Page 46 of Cedarwood Cabin

“My right hand or the hot tub?” Dax asks with a playful tone, smirking.

“The hot tub!”

“Haha. I’m just joking, sure.”

“Oh, shit! I don’t have any swimwear,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“You can go in naked…Perhaps just wear your bra and panties?” Dax suggests.

“Maybe…”

Dax and I start walking toward the cabin when the door opens. Lyka steps out, heading toward the barn. He acknowledges us with a nod as he passes by.

“Lyka!” Dax calls out. “Flora’s thinking about trying out the hot tub tonight.”

Lyka stops walking as he turns around and looks at me. A small smile tugs at his lips before he continues walking to the barn. Dax and I head inside, the scent of burning logs greeting us as we step into the living room.

I stand in the bathroom wearing a robe, preparing for an evening in the hot tub. Suddenly, dark thoughts flood my mind with memories of my mother, father, and past. The darkness overwhelms me and I feel like I’m being sucked into a black hole. My chest tightens and I find it hard to breathe.

I sit on the edge of the tub, trying to steady myself. Tears fill my eyes and I’m unable to hold back my sobs. My crying echoes around the bathroom loudly. I bite my hand, trying to hold in the noise.

The door suddenly opens and Dax rushes in. “Hey, hey,” he says calmly while kneeling beside me.

“I’m…I’m…sorry,” I say, my voice trembling. Feeling embarrassed and vulnerable, I wipe away my tears.

“It’s okay,” Dax replies, placing his arm around my shoulder. He is full of concern as he cups my face. His finger caresses my cheek and wipes away my tears. I glance up and see Lyka standing in the doorway, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable like always. Dax nods at him and a silent communication passes between them. Lyka lingers for a moment longer before turning and walking away, giving us privacy.

“If you want to talk, I’m here,” Dax offers softly.

I try to push the darkness away and take a deep breath. “I’ll be fine. Let’s go outside to the hot tub. Shall we?” I say, trying to ease my thoughts.

Dax hesitates, his eyes searching mine for any sign that I'm not okay. But I maintain the smile on my face, trying to convince him. Eventually, he nods, standing up and offering me his hand. “Okay,” he agrees, though his concern doesn't fade.

He helps me get up to my feet and I take his hand as we walk through the cabin. As we step outside, the cool air hits my skin and I wrap my robe around me tighter.

The string lights illuminate the pathway to the hot tub, casting a soft, magical glow over the surroundings.

Dax lifts the cover, revealing the steaming water. “Here you go.”

I hesitate. I can feel Dax’s eyes on me. With a deep breath, I untie the robe, let it open, and it falls to the ground revealing my black bra and panties. I catch a flicker of something in Dax’s eyes. I quickly slip into the hot tub, the warm water instantly wrapping around my body.

Dax drops his robe, revealing his navy swim shorts. His fit, toned body covered in tattoos takes my breath away. I quickly look away as I don’t want him to see my reaction. The water ripples around him as he lowers himself into the hot tub.

He settles into the opposite corner. The night air feels pleasantly cool on our exposed skin. I lean my head back on the side of the tub and close my eyes for a moment, trying to let the stress and the dark thoughts of earlier melt away.

Neither speaks for a while, simply soaking in the night and the water's warmth.

“How are you feeling?” Dax asks, breaking the silence.

I open my eyes and glance at him. He looks calm, yet his eyes are full of empathy.

“A little better. I’m sorry…Sometimes, it just hits me out of nowhere.”

“You don’t have to apologize.”

I find myself relaxing more and my shoulders start to ease. “Thanks, Dax. I mean it.”

Dax leans over and places his phone on the side. “I’m gonna play some music, let me put it on shuffle.” The song I Feel Like I’m Drowning by Two Feet starts playing through the speakers.

---