Page 70 of Bedtime Stories
“Like what?”
“Like you just discovered paradise.”
He shrugs, completely serious. “Feels about right.”
I step forward before he can spiral into embarrassment and guide him under the spray. Warm water runs over his shoulders and he shivers when my hands start working soap into slow circles across his skin.
He tries to be shy, but he leans into it almost immediately.
“Relax,” I murmur, dragging suds down the line of his back.
“I am relaxed,” he insists.
“You’re vibrating.”
“That’s just… enthusiasm.”
I laugh quietly and slide my fingers into his hair, massaging his scalp while he tips his head back under the spray.
“Mm,” he breathes.
“There it is. That’s the sound I was waiting for.”
His eyes flutter open and he looks up at me again—so open, so trusting it nearly knocks the breath out of me.
“You’re looking again,” I point out.
“Can’t help it.”
I rinse the soap from his hair and grab a towel, taking my time drying him off. The whole time he squirms a little, cheeksbright, eyes flicking away and back again like he’s not sure where he’s supposed to look.
“You’re blushing,” I note.
“I am not.”
“You absolutely are.”
“That’s just the steam.”
I lean down so he has to meet my eyes.
“Sweetheart,” I say softly, “I know that look.”
His mouth falls open. “What look?”
“The one that says this exact scenario has been living rent-free in your imagination for a while.”
His ears go red.
“Oren.”
“Yes, Daddy?”
“You could’ve warned me.”
He groans and buries his face in the towel. “Please don’t make me admit that out loud.”
I chuckle and pull him closer, wrapping the towel around both of us.
