Page 71 of Praise You

Oliver: Hurry home and I'll make sure the bath is ready and waiting.

Fuck. He doesn't have to tell me twice. I quickly shove my papers into my backpack, even though I know I won't do any grading over the weekend. Grabbing my jacket off the back of my chair, I throw it over my arm, snatch up my backpack, and rush out of the school building.

In no time at all, I'm pulling into our driveway. While our house isn't the biggest, it's ours and I love it. It's a one-story, white brick, ranch-style house. The roof and window shutters are black, which I love. Oliver wasn't too keen on my choices, but once he saw the finished product, he fell in love with it, just as I did.

I walk up to the door, admiring the small garden off to the side. One summer, Oliver started gardening when we were off work, and he's had a green thumb ever since. Smiling, I shake my head, knowing he's going to replant and find new flowers once summer starts in a couple weeks.

Tossing my shoes to the side, I hang up my jacket and put my backpack down before running down the hall. I skid to a stop when Oliver struts out of the room, completely naked.

"Damn." I whistle, eyeing him up and down. "What a way to come home. So fucking gorgeous, Freckles."

Oliver chuckles, the bright red blush covering his cheeks. "Come on, let's get in the bath."

I follow him into the bathroom where the bath is ready to go. Since we take so many baths, we invested in getting a jacuzzi tub that includes water jets. The jets feel amazing.

Everywhere.

I quickly undress then step into the water, lying back against the cool ceramic. Oliver tosses his favorite vanilla bath bomb into the tub before getting in with me. He lays in front of me, his back to my front. His body instantly relaxes the second our skin touches.

"How was your day?" I ask, grabbing some body wash and scrubbing him with it.

"Good. We've been reviewing for the upcoming finals. What about yours? Has the senioritis kicked in yet?"

His body jerks with mine as I laugh. "Oh, hell yes. They are ready to be done with school, and I can't blame them."

We lay in the tub a little bit longer until our skin is pruney and wrinkly. Once the water runs cold for the second time, we both get up and dry off, getting dressed before heading to the kitchen.

"What should we make for dinner?" I ask, leaning against the counter.

"Are you in the mood for something specific?" he asks, walking toward me to reach the pantry.

Grabbing him around the waist, I pull his body to me. I softly run my nose up the side of his neck, closing my eyes when his body trembles under my touch. Years together and he still shivers from my hands on him.

"Just you."

He playfully swats at me before pushing off and walking backwards.

Wagging his finger he says, "Nuh uh. Not yet. Date first."

Tossing my head back, I groan, knowing he's right. "Fine. What's on the agenda tonight?"

"I figured we can make some dinner together and watch a movie after."

"No," I tell him, already knowing what he's going to say we watch.

"Yes."

"We always watch those."

"Duh. Because they're classics. That's why. Plus, I thought we could make steak for dinner. Which means you'll get your favorite and I'll get my favorite."

"Fine."

We work side-by-side cooking dinner. I sear the steaks while he works on the potatoes and vegetables for the sides. While neither of us are the greatest cooks, we have learned a few things over the years from Asher. Speaking of…

"Asher and Noah invited us over to their place next weekend. Noah wants to do a surprise birthday party for Asher. He invited everyone to come."

"Sounds good. Love when we all get together."

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