Nate sat in the tub filled with warm water and Karla’s lavender scented bubble bath. He’d tried to explain he was fine. That she didn’t need to worry about him or the minor wounds he was sporting. He was used to it and after a couple of shifts, they’d be gone. But she hadn’t listened. She’d gone out of her way to set up a bath for him, claiming it would help his aching muscles. Her change in attitude had knocked him off kilter. She’d fully embraced him. Them. It was like she’d broken down the wall that had been there before, and he could see the rest of her finally. And he loved what he saw.
“Need more bubble bath?” She poked her head in from the bathroom entrance.
His heart felt lighter at the smile she gave him. It was no longer wary or filled with insecurity. It was pure joy.
“No. Bu
