Page 175 of In Death, Love Survives

Staring at myself in the mirror, I find the person I’m becoming overwhelming, yet I like it. Maybe it started with that first haircut. Maybe it was the first “I love you” I shared with Nova, or just maybe, it’s been all of these moments collected together.

Turning on the shower, I put the water temperature a little hotter than I normally would. I need to find some way to relax from all this tension. Another long night is ahead.

As I wait for the water to heat up, the sound of the bathroom door opening distracts my focus. I spin around and see Nova, looking sleepy in one of my shirts. It comes down to her upper thigh.

“Wolfe?”

“Sorry to wake you.”

“No, not at all. I wanted to wake up when you got back,” she says, walking closer.

Nova yawns, and then her eyes adjust to what’s happening.

“You’re naked,” she says with a giggle.

Her eyes rake up and down my body.

“I basically am.” I chuckle at her taking me all in.

Her eyes finally meet mine, and she gives me a playful shrug.

“How was the rest of your night?”

“We got it done. But I need a shower,” I say, gesturing to the water.

“Want some company?” she asks.

“I would love that.”

I pull off my boxers at the same time that Nova takes off the shirt. She’s completely naked underneath.

“Who’s the surprise now?” I taunt.

“I told you I was waiting for you.” She comes and stands next to me, testing the water with her hand.

“It’s ready,” she says as she steps into it.

I follow behind naturally.

The shower is large and modern, with two showerheads and black finishes. The first time Nova saw it, she told me it was a dream. At the time, I couldn’t help but laugh, but now that we’re showering so casually together, I agree it is like a dream.

Nova gets under the shower spray, washing her hair with ease. She pumps the shampoo bottle and slides out of the way for me to get under next.

I follow suit, washing the grime off my body and then washing my hair. Nova eyes me as my arms flex from the motion.

“Getting an idea in that beautiful mind of yours?”

“Yeah, maybe I am. Would you be interested in my idea?”

We switch places as she washes the shampoo out of her hair, and I scrub it into mine. She puts conditioner on hers next but rinses it out quickly.

I chuckle, knowing why.

“Someone’s eager already.”

Stepping out of the way, she switches places with me again. This time, as she waits, she turns on the additional showerhead so both are running.

“Why didn’t I think of that?”