Professional Restraint

40 Happy Place

Ella

Time ticks by at a blissful near standstill, leaving me in my own personal heaven. I can't remember the last bath I've had, certainly never prepared by anyone else, let alone a man.

But Liam did it without me asking, like he knew my muscles would protest. Even the ache between my legs is melting away.

I sure didn't mind at the time, but when I woke up this morning, I felt like I'd been run over. Although I'm not one for spa services, I would have happily paid for a massage today.

As if to put in its two cents, my mind reminds me that Liam has two strong and very capable hands. And those hands have become intimately acquainted with my body.

How can a man know as much as he does?!

I'm by no means a virgin, but not a single one of my exes got me anywhere near to what Liam did so easily. Hell, I couldn't even get myself off! But one night with him leaves me feeling like a porn star.

Jeezus, what will Sophia say? I told you so, probably... what's worse is she's right. Soph always said that being with the right man makes all the difference.

Pushing those thoughts from my mind, I take the fluffy washcloth and body wash, then set to cleaning up. That Liam had this on hand and a scent I like no less caught me off guard. The man is full of surprises.

After I finish, I stay soaking, not ready to leave the tub's steamy embrace yet. Even though the salts have done their work, leaving me feeling like a new woman, I hesitate. Part of me wonders how much is because I'm enjoying the bath and how much it is because I know Liam wants me to soak.

Soft knocking draws me from my inner debate.

"You still good in there? Or have you turned into a prune yet?" Liam teases. I can practically see the smirk on his face.

"I'm good, just about to get out, actually," I murmur. Though the thought of leaving this warm embrace leaves me frowning.

"Don't rush on my account. I think I'm gonna head downstairs for a minute. Be careful." There's a sternness to his voice that turns my frown upside down.

"Yes, dad," I drawl.

Silence.

Too far?

"You enjoy testing me, don't you, Ella?"

His gruff warning has the opposite effect on me and sends a thrill rushing through me when I know I should tread carefully. Fighting a smile, I answer without thought.

"What ever do you mean, Sir?" The thrill coursing through me multiples ten fold, hearing him let out a throaty chuckle on the other side of the door.

"Is that how you want to play it, little one? We'll see just how playful you are tonight. I'll be back soon."

I hear his heavy footsteps walk away from the door and feel proud, having one that round. One thing that's been painfully obvious since I first met the man is he's used to getting his way.

Though I might not be one to argue or fight normally, I just can't seem to stop myself from reminding him that it's not always going to be his way.

Part of me loves to see that flash in his eyes when he doesn't get his way. The other part of me warns I shouldn't push him...

Before my mind can wander off track too far, I push those thoughts away and rinse off. Wrapping myself in one of the fluffy towels, I take a quick look in the mirror.