Page 77 of Dreams and Desires

“Anything you want to watch?” he asks, trying to keep things light.

“Uh, no. I don’t care,” I reply, not really in the mood for TV.

He smiles sympathetically, settling back on the cushion as he turns on one of the first recommendations. The sound of the TV fills the room, but I can’t focus on it. Another cramp hits, and I clutch my stomach, wincing as the pain intensifies. The warmth from the towels fades too quickly. Zade watches me with concern, his brow furrowed.

“Still having cramps?” he asks softly.

I nod, biting my lip to keepfrom groaning out loud.

He clears his throat, looking thoughtful for a moment. “You know, sometimes a massage can help with cramps. I could give it a try if you’re okay with that.”

I hesitate, feeling a little self-conscious, but his concern is so genuine that I nod. “Yeah... that might help.”

Zade immediately shifts closer, all business now. “Okay, just relax. I’ll be gentle.”

I lean back on the couch, loosening my bathrobe a bit to get comfortable. His warm hands rest gently on my lower abdomen, and he starts to massage in slow, soothing circles. His touch is careful, focused on easing the pressure rather than anything else.

“Is this okay?” he asks, eyes searching mine.

“Yes,” I breathe out, already feeling some of the tension start to melt away. The warmth of his hands and the gentle pressure are comforting, and I let out a small sigh of relief.

He continues to massage, his hands moving steadily, carefully avoiding anything that might cause discomfort. “How’s that? Is it helping?” he asks, glancing at me with worry in his eyes.

“Yes, it’s helping,” I reply, feeling the pain gradually start to ease.

He nods, clearly relieved, and keeps going, his attention fully on making sure I’m comfortable. His movements are steady, almost rhythmic, and it’s clear he’s doing everything he can to make me feel better.

After a while, the cramps start to subside, and I can feel myself relaxing more fully.

“How do you feel now?” he asks gently, his hands finally stilling.

“Better. Much better,” I say, offering him a small, grateful smile.

He lets out a breath he’d probably been holding, then pulls me into a warm embrace. “Good,” he murmurs, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Anytime you need me, I’m here, okay?”

I rest my head on his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my cheek. The warmth and comfort of his embrace make me feel safe, and for the first time in a long while, I feel truly cared for.

“Thanks,” I mutter. “Seriously. I wouldn’t have handled this alone.”

He smiles, his eyes soft with affection. We stay like that for a while, just holding each other, the world outside forgotten. Eventually, Zade gently pulls away, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I have to go to work,” he says softly. “But when I come back, we’ll head back to Cody.”

I nod, feeling a pang of disappointment but also understanding. “Okay.”

He kisses me gently, his lips lingering on mine. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

I watch as he gets dressed and just as he’s about to leave, he turns back, his eyes soft, almost vulnerable. “Take care of yourself, Juniper. I love you.”

“I love you too,” I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them, and the second they do, I feel my heart swell with the reality of what they mean.

He pauses, a surprised but joyful smile spreading across his face. “Wait… what did you just say?”

I swallow hard, my throat tight with emotion. “What?”

“You said…” He sounds shaky, like he can’t quite believe it. “You finally said it… that you love me too.”

The realization hits me like a wave, crashing over everything I’ve held back for so long. My breath catches in my throat as I nod, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “I really do,” I whisper, feeling the truth of it in every fiber of my being.

For a moment, he just stands there, like he’s trying to process it, and then a smile breaks across his face—pure, unguarded joy that makes my heart ache with how much I love him. “Me too,” he declares and in that moment, I know this is real. This is everything.

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