"Did she need something at the store that I didn't think to buy?" Marshall asked, a crease between his eyebrows. He had been worried about her.
"She asked me to take her to buy feminine products.”
Marshall's shoulders tensed. "I should have thought about that, asked her if she needed anything."
"She would have been embarrassed if you had. I took a picture of the package for the ones she prefers. I'll text it to you. You can ensure that her bathroom is stocked from now on."
Marshall let out a breath. "Thank you for doing that. As much as I want to be involved with everything, she probably felt more comfortable talking to you about it."
I smiled. "She'll appreciate it if you keep her cabinet stocked with what she needs."
Hayden appeared in the doorway.
"You ready to go?" Marshall asked, and I was struck again by how good of a dad he was.
Hayden nodded eagerly.
"I'll be back to cook dinner," Marshall said to me.
They disappeared out the door, and I felt good about helping Marshall and Hayden. I was here for a reason, and if I could edge him closer to connecting with this daughter, than I'd fulfilled my purpose. I wasn't supposed to be lusting after him, not when his daughter lived here too.
I cleaned up the kitchen so that Marshall could cook when he got home and then took a bath. It was the perfect afternoon to indulge in one. The upstairs bathroom had a free-standing tub, and I'd been dying to try it out.
It was a new addition to that bathroom that didn't exist when I was younger. The tub was situated in front of the window. I lit a few candles to give the room ambiance and kept the overhead lights off. I slipped out of my clothes, adding lavender bath salts to the running water.
I stepped into the tub, relaxing into the warm water. I had a book and my phone, but I closed my eyes, reliving the events of the day, and relaxing.
I heard Marshall return, then the close of the front door and him rummaging around in the kitchen. I should get out and help, but he only needed to season, then grill the fish. The potato salad was premade. I could relax for a bit longer.
I didn't have anywhere to go, and this bath was heavenly. I must have drifted off because when the door opened, I startled.
Marshall stood in the entryway, blinking at me as if he was confused. "The door was unlocked. I thought I’d jump in the shower before we ate."
I straightened, then remembered I was naked, and slumped back down. "I wanted to take a bath before dinner."
"It's ready." Marshall remained frozen.
I hadn't added bubbles to the bath, so it was possible he was getting an eyeful. "If you give me a minute, I can get out of your way so you can take that shower."
"Right. Of course." He finally snapped out of his reverie and disappeared into his room. I took a steadying breath and stepped out of the tub, grabbing a soft towel. I let out the water in the tub, gathered my hair on top of my head, and secured it with a second towel. Then I grabbed my things. "I'm locking the door to my room, so the bathroom's yours."
"Thanks," he croaked from the other side of the bathroom door.
I practically raced into my room, not minding the chill of the air. My body was already overheated, wondering what he'd seen when he walked in. I couldn't believe I'd forgotten to lock his side of the door. But I'd gotten into the tub when he was gone, and I assumed he'd stay downstairs to cook.
I hadn't anticipated him needing a shower. I dried off as the water for the shower clicked on. My face was warm as I thought about what he could see in the bath water. We'd promised we wouldn't run into each other in the bathroom again.
We needed to respect each other's space, and I wasn't doing a good job of that.
Chapter Nine
Marshall
I'd walked into the bathroom, assuming no one was in there. The light had been off, and I hadn't heard the water running. Candlelight flickered against the wall, and the only sound was the rain pounding on the roof.
It took me too long to understand what I was seeing. I'd expected an empty bathroom, but instead, Saylor was naked in the tub, and there weren't any bubbles to block my view.
Her breasts were full, and her nipples hard. My brain had short circuited, and it was difficult to think, much less move.
