Page 40 of My Ex-Military Biker

"I know. I asked you to be."

"It was your first time with someone new. I should’ve been more careful.”

"I didn’t want that. I wanted you. All of you."

She drinks more coffee. Looks at me over the rim. "Are you fine with it?"

"Yeah."

"You sure? Because you look like you're thinking about something."

I am thinking about something. About how she looks in my bed. About how I want her here tomorrow. And the day after. About how I let her in and it doesn't feel like a mistake.

"Just thinking about you staying," I say.

"I already said I'm staying."

"I know. Just making sure I heard it right."

Small smile. "You heard it right."

She finishes her coffee. Sets the cup on the nightstand. "I should probably shower now."

"Yeah."

"Will there be hot water?"

"There's always hot water."

"Good."

She stands up, letting the sheet drop. Completely unselfconscious about being naked in front of me in the morning light. Walks to the bathroom. Stops at the door. "You coming?"

"You just said you're too sore."

"I am. But you can still wash my back. Or just stand there and watch. I don't care which."

I follow her to the bathroom.

The shower is exactly what it needs to be. Hot water, soap, her body under my hands in a way that's not sexual but still intimate.

I wash her back like she asked. Careful around the marks. She leans into my touch, lets me take care of her.

When we're done I dry her off. She stands there and lets me.

When I'm finished she takes the towel and returns the favor. Her hands gentler than mine were last night but no less thorough.

We get dressed. She puts my shirt back on, nothing underneath. I put on clean clothes.

"You hungry?" I ask.

"Starving."

"I'll make food."

In the kitchen I make eggs and toast. Nothing fancy. She sits at the table and watches me work. Comfortable silence between us.

I bring plates over. Sit across from her. We eat.