The Infamous Ellen James(80)

I close my eyes and slide farther down into the bathtub, only leaving my head peeking above the water line. I place my foot on the faucet, feeling the cool metal graze my skin. My head is clear for the first time in what feels like forever. I take a huge, profound breath, and it feels like it's been ages since I've been able to breathe without my chest protesting. This feeling is wonderful. I hear the bathroom door open and shut quietly. My eyes flutter open to find Trent, still dressed in his navy blue scrubs, gazing down at me; his smile is breathtaking.

"Getting naked without me, I see?"

My lips turn up into a grin. I think this is the first time I've smiled in days. "Sorry, Casanova. I couldn't wait. My muscles needed some soothing."

Trent squats down near the tub and rests his elbows on the porcelain edge, dipping his hands in and splashing a few bubbles towards my face. “I could help with the soothing…”

“I don't doubt that.” I flick water towards him with my index finger.

“I missed you. How's my Ellie girl?” I see concern cross his eyes for the briefest moment. I can only imagine the hell I've been putting him through over the past several weeks. I've been so closed off, so distant; I'm sure he feels like I've completely checked out from our relationship. Deep down I'm scared that my emotional state has given him reason enough to leave Charlotte and go back to his life in Seattle. I fear that I've ruined us. Ruined this amazing thing we've shared. I just want to enjoy the time I have with Trent from here on out, even if the time is short, nearing an end. I want to savor him, relish in the way he makes me feel.

“I'm better actually. I had a nice conversation with my mom. She made me finally open my eyes. I've got some work ahead of me, but I'm not letting what Frank did take over my life.”

Trent lets out a breath, almost like a massive weight has been lifted off of his shoulders. “You're so strong, baby. So god damn strong. I'm always here for you no matter what, okay?”

I don't let the fact that I know Trent is going to go back to Seattle soon crush this moment. I take his words for what they are right now, right this very second. “Thank you.” My eyes are kind, appreciative for what he's done for me. “You have no idea how thankful I am that you came in that night and saved me. You saved my life, Trent.”

His eyes close and he shakes his head back and forth subtly, running his hands through his tousled, jet-black hair. “I will never let anything or anyone hurt you. Never.” His eyes open and the intensity nearly rips my heart out of my chest.

I reach my hand out of the water and place it upon his cheek. “I love you.” Water droplets slowly drip onto his skin.

“I love you too.” Trent places his palm over my hand, his warm caress causing the tips of my fingers to tingle. “I'm not sure if you remember, but I leave for Seattle tomorrow. I'll only be there until Friday, just a few things to get settled with University Hospital and my old apartment. There are some things I want to talk to you about…”

I immediately place my fingers over his lips, quickly shutting him up before I have to hear that he's leaving me for good. I adjust a little in the tub, lifting my chest above the water, my breasts in full view above the bubbles. His glances down and a lustful smirk crosses his face, my lips returning the favor. I want to savor this time with him, bring back the fun, witty banter we're so good at. We haven't been intimate since before my attack, and my body craves him.

“Let's talk about those things later. Where's my kiss, Dr. Thrust Me?” I giggle a little before pushing my bottom lip out, giving him my best pouty face.

He leans in to give my lips a small peck, and I immediately pull him off balance when I wrap my arms around his neck and drag him into the tub with me, water and bubbles splashing everywhere. “Shit! Ellie!” He yells before he starts laughing.

I'm still giggling with a very shocked and still fully clothed Trent lying on top of me, soaking wet. “Whoops!” I say, feigning innocence.

Grinning at my attempt at being coy, he starts to tickle my ribs, making me laugh even harder. Now I'm begging him to stop. “I see how it is, little spitfire!”

I'm cracking up and gasping for air. “Stop! Please stop! Trennnnnnt!”

He is beaming down me with his beautiful blue gaze. He kisses my lips, gently entwining his tongue with mine. My nipples are instantly hard at the feel of his mouth on mine, his warm skin piercing my body through his wet scrub top. I kiss him back intensely, ardently, as I wrap my legs around his waist.

His arms embrace me before sliding around my ass, pulling my body closer to his. Trent takes me off guard by quickly standing up with me still in his arms. Water is sloshing out of the tub, onto the bathroom floor.