Rachel's POV

Bubble baths make everything better. Relaxation is the key to happiness right?

I walk into my cozy room and all panic and anxiety leaves as soon I enter. This is my space and my zone to relax. I strut into my master bathroom and pick up my brush lying on the sink counter. I begin brushing my hair, untangling the small knots and mess from my long brown hair. I throw it up into another messy bun. Then turn on my white clawfoot bathtub. Throw in some Epsom salts and lavender bubble bath and let the tub fill.

I play with the bubbles. Squeezing them in my hands and blowing them away. I feel like a child playing in the bath while her momma sits next to her outside watching as she has fun. Not thinking about anything, she's just caught up in the moment. What I would give to go back in time. To the days where all I worried about was what color crayon to use next.

You never realize how much you miss those adolescent years until they are gone. Now I have to wear my big girl panties and let me tell you... being an adult sucks.

I'm quickly jolted back when I hear my bedroom door open. I slip down deeper into the water trying to hide my bare body. Guess daydreaming is now over.

"Hey... um huh.. It's Blake."

My eyes widen. What is he doing?

"In here!" I yell. Wait, do I want him to come in here?

"Not that you haven't seen my naked ass, but I'm in the tub." I announce with ever bit of confidence I can muster. I'm not sure what changed from the moment I was swimming nude, to now.

"Yeah... kinda guessed that." I can hear his footsteps getting closer. I watch the door and wait for him to appear.

"Is it okay if I come in?" He hesitates.

"Yeah."

He opens the door and peeks in. Looks at me all soapy and probably looking like a hot mess. He bites his lower lip as he stares at me.

"What's up?" I ask. Thinking maybe something happened or maybe he needs to know where to find something.

He continues inside the bathroom and leans up against the bathroom sink.

"I was getting bored down there with thing one and two."

I smile up at him.

"Oh, so you thought that I would be better company?" I playfully add.

"Well, all hot and wet like that... yeah I do." He responds with a deeper husky voice. It's very sexy and hot.

"I see." I reach up and fix my falling bun.

"Yeah." He's starting at me again. "This is a nice size tub." He compliments, his eyes still locked on me, not my tub.

"Yeah, I love my bubble baths, so had to have a nice tub." I explain.

"Makes sense, then again this whole house is pretty amazing."

"Thanks." I smile up at him.

Then out of nowhere, I can't contain myself. And the words melt out of my mouth like butter.

"Instead of staring at me, join me?"

My confidence is back, and she's ready to play.

His eyes widen and he stands there for a few.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind smelling like me."

He grins and starts taking off his clothes. First his shirt. Then his shorts. And finally his boxers. And I must say. He is a super fine being.

By this time I'm practically drooling. All I can do is stare and watch as he makes his way, naked towards me. He's toned muscles flex with his every movement and his tan skin looks so soft and smooth. He's very handsome.

"You like what you see?" Is he mocking me? I giggle at him.

"Who wouldn't?" I tease.

I bring my knees to my chest, as he makes his way into the tub.

"Is this lavender?" He asks.

"Yup."

"I thought so." He looks me in the eye.

I drop my head and smile at myself. He's so cute.

"Can I ask you a question?" He says almost a whisper.

I raise my head and look at him again.

"Yeah."

"Well... how did you get so fucking cute?"

My face warms and it feels like my cheeks are on fire. Is he for real? I was expecting for him to ask me something serious.

"What?"

"You are gorgeous." He continues. "I mean, look at you!"

"Thanks, I mean you ain't so bad yourself" I smile a wicked grin at him.

"Please don't thank me." He smiles back. "Turn around and let me wash your hair."

There he goes again with that demanding thing. I think I like it.

I turn around as told. My knees are still at my chest. I slowly move backward careful not to get too close. It's so odd, but at the same time having him take care of me is super adorable and quite comforting. I could easily get used to this.

"Tilt your head back princess."

I do as I'm told. He releases my hair from the bun and takes a plastic cup that was sitting on a stand beside us. He saturates my long hair. Then applies soap, and rinses again. He continues, with the conditioner next. His hands are so gentle, not once did he pull my hair or splash water on my face.

"There." He announces when he is finished.

"Thanks." I mumble.

