Part Two

James slid his lean body into the tub, placing himself in front of Katie. He adjusted his weight, as to not take up too much of her space. Katie wrapped her legs around his waist while soaking a delicate and porous sponge in the water. She began rubbing James’ back. The warmth of the water eased James’ muscles as it trickled down his spine and the smell of vanilla and cinnamon filled his lungs as he inhaled. He could not have imagined a better birthday gift. A ‘sexy cake’ bath for two. Stroking Katie’s smooth and toned legs, James began to speak but stopped just before an utterance. He supported his head against Katie’s body and sighed, thinking to himself. What a privilege it was to be with Katie, to have her himself. Lost in his thoughts he didn’t hear Katie speaking. She cradled his body and whispered, “What are you thinking?”

“Nothing,” he lied, “Just enjoying the moment, relaxing.” His mind began to wander again. The fall was quick and hard. He had always found Katie attractive. She really knew him well. She knew what to say, how to respond and how to put him in place if need be. Still lost in his thoughts a sensation shot through James. He just realized that Katie had been planting baby kisses on his neck and shoulders.

“Are you sure you’re okay James? You haven’t been this quiet in awhile.”

“I’m good… just amazed at how lucky I am.”

Covering herself in water Katie responded, “Oh, you’re so romantic.” She paused, “You know I’m the lucky one here. The heavens must have heard my plea. I’m embarrassed to even say this but I’ve spent what seems like an eternity pining over you but you were married, with two beautiful kids.”

James listened intently, then said, “Go on.”

“I mean I know how deeply rooted your love for Stacey and the kids is. I could have never ripped that apart. Never to you! And I know this is going to sound a bit nasty and selfish but I’m glad Stacey didn’t know what she had in you, James. She’s foolish for what she did to your family and to you.”

James stood up to get out of the tub. Katie, thinking she had revealed too much, began to open the drain to the tub as to distract James from her admissions. A hand came down on Katie’s shoulder. She turned to look at James just as he went in for a kiss. As they pulled apart James spoke, “That was selfish but that’s why you’re you and why I love you.”

Katie’s face beamed. James said he loved her. That was the first time he had voiced those three words to her. A large bath towel in James’ hands awaited Katie’s removal from the tub. She got out and he wrapped her up.

“Are you ready for dinner,” Katie asked.

With a smirk and a devious look in his eyes James replied, “I think I’m ready for more dessert.”

Soon after making love, Katie fell asleep. James laid awake, satisfied, staring at her glowing skin. He thought to himself, he’d been pining for her too. He just suppressed the feelings. James wrapped his body around Katie, kissed the back of her head and fell into his own slumber, with dreams of what’s to come.