Chapter 20: The Warmth Between

The silence that followed was soft and saturated with breath. Kacie lay still, her body limp between them, her limbs draped over Faith and Paul, her skin slick with sweat and glowing in the low lamplight. The intensity of what they’d shared had left her trembling and weak, in the most blissful way.

After a long moment, they began to gently disentangle. Faith kissed Kacie’s shoulder and slid out from beneath her, brushing hair from her face. “I’ll run a bath,” she whispered, her voice a gentle hum of comfort. “We could all use a soak.”

Paul stayed with Kacie, stroking her thigh, her side, tracing slow circles on her hip. She looked up at him with sleepy eyes and a smile that was half awe, half gratitude.

When Faith called out that the tub was ready, Paul gathered Kacie into his arms. She was light and warm against him, and she nuzzled into his neck as he carried her through the ensuite door.

The scent met them first—light and exotic, a heady blend of coconut, jasmine, and sweet citrus from the bath beads Faith had scattered into the steaming water. The large tub glowed slightly in the dim light, reflecting the golden candle flicker from the vanity. Faith was already inside, the water lapping gently around her as she leaned back against the curve of the porcelain.