Page 80 of Crazy Love

“Now we’re talking. I love the sound of that.”

I shake my head, moving past him. “I think you’re hearing something I’m not saying.”

“We’ll see about that.”

I snort and go into the bathroom, running the water and adding the drops of oil that I love. My favorite has hints of vanilla and citrus. It’s not too sweet but just enough to feel comforting and indulgent. Any time I use it, Penn mentions how delicious I smell and how soft I feel.

I light a few candles and dim the lights. When I turn the water off, Penn walks in behind me.

“You getting in, or are you just gonna stand there brooding?” I ask.

His mouth twitches, the smallest hint of a smile before he shakes his head. “I don’t brood.”

“You totally brood.” I flick a bit of water in his direction. “I feel like brooding after that surprise visit myself. I think we’llhave to intentionally unbrood ourselves.” I pull my shirt over my head and his eyes light with interest. “Strip.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He watches me as he slowly pulls his shirt over his head. As he exhales, and I see some of the tension already leaving his body, mine tightens up in anticipation. The way his muscles shift as he steps out of his pants…he is the most beautiful man. His chest is sculpted with precision, his arms are lined with muscle, his tattoos are beautiful, his skin sun-kissed, and his abs are cut with deep lines, a testament to the work he’s put into his body. His waist is lean and his thighs are thick and powerful, and even when he’s still, there’s an energy about him, like he’s about to spring into action. And his face…I love his face so much. So masculine and yet beautiful, a rugged charm despite his pretty eyes and full lips. His eyes are full of mischief, like he knows the effect he has on people. I’m pretty sure he knows the effect he has on me. And when I see the stubble on his face, I imagine the scrape of it between my legs.

When he finally tugs his boxer briefs down, a quick intake of breath escapes my lips. He’s long and hard and thick and he absolutely knows how to use what he’s been given. He smirks before turning around and I admire his ass. There really is no place on his body that isn’t perfect.

He steps into the tub, the heat of the water making him groan low in his throat. He lowers himself into the water and looks up at me. “Okay. This was the perfect idea.”

I grin smugly.

He points at me. “Your turn. You didn’t finish stripping for me. And I’m not taking this bath alone.”

I’m not as deliberate with my striptease, hurriedly getting out of my clothes, but he watches like I am putting on a delicious show. When I’m completely undressed, he holds out his handand I take it as I step into the bath. I sit in front of him, and his arms come around my waist, his chest pressing against my back.

I hum in approval. “Told you.”

His lips brush against my shoulder, warm and lazy. “You like telling me you’re right…”

“I really do.” I lean back against him, letting my head rest on his shoulder. “You okay?”

“I will be.” His fingers trace light patterns along my hip under the water. “It’s just…I want this to all work out so much. I want Sam to be okay, I want you to be okay…”

“I’m okay.” I turn slightly, enough that I can see the edge of his jaw and the way his gaze is fixed on my chest as he reaches up to cup my breast. “And we’re figuring it out together. You don’t have to carry this by yourself anymore.”

He gives my nipple a slight pinch and my head falls back again. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

I shift, turning fully so I can straddle his lap, and the water sloshes with the movement. His eyes lift to mine and they soften.

I smile, cupping his face in my hands. “You know what helps?”

He leans close and wraps his mouth around my bud. His tongue swirls around the peak. “What?” he asks.

My lips brush against his head as I whisper, “Distraction.”

I feel his lips lift against my skin and his voice is playful. “Is that so?”

He’s so hard underneath me and it’s hitting me just right. I lean into him.

“Mm-hmm.” I press a kiss on his cheek and then a light, lingering kiss on his lips. “You, me, a hot bath…seems like the perfect opportunity for a little stress relief.”

His hands slide up my back, pulling me flush against him. “I think I might like unbrooding.”

“See? I can be very persuasive.”

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