An hour later, Jake pushed his shoulders down below the water level, letting the heat warm him. He reveled in the bath that Xavier drew as he blew the soapsuds from the lavender salts. He heard the doorbell ring, then muffled voices. He waited to see if Xavier wanted him out of the tub as he smelled the Chinese takeout, a mixture of cooking oil, egg noodles, and vegetables gave an unmistakable odor. Minutes before Xavier lit several candles on the dual vanity counter; the only other illumination came from the wall mounted, circular double-sided makeup mirror. It provided the best low-level lighting in this Victorian styled bathroom. Jake inhaled, closed his mouth, and dunked underneath the water, forcing his knees to be exposed. Xavier loved baths and only recently had Jake realized how en
