Chapter23
Piper
My heart was full as we drove. I knew Cody’s was too, as he happily panted out the back window the entire time like he knew where we were going.
He bounded up the front steps, tail wagging like mad, his excitement evident. Nimbus and Smog approached cautiously at first, their tails puffed up in curiosity. As gentle as ever, Cody lowered his head, sniffing them tentatively until they recognized him and began rubbing themselves all over his sides.
Ren bent down to pat Cody’s head. “Welcome home, buddy.”
“I’m so happy right now,” I wrapped my arms around Ren’s waist, cuddling into him as I watched my little fur babies get reacquainted. “Look at them. Back together. Finally.”
He kissed my temple. “I know,” he murmured, his voice a gentle caress against my skin. “I’m happy for you. I’m going to call Jake and talk to him about what happened, okay?”
“Oh.” Her face fell. “Do you think this will cause a problem? He told me to stay away from them, but I thought?—”
“No. It should be fine, but I always like to err on the side of caution, so I’m going to make sure. I’m just going to see what he thinks.”
“Okay. I’ll go run that bath.”
He pulled me closer. “I won’t be too long,” he whispered softly, his breath tickling my ear.
“I’ll be waiting.” Slowly, reluctantly, I let him go and started up the stairs.
Ren watched me at the foot of the staircase, a smile dancing across his lips. “I’ll be right up. Do you want me to set out some water for Cody?”
“He’ll be okay, there’s a pet water dispenser in the kitchen. They’ve always shared it, and I’ll feed him later.”
Ren turned and headed into the living room, phone in hand, while I walked up the stairs. The warmth of his kiss still lingered on my skin and filled me with a sense of comfort and security. As I stepped into the bathroom, I turned on the water, letting the sound of the running bath soothe my thoughts.
Ren's voice echoed softly from downstairs, murmuring into the phone. I knew he was making sure everything would be alright, so I trusted his judgment and let my worries drift away.
Moments later, I heard his footsteps coming up the stairs. He appeared at the doorway, his eyes soft as they met mine.
“I’ve run the bath,” I said, turning to face him fully. “But it’s not for me. It’s for you.”
Surprise flickered across his face, followed by a look of gratitude. “For me?”
I nodded, stepping closer to him. “Yes. You’ve done so much today, and I thought you might enjoy a little time to relax. I want to take care of you too.” I reached out, my fingers brushing the hem of his shirt. “May I?” I asked softly, looking up into his eyes. He nodded, trust and desire evident in his gaze.
With gentle hands, I peeled off his shirt and placed a kiss on his shoulder, guiding him towards the edge of the bed to remove his shoes and socks.
“You don’t have to wait on me.”
I smiled, feeling a rush of affection for him. “I know, I want to. Remember when you offered to sleep outside my door the night of the raccoon invasion? You take care of me already, and that’s just one example. Now, it’s my turn. Plus, I don’t think we’ll both fit. You’re way too tall. I was going totake care of youup close and personal, but we can do that later.”
“Gotcha,” He chuckled, then stood, slipping out of his pants. He allowed me to lead him to the tub with a bemused smile on his face.
My gaze lingered on him, the soft light casting him in a golden glow. His broad shoulders and chiseled chest spoke of power, yet there was a gentleness in his demeanor, a tenderness that made my heart ache in the most beautiful way.
“Get in,” I whispered. “I’ll wash your back.”
Ren sank into the bath, his eyes closing as the warm water enveloped him. I watched him for a moment, appreciating the rare sight of him relaxing in the water. He deserved this, more than anyone I knew.
“How does it feel?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
He opened his eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Perfect. Thank you.”
I leaned down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You're welcome. Be right back.”