I'm not sure what to do, or what's next. So I sit quietly.

Asher moves my hair to the side, he places his hands on me, runs them down my neck and shoulders. His thumbs move circles pushing deep into my skin. It feels amazing. I relax and melt into his hands as he works his magic. His touch sends slivers down my spine and electric through my veins. I don't want him to take his hands off me. He moves down my back. He places each hand on my side and continues to rub. My heart races and my breathing quickens. He has me, all of me right where he wants me.

He tightens his grip on my sides and out of response the softest moan escapes my lips. He then suddenly pulls me back towards him. My rear is now pressed up against his package. I can tell he wants me. His erection says it all.

I lean back against him, placing my head on his shoulder. I softly kiss his neck and watch reaction. He closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath through his mouth. His neck breaks out in goose bumps. I go to kiss a new area on his neck when we are abruptly disrupted.

"Guys!!" Blake yells from behind my bedroom door. "Look, we are like starving... and I don't know how to work your fancy remote for the TV!" He continues.

"I'll be down in a minute!" I can't believe this. He was letting me in. I take a deep breath and lean forward. I was getting what I wanted from the moment I laid eyes on him. I step out of the tub and wrap a purple plush towel around me. I turn and look at him. He's not watching me anymore. He's not looking at anything. He's leaned back against the edge of the tub with his eyes closed. All the softness and kindness that had just beamed off of him is gone. Is face is blank, showing no emotion. I can't help but feel a ping of hurt flow through me.

I take out some Axe shampoo and body wash from under the sink. And sit it next to Asher on the same stand that he had retrieved the cup from.

I rush to my room. I can't form words to express what just happened. Maybe I did something wrong. My thoughts surround me as I robotically dress myself and make my way down the stairs. Maybe this whole thing was a horrible idea. Maybe I should have stayed home.

Asher's POV

She kisses my neck and electric surges through me. Her lips are so soft and gentle. So perfect. She is utter perfection. Her body tenses as she replies back to Blake. "I'll be down in a minute." Then she's gone.

I should have never gone up here. I should have never parked my car at the river. This is all a terrible mistake. I'm not good enough for her. She will be better off without me. If she only knew. I close my eyes and lean back. I can still feel her sweet body next to me, her lips on my neck. And I feel as though I'm going to cry. My emotions are everywhere. But I push them deep down because I can't afford to screw anything up. I know I will only be the cause of the pain that will soon arise if I continue with this.

I hear her bedroom door open and then close. I open my eyes and see that she left me with shampoo and body wash. And a wave of regret overtakes me. I really don't know what I'm doing. This is a war between my mind and my heart, and I'm so utterly confused.

I hop out of the bath tub, dry off and get dressed. I make my way downstairs and it hits me. The smell is delicious. Does she usually cook this late at night? I swear this girl is a total mystery. I follow the smell into the kitchen and take a seat next to Blake.

"Hey man." He has the slyest grin plastered to his face. I can tell what he's thinking. All I can do is smile back.

"Watcha making?" I turn my attention to Rachel.

She's standing in from of the stove. Her tank top raised up enough to show her bare skin above delicate areas. Her gray sweats also low, sitting upon her hip bones. Damn she's hot.

"Well, I figured since it's pretty much morning, I'd make some eggs, bacon, and toast." "That sound good." Her voice is sweet and full of excitement, but her eyes tell a different story. The look cold and dull, they look sad.

"Sound amazing." I smile at her, trying to get her to feel better.

She cooks away and we all talk as if we are best friends. It's not long before she places the food in from of us and we all devour up our breakfast.

Rachel finishes her plate and looks over at me.

"I'm headed to bed." "Night."

I watch her leave. I have the urge to follow but stay planted in my seat. I don't dare move. Just keep it simple, short and sweet. This will soon all be over. I replay these word over and over in my mind, and to some extent, it helps soothe my sad thoughts.

"Your guy's hair is both wet." "My man, did you get some?!"

"No." I respond coldly.

"Well, it sure does look like it to me."

I stand up and make my way to the living room. It takes me a while to figure out, but finally, I turn on the TV and I sit back and try to watch TV. But the only thing I can think about is Rachel. She might be the light at the end my dark tunnel.