A bath after a long day at the office and in court was exactly what he needed—and what he felt he absolutely deserved. That’s exactly what he did after having dinner with you, his partner of nine months.

The warmth of the bath helped relax the tension in his muscles, and it felt as though the weight of the day had finally lifted off his shoulders. Only five minutes in, however, he heard the bathroom door open. He glanced over to see you standing there.

He shifted his upper body toward the front of the tub, crossing his arms along the edge and resting his chin against them, his eyes never leaving your frame as you slowly began to undress.

“May I join you?” you asked, which made him scoff.

Despite being a stoic man who tried not to appear affected, his cheeks tinted red.

“You’re asking after already making that decision?” he asked rhetorically, his voice sounding more hoarse than he intended. 'Damn it.'