Blyssful Lies (The Blyss Trilogy 2)

How sweet is that? I look upon his gaze admiringly, and shake my head in bewilderment. “Thank you, Travis. You’re so sweet to take me in like this,” I reply, grabbing the bottle of conditioner and handing it to him. I don’t know how to respond to his endearment, since I don’t remember him the way he remembers me. “I truly do appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

“You’re welcome; I’d do anything for you.” His eyes hold such conviction, and the way he said he’d do anything for me strikes a chord deep within me. Somehow, I believe every one of his words, despite the fact it’s a pretty hefty thing for someone to confess, especially for one who’s only known me for about a month.

When Travis tugs my lower lip free by using his thumb, he gives me a playful wink. “Don’t overthink it, Jules. I know you’re not there yet, but I’ll be waiting right here for you when you are.” He then holds up the bottle of conditioner with a small grin. “So how much of this do you want?”

“Enough for a horse,” I say with a playful smile.

“Fair enough.” As he works the conditioner through my hair to the ends of my long mane, a question niggles at me, and before I know it, it bubbles up to the surface as I surprise myself for being so bold. “Travis?”

“Mm-hm?” he hums as he stays busy, keeping on task.

“How old are you?”

He pauses, shifting his gaze to mine, his lips quirking as if he finds my question humorous. Dear Lord, I swear the man must be a fitness model in his spare time, especially when he goes all playful. “Not old enough to be your sugar daddy, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Oh, my gosh, Travis!” I playfully swat at his chest, getting his t-shirt wet.

“Hey now! This is your bath...not mine.” He jerks back, trying to avoid getting more water on him.

“Okay, so answer me,” I playfully raise a brow, “or you’ll find yourself doing the backstroke in here.”

He pauses to consider my statement. “That wouldn’t be such a bad thing.” My lips shut tight; I’m done trying to satiate my curiosity for the day. Chuckling, he then answers me, “Thirty-two.” He locks his eyes with mine, and I watch with bated breath as his full lips quirk up into a lively grin. His lips stop a mere few inches away from mine, and suddenly, I wonder what it would feel like to press my lips against his. All of a sudden, I notice my mouth growing parched at the thought, and I still my movements while licking my lips. What is wrong with me? Am I typically a cat in heat, or is it Travis bringing it out of me? The air stills around us, turning quiet and passionately potent.

I watch as Travis’ grin slowly falls from his lips as the moment begins to turn rather intense. Even the bath water becomes placid and calm as I hold my breath, wondering if he’s going to close the distance and kiss me. I feel an electrical charge sparking between us, and it’s undeniably strong. I believe he should come with a sticker, ‘To avoid electrical shock, do not immerse in water.’

I watch him swallow hard as he contemplates my unspoken sentiments. My heartbeat begins to pound in my chest, and my eyes fall to half-mast as I slip into a lustful trance. The moment grows stiflingly heavy and heated for a brief moment as he looks upon my lips with desire. It’s written all over his face what he wants, and my lips slightly part in invitation. Just as I think he’s going to lean forward and kiss me, he clears his throat, and then shifts his gaze to his forgotten task. The moment is lost when he grabs the shower wand and begins rinsing the conditioner out of my hair. I close my eyes, silently letting out the breath I was holding while I dream of the almost kiss.

When he’s finished with my hair, he leans over me while resting his elbows against the rim of the bathtub and pulls the plug out of the drain. I watch as the water begins to audibly glug and swirl itself down the pipe, along with my kiss.

“Stand up, sweetheart.” His voice pulls me from my meditative thoughts, and I shyly place my hand in his as he helps me to my feet. He grabs the shower wand again and begins rinsing me off, getting the last of the soap off my body without ogling me. He stays silent, yet noble and dignified as he finishes his task, and then shuts the water off. He quickly turns to grab a towel from the counter, trying to keep me from getting chilled, and wraps me in a large, fluffy cocoon of warmth. It feels so good to feel fresh and clean. He offers me his hand, and I take it as he helps me out of the tub. Once I’m out, he grabs another towel and begins gently towel-drying my hair.