Frankie stepped under the hot spray that came from dual showerheads. At any other time, she would have been in awe of the gorgeous tiling and spacious area, but right now, she just wanted the heat and pressure beating against her skin. Tipping her head back, she let the hot water wash over her, trying to breathe in the steam. Her chest was too tight.
Leslie had been kind and gracious. She’d been gentle in manner and words with Travis and Miles. She’d handled Carter’s surly attitude with complete professionalism and empathy. It made Frankie wish she’d done the right thing sooner. Leslie had taken the paperwork Frankie had filled out back to the office with her and said the boys would be placed in an emergency care home in Minnesota for the night. They’d stay together for the next several days for sure but after that, they’d have to see. There was nothing Frankie could do now. She’d started the paperwork, she had people in her corner helping, and Leslie had already arranged a home visit with her to see the living conditions the boys would have at her house.
Frankie jolted slightly when the shower door opened, her thoughts lost in the steam. Ryan stepped into the spray, standing in front of her. Water dripped down his solid chest, over the six-pack that she’d enjoyed running her hands and mouth along earlier. His shoulders were muscled, but not over the top. Just strong and sexy. Like him. He pushed her wet hair back with both hands and kissed her, the water sliding over both of their bodies as they moved closer together.
“You did everything you could,” he whispered. She wrapped her arms around his waist and stepped closer. Despite his obvious interest, he continued to kiss her sweetly, without demand, with such gentleness that it almost undid the emotions she’d tried so hard to tie up, contain. He continued to kiss her in between lathering her with his body soap. She couldn’t say whether it was the water or his hands sliding over her body that drained the tension from her shoulders. When the water had cooled, he stepped out and grabbed two towels and tucked one around his own waist before wrapping one around her shoulders. He continued to kiss her as he rubbed her shoulders, her belly, her thighs. His eyes had a dark ring of green when she stood close and an intensity that she hadn’t expected. Just as she hadn’t expected him to take care of her as he was. The sadness she’d felt still lingered but he was bringing out other feelings as well. Desire was pushing to the top of the list. Affection and respect were close behind.
“Thank you,” she whispered, putting her palm to his jaw. She loved the feel of his skin, his face in her hands. He turned his head and kissed her palm.
“Don’t thank me. So far, I haven’t been able to do anything,” he said, frustration lacing his tone.
“You’re here. You’re supporting me. Taking care of me.”
He held her gaze a moment, letting their towels drop. He looked surprised by her words. Taking her hand, he led her from the bathroom to his bedroom, where most of the space was taken up by his massive bed. On one wall, a fireplace was glowing, keeping the room warm and soft. He stopped beside the bed then turned to her.
“You make me want to take care of you,” he said as he kissed her, gently at first, easing her in, soothing her, as the water had.
His hands came to her hips, gripping them tightly. She broke the kiss so she could explore his chest with her lips, her hands. His body was still shower warm and she smiled against him when she felt his shiver. He lifted her so she sat on the bed and she moved over so he could crawl in. As the fire danced, she marveled at the way her life had changed. She looked up into his face and wondered how it was that some people managed to work their way into the heart and fit perfectly. Ryan made her understand why no one else before him had seemed right. She pushed aside the worry that, after him, no one else ever would again. When his eyes found hers, he whispered her name and pulled her back into the moment. Kissing her softly, he told her that somehow, everything would be okay, and because she wanted to, she believed him.