“It’s true,” I insisted, leaning back in my seat. “Which bubble bath?”
“Lavender,” she answered, her voice softening.
“Can I join you?”
There was a brief pause before she asked, “How will you get in?”
“Take a minute away and let me inside,” I said, already planning my next move. “I can be stripped and in the tub with you in no time.”
“Did you ever think I might want to bathe alone?” she teased, but there was no real conviction in her voice.
“Bullshit,” I murmured, lowering my voice so the driver wouldn’t overhear. “I know you want me.”
`“Fuck you, Elliott,” she shot back, but her tone was more playful than angry.
“That’s what I’m hoping for,” I replied, grinning at her predictable response.
She scoffed. “I bet you’re already hard.”
I stifled a chuckle, leaning forward to speak to the driver. “Change of plans—take me to a different address, I’ll pay you extra.”
I cupped my hand over the receiver and gave the him Erika’s apartment address.
“And you would be correct,” I murmured into the phone, my excitement growing.
“I’m not in the mood,” she said, her voice wavering just slightly, enough for me to catch.
“I don’t believe you,” I countered, already feeling the rush of adrenaline. “I’m almost there. Get out of the tub.”
“I think not,” she said, though I could hear the faint rustle of water. “I just got in here a few minutes ago.”
“Don’t test me,” I warned, my tone dropping.
“You’re so full of yourself,” she challenged, but I could sense the anticipation in her voice.
The car slowed to a stop outside her building. I quickly reached into my jacket pocket, pulling out a tip for the driver before stepping out. “I’m here. You have forty-five seconds to answer the door,” I said as I pressed the elevator button, feeling the thrill of the chase. The doors slid open, and I stepped inside, already yanking at my tie and unbuttoning my shirt with quick, practiced motions.
I heard the sound of water sloshing on the other end of the line and grinned. She was following my instructions, just as I knew she would. By the time I knocked on her door, my jacket was off, my shirt hanging open, and my tie stuffed into my pocket.
The door swung open barely a second later. Erika stood there, her hair twisted into a messy bun, her skin still glistening with beads of water. The towel she’d loosely wrapped around herself clung to her curves, barely covering her. My eyes roamed over her, and I had to bite back a groan as I slipped inside, closing the door behind me.
Erika didn’t say a word, just turned on her heel and walked briskly back toward the bathroom, the sway of her hips impossible to ignore. I followed her into the bedroom, quickly shedding the rest of my clothes, letting them fall in a heap on the padded bench at the foot of her bed.
When I entered the bathroom, she was already in the tub, submerged beneath a mountain of lavender-scented bubbles. Her eyes met mine, a mix of defiance and anticipation swirling in their depths. I grinned, stepping forward with a hungry look in my eyes, ready to close the distance between us.
"Mmm, Elliott, nice view," Erika teased, her gaze lingering on me as I approached the tub.
"Move over," I commanded, my tone laced with playful authority.
"Always ordering me around," she cautioned, raising an eyebrow at me.
"As much as you protest, I think you like it," I shot back, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth.
"Fuck you," she spat, her teeth gritted, but I could see the spark in her eyes.
"I plan on it. Now scooch forward."
With a resigned sigh, Erika slid forward, making space for me. I lowered myself into the tub, the warm water lapping at my skin. The tub wasn't as large as mine, but it would have to do. I pulled her back against my chest, spreading my legs so she could settle between them. The intimacy of the moment sent a shiver of contentment down my spine.