Page 10 of Ashes to New

She released Forest, and he slumped into her waiting arms. He could barely walk.

“Come,” she said. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

He moaned. “I can’t do this anymore.”

“You will.”

He had to because she couldn’t do it alone. Maybe that made her selfish—to want someone to share in the misery that permeated every painful breath. It had to mean she was a horrible person.But how could she think otherwise?

She took Forest into her bathroom because she had a tub.

“Why are you bringing me in here?”

“It’s easier to help you in here.”

“I can take a shower in my own bathroom.”

“You’re not even capable of supporting your weight, Bean.”

His entire body was covered in dried sweat and crusty secretions. His rank smell inundated her nostrils and forced her to breathe through her mouth.

“I don’t need your help.”

His entire body shook as she held him. Getting him into the Jacuzzi tub took effort on both their parts, and it didn’t help that they were still naked from the evening’s activities.

Forest flinched every time she readjusted her hold. He pulled away when she wrapped her arm around him to steady him. He refused her grip when she tried to help him sit in the tub.

Hesitant to touch or terrified to be touched?There was little she could do about that.

He needed a bath, and he wasn’t strong enough to do it himself.

The water coming out of the faucet was cold, and he hissed when it splashed his feet and lower legs. The water did warm, and with the filling of the tub, tension eased in his body.

She took the soap from the shower. Opening the cabinet, she retrieved a clean washcloth. When she returned to Forest, the water filled half of the tub. He had his head resting against the back of the tub, slipping down to submerge as much of his body as possible. Tension tugged at the corners of his closed eyes and reflected in the tightness of his jaw.

Crouching, she positioned herself on the edge of the marble step. “Do you want me to put on the jets?”

He cracked one eyelid and gave a shake of his head. “I’m good.”

“Is it too warm?” She leaned over and tested the temperature.

“It’s perfect. In fact, can you make it a little hotter?”

Making the adjustments, she dipped the washcloth into the water to wet it and then folded the soap inside. Reaching out, she pressed the washcloth to his upper arm.

Forest jumped. His eyes flew wide open, and his entire body shifted away.

She withdrew her hand. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

His large hand took the washcloth. “I got this. Maybe just let me sit for a bit?”

“You might fall asleep.”

“If I go under the water, I’m pretty sure I’ll wake up.” He held his body rigid, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Are you okay?”

The muscles of his jaw clenched. “I will be.”