"Come here," Garrett murmurs, pulling me close again. "I want to show you something."
He leads me to his bedroom and then into his bathroom, flicking on the lights. In the middle of the bathroom is the most glorious, luxurious bathtub I’ve ever seen. He even has candles in one of the corners
"Oh my God, Garrett. This is amazing!"
He grins, reaching for the faucet. "Care for a soak?"
“Are you kidding? A bath like this is my kryptonite.”
I can't stop staring at the tub. It's like something out of a luxury magazine—deep enough to submerge completely, wide enough for two people, with elegant chrome fixtures that gleam under the soft bathroom lighting.
"I thought you might appreciate this. You just seem like a bath girl to me," Garrett says, his voice low as he reaches for a glass container on the shelf in the linen closet. "Lavender okay?"
"Perfect," I whisper, feeling a delicious nervousness flutter through me.
He pours a generous amount of bath salts into the rushing water, and immediately the scent of lavender fills the steamy air. The bathroom transforms into something even more intimate, more magical.
"Now to get the lighting right," he says, flicking another switch. Tiny lights embedded in the ceiling dim to a soft glow,and he lights three thick candles on the ledge. Their flickering light dances across the walls.
I stand awkwardly for a moment, then decide to just go for it. I pull my shirt over my head, feeling Garrett's eyes on me. There's something thrilling about being watched by him.
"You're so incredible" he murmurs, stepping closer.
His fingers trace the edge of my bra before he unhooks it and tosses it on the floor. The cool air makes goosebumps rise on my skin. I shimmy out of my jeans and underwear while he begins to undress too, his movements deliberate, unhurried.
I can't take my eyes off him as he removes his shirt. His chest is magnificent—broad and strong, with just the right amount of dark hair tapering down the center. Each muscle is defined yet natural, not like those overly chiseled fitness models. This is the body of an athlete who's dedicated years to his sport.
Scars tell stories across his skin—a thin white line near his collarbone, probably from a hockey stick; a small puckered mark by his ribs that I ache to trace with my fingertips.
My gaze travels down to his abs, which tighten slightly under my scrutiny. Six defined sections of muscle lead my eyes lower, to where he's now unbuttoning his jeans. He slides them down his powerful thighs, revealing black boxer briefs that do little to hide his growing arousal.
"See something you like?" His voice is husky, teasing.
"Everything. All of it," I whisper, not trusting my voice for more.
He hooks his thumbs in the waistband of his underwear and pulls them down in one smooth motion. I can't help the small gasp that escapes me. He's fully erect now, impressively thick and long, jutting proudly from a nest of dark hair. My mouth goes dry, and I feel a pulse of desire so strong it makes me dizzy.
We both climb into the warm tub and it feels and smells so delicious.
Steam rises in lazy curls around us, diffusing the lavender scent until it feels like we're floating in a fragrant cloud. The candles cast dancing shadows across his features, highlighting the strong line of his jaw, the curve of his lips.
"I would kill to have a tub like this," I murmur, leaning back against his chest. "It's like a spa retreat."
His laugh rumbles through me. "I use it all the time, actually. It's the best way I've found to relax my muscles."
I turn slightly to look at him. "Really? I wouldn't have pegged you for a bath guy."
"Coaching hockey is hell on the body," he says, his fingers trailing patterns on my shoulder. "Ice baths are functional but miserable. This—" he gestures to the tub "—this is therapeutic. I come home some nights barely able to move, and thirty minutes in here makes me human again."
I imagine him here alone, his powerful body submerged, steam rising around him.
"Plus," he adds, his voice dropping lower, "now I have someone to share it with."
His hands slide down my arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake despite the heat of the water. I lean back further, my head resting against his shoulder, exposing my neck.
His lips find my neck, planting soft kisses along my pulse point. I shiver despite the warmth of the water, tilting my head to give him better access. The gentle scrape of his stubble against my sensitive skin sends electric currents racing down my spine.
"Garrett," I whisper, his name quickly becoming my favorite word.