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The sky seemed to darken further at my words, and another bolt of lightning illuminated the kitchen, casting eerie shadows across the walls. The lights flickered on for a brief moment before plunging us back into darkness.
"From Mother Nature?" She looked up at me, her big blue eyes filled with vulnerability, and it made me melt.
"From everything. I want to insulate you," I whispered, my heart swelling with the need to keep her safe.
"I’m not a child," she reminded me, though her voice lacked its usual edge.
"But I want to protect you."
Erika buried her face in my shirt, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. The storm raged on outside, but in that moment, with her in my arms, I could stay like this forever.
“I don’t want to get out. Can we freshen the water again?” Erika’s voice was a soft plea, her back pressed warmly against my chest as the steam from the oversized egg-shaped tub enveloped us.
I ran my fingers gently along her shoulders, enjoying the intimate contact. “I guess,” I murmured, reluctantly releasing her from my embrace. I reached for the faucet, letting some of the water drain before adding more hot water to the tub.
“Feels so good,” Erika sighed, settling back between my legs as the new water filled the tub with comforting heat.
“You’re the first woman I’ve ever shared a bath with,” I confessed, tracing the line of her jaw with my fingertips.
Erika’s eyes sparkled as she turned her head slightly. “Because you’ve never had a relationship before?”
I shook my head, my breath brushing against her damp skin. “No. It’s because I see it as something too intimate—something confusing to share with someone I wouldn’t want in my life long-term.”
Curiosity edged her voice. “I’m curious. How many women have you slept with before?”
I twisted a strand of her long blonde hair around my fingers, considering the question. “Is that really relevant?”
“It’s not a judgment. I’m just interested,” she said, her tone softening.
“Too many, and some I should’ve walked away from,” I admitted, a hint of regret in my voice. “I like sex, and I enjoyed the offers.”
Erika shifted in my lap, her voice light but probing. “In my opinion, you don’t just like sex; you love it.”
“Is that a problem?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She shook her head with a teasing smile. “Not really. I’ve had my share too.”
“But you were safe, and so was I,” I reassured, feeling a flicker of pride. “I got tested regularly.”
“If you won’t tell me an exact number, how many in the past year?” she pressed, her gaze steady.
“Maybe ten. I didn’t always indulge, and as I got older, I became more selective,” I said, my voice steady but tinged with discomfort.
“Why me?” Erika’s question was quiet, but it held an edge of vulnerability.
I bent down, planting a soft kiss on her wet shoulder. “I don’t know. You caught my eye at the gym. I was drawn to your effortless charm, the way you tied that guy’s sneaker without a second thought. Was that a stunt to get my attention?”
“You mean Peter?” Erika asked, amusement dancing in her eyes. “It wasn’t a stunt. He has a bad back. I didn’t mind.”
“I noticed how he looked at you,” I said, my tone serious.
“And how did he look?” Erika’s voice was playful but curious.
“Like he was in love,” I answered, my frustration bubbling to the surface.
Erika laughed lightly, a sound that seemed to fill the room. “I doubt it. Peter’s been married to the love of his life for twenty-five years. He’s just trying to lose weight for their anniversary trip. Are you jealous?”
Her words stung, but I tried to mask it. “Jealous of him?”
