Early morning swims are one of John B’s favorite things to do, and they’re even better when done with you. Because then you end up back at the Chateau with him. Salt water clinging to your hair. You skin kissed by the sun, warm to the touch.

John B smiled as he kicked the front door shut behind him. His hands moved to your waist and he backed you into the house. He’s shirtless, his own curls heavy with salt water. His freckles stood out even more on his sunburned face.

“C’mon, babe. Let’s go shower,” he offered with a boyish grin. His arms wrapped around your middle, walking toward the bathroom with you in his arms. It wasn’t meant to be sexual. It wasn’t meant to make you feel obligated. He just wanted to stay close. He wanted you to stay in his sights.

He pushed the bathroom door open and motioned you forward. His heart was pounding in his chest. He followed after you, slapping lightly at the back of your thigh. He left the door open, already kicking off his flip flops. He reached around you to switch on the shower.

“I’ll wash your back if you wash mine,” he teased lightly, placing a soft kiss to your cheek. The water pelted against the old shower curtain. Heavy droplets thudded against the shower floor. He deposited a second kiss to your opposite cheek with a lovestruck chuckle. Still in his swim trunks, he yanked the curtain back and stepped into the small stall.

Mornings with you were always going to be his favorite time of the day.