your legs would look smokin’ hot.”

He moved from one foot to the other, and the combined pain and pleasure was so good it was better than any foreplay.

“You could do that for an hour or so and I won’t complain.”

“You need a hot bath. You’re probably exhausted.”

“What about the sex?”

He grinned. “We’ll get to it.”

He started into the bathroom.

“Drew. Wait.”

“What?”

“I’ll agree to the hot bath, but only if you take it with me.”

“I’ll take it with you, but only if there are no bubbles in there.”

She laughed. “Deal.”

She followed him into the bathroom. She loved her oversize tub with the jets. She sat on the side and turned it on.

“You’ll probably enjoy the bath, too.”

“I’ll like being in there with you. Naked.”

She shook her head. “Men and their one-track minds.”

“Blame the penis.”

He got undressed, and Carolina shed her underwear and put her hair up. By then the tub was mostly filled, so Drew held her hand while she climbed in. He got in behind her. The water was hot and enticing, and Drew was right. This was exactly what she needed after a long, stress-filled day. Warm water, the jets billowing around her aching body, and the man she loved giving her a magnificent shoulder rub.

“So how does it feel?” he asked.

“Mmm,” she said. “It feels fabulous.”

Drew laughed. “No, not the shoulder massage, though I’m glad that feels good. I meant how does it feel to be a success?”

“Oh. Well, I’m not a success yet. But I feel like I could get there.” She turned around to face him, wrapping her legs around him. “For the first time, I have a confidence I’ve never had before, a belief in myself I’ve never felt before. I mean, I always thought I could do this. I believed in my designs, otherwise I would have never put my reputation on the line like that. But to have the reception that I had today. I don’t know, Drew. That, I didn’t expect.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “You need to believe in yourself more. You’re a fucking rock star, Miss Preston.”

Her lips curved. “I like the sound of that. Maybe I should put that on my business cards.”

He leaned back in the tub. “Would look good on there.”

She followed him, climbing onto his lap, then grabbed the sponge, dipping it into the water. She wrung it out over his chest, then smoothed it over his shoulders.

His cock began to grow hard underneath her, which made her smile.

“You’re just way too easy.”

“And you’re naked and slippery, and your pussy is moving back and forth on my dick. What did you expect?”

She let the sponge drop into the water, then lifted her fingers up, letting droplets fall over the top of his head. He laughed, shook his head back and forth, water spraying her.

Then he pulled her against him, kissing her until everything on her was throbbing. She rubbed her breasts against his chest, her nipples tightening to hard, aching peaks.

And when she dipped her hand in the water and reached for his cock, fitting it at her pussy, he grasped her wrist.

“Lina. I don’t have a condom on.”

“And I love you. You love me. I assume that means we’re committed to each other. I’m on the pill and I never have sex with anyone without them wearing protection.”

He stared at her, his gaze clear and dead serious. “Neither do I. I don’t want to be with anyone else but you. I haven’t been with anyone else but you since that night I walked in here when Gray invited me over.”

That made her stomach tumble. “Drew.”

“I just want you to be sure.”

“Very sure. I want you inside me right now.” She lifted, then slid over his cock, watching his expression change, the way his gaze turned to molten desire as he looked at her.

“Christ, Lina, you feel good. This feels so good.”

She moved against him, feeling every inch of him expanding inside her.

“Fuck. Not like this,” he said, grabbing her and pulling her out of the water.

He stepped out of the tub, her legs wrapped around him, and laid her down on the thick carpet on the floor next to the tub.

“I want to feel you. Just you. Your heat and the wetness of your pussy.” He plunged inside her, and she arched against him.

“Yes. Like this, Drew. More.”

His mouth met hers in a tangle of lips and tongues as he thrust harder, then stilled. “Feel me, Lina. Feel my cock twitch inside you. You make me want to come.”

She did feel him, more than she’d ever felt him before. Expanding, moving, and taking her right to the edge of reason. His gaze met hers, his hair and body wet, droplets falling on her as he surged against her.

She arched to meet him, needing that contact to come. She tightened and quivered even as he ground against her. And when she splintered, he kissed her, his groan against her lips sending her spiraling out of control as he released inside her.

It was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, a joining of the two of them that was as emotionally fulfilling as it was physically. Drew tightened his hold on her, swept his hand underneath her to pull her closer as she cried out, the waves of her orgasm catapulting her over the edge again and again.

Out of energy and completely spent, she lay there underneath him, nipping at his bottom lip, drawing her hand over the sleek line of his shoulder while he buried his face in her neck.

“I’m sweaty,” he finally said. “We should probably get back in the tub.”

She smiled at that. “Probably. But I think I’d rather have a shower this time.”

He lifted her up and they stepped into the shower.

“You are so sexy when you’re wet.”

She had submerged her head under the water, and opened her eyes to find him giving her that look, the one that enveloped her in heat and made her sex swell with desire.

He pushed her against the wall of the shower and kissed her until steam rose over them both. He slipped his hand between her legs, rubbing back and forth until she whimpered.

“I want to fuck you again.”

“Yes,” she said, nearly out of breath as he spread her legs and slid inside her.

She was ready, quivering and needy as he lifted her arms over her head and thrust into her, grinding against her clit.

God, she could come already, the way he rolled his hips over her, his body so close to hers. But then he pulled out and dropped to his knees, covering her sex with his mouth.

She looked down to see water sluicing over her body and dripping over him as he licked and sucked the sensitive nub.

“Drew. Yes, like that.” She rested her head against the shower wall as he rolled his tongue over her and shattered her, making her cry out and shudder through another amazing orgasm.

When he rose, he took her mouth in a devastating kiss that kept the sensations rolling.

He lifted her leg and eased inside her.

“Your pussy is still quaking,” he said. “It tightens around me and makes me want to come hard inside you.”

She loved the way he talked to her during sex, the open, honest way he shared what he felt. “You make me crazy. The things you do to my body.”

He gripped her butt and held her while he made love to her achingly slow, easing his cock in, only to slide it partway out until she was on the ragged edge, gripping his shoulder and propelling herself forward to impale herself on his shaft. She wanted more, needed all of him inside her. And when he thrust deeply, she growled, taking his lower lip between her teeth to nip.

He growled back at her, as lost as she was in the animal passion that drove them. He pushed her back against the wall and increased his thrusts, pummeling her until she cried out as sweet release seared her. Drew let go, too, pumping furiously into her and shuddering his release, his fingers digging into her flesh as he poured into her.

Her legs were shaking. Drew palmed the wall next to her and held on to them both.

“Good thing we’re in the shower,” he said, “because you made me sweat again.”

She laughed. “How convenient.”

She dipped her head back under the water to wet her hair, then grabbed for the shampoo.

“Let me,” Drew said, taking the bottle to pour some shampoo in his hand.

“Oooh, this is a treat.” She turned around and Drew lathered the shampoo in her hair. She felt decadent, her scalp tingling when he gave her a slow, delicious massage as he shampooed her hair. “Could you come over every day and do this for me?”

He paused. “Yes.”

She rinsed, then opened her eyes to find him staring at her, an unfathomable expression on his face.

There were things they needed to talk about. But everything was so new between them, this declaration of love. It was still so tenuous, and she didn’t want to do anything to break that bond. So instead, she leaned forward and kissed him, then laughed. “My own personal shampoo slave. I like that.”

He laughed, breaking that tension. They finished cleaning up, dried off, and got dressed, then cuddled together on the sofa.

She could get used to having him here with her whenever he was in town.

But that was a topic for another time. Right now, it was enough that they loved each other.

One step at a time.