“You’re right. That doesn’t sound funny. It sounds wonderful.” I stepped up to him and smiled as his hands seemed to naturally move to the backs of my thighs, pulling me closer. “Are there bubbles?”
“Do you need bubbles?” His hands ran up my legs, fingers sliding under the edge of my skirt, flirting with the lace of my panties.
“Hmmm. Maybe not, but only if you join me.” His hands fell from my legs, which I was upset about at first, but he stood, pulling his shirt over his head, and I was too caught up in watching him undress to worry about much else.
We both took our clothes off, eyeing the other, then he led me to the bathroom where the deep, jetted tub was full, steam still coming off the water. And sure enough, in the back corner sat a glass of white wine, condensation forming on the outside of the glass.
Silently, he stepped into the tub, scooting his body back, leaving enough room for me to climb in front of him. Once we were both settled, my back against his front, one of his arms wrapped around the front of my shoulders, his other hand holding mine, only then could I feel myself start to really relax. A few quiet moments passed. I used my free hand to push the hot water up to my neck, loving the feeling of the water lapping against me.
“Tell me what’s bothering you,” he whispered against my ear.
Taking a deep breath, I prepared to say the words I knew would upset him. “The guy who attacked me at the bar showed up again tonight.” I felt him tense beneath me. His whole body contracted, hard like stone. “Randy spotted him before he really got in and kicked him out, but I can’t understand why he’d come back.”
“We’re going to the police station and filing a restraining order tomorrow.” I nodded, in complete agreement. “And you’re not working at a bar next summer. I don’t care what it takes, you’re not walking into a place where drunken idiots can get their hands on you all night.”
I ran my hand up his arm, trying to calm him. I was upset at first when Randy first told me what had happened, but I’d had a few hours to calm down. Devon was in the middle of the adrenaline rush, at the apex of the rage. I knew he wasn’t angry at me, but at the situation, and I just wanted to soothe him.
“I was thinking about that earlier today, even before he showed up. There are other ways I can make money in the summertime. I can tutor or even just get a normal waitressing job in a nice restaurant. No more bars. I only have two weeks left anyway. Summer’s almost over.”
“No more bars,” he practically growled. The words sounded more possessive than predatory, and even though it was slightly inappropriate considering the circumstances, I couldn’t help the fact that his voice did things to my body. “Tomorrow we go to the police station. My mom can watch the kids.”
“Okay,” I said, my voice breathy and soft.
He was quiet for a few minutes and as they ticked by his body slowly relaxed beneath me. I kept running my hand over his arm, splashing warm water on our bodies, just enjoying the way it felt to be held by him.
“You’ve been off for a few days, Grace. This isn’t just about what happened tonight. I can feel it. I know something else is bothering you. I just wish you’d tell me.” He paused for a moment, then gave my hand a squeeze before he spoke again. “Are you still worried about the photos?”
I tried not to react to his words. His breath against my skin made goose bumps break out, but the reason behind his words made me tense as I remembered the conversation I’d had with Shelby and all the things I still had to tell him. “I don’t know. Sort of. I think the photos just made me start thinking, and that was a bad idea in general.”
“What do you mean?”
“Before I unload on you, I just kind of want some sort of reassurance that you won’t think less of me afterward. I feel like a shitty person already, so just promise me you won’t hold it against me.”
“Babe, as long as what you’re saying is how you really feel, I’ll never think less of you. I might not always agree, but I’ll never look down on you for how you feel about something.” After he said the words, he pressed his lips against my neck and I cherished the connection, fearing it would be gone soon and I’d never have it again.
I took a deep breath and hoped this wasn’t the last conversation we’d have as a couple. I knew I had to talk to him about it, to let him either make me feel better or confirm my fears. Either way, it wasn’t fair to him to keep the thoughts to myself any longer. “You know you don’t have to worry about Jeff, right?”
“What do you mean?” Confusion laced his voice.
“I mean, if Jeff showed up on my doorstep next week, I’d tell him to go to hell. I’d slam the door in his face. He’d have no shot. You believe me, right?”
“Yeah,” he replied, still confused.
“Why do you believe me?” I asked, hoping to prove a point.
He didn’t answer right away, but eventually said, “Because you’re with me now.” My lungs snagged on a breath.
Damn.