The silence stretched between us, filled only by the soft lapping of water against the wooden basin.
Kassie's back was to me now — pale skin interrupted by the wet curtain of red hair clinging to her shoulders. She'd positioned herself as far from me as the round tub allowed, which wasn't very far at all. Maybe three feet of water separated us.
Three feet felt like a lot.
Three feet also felt like nothing.
I forced myself to look at the ceiling, counting the wooden slats overhead. Giving her space. Proving I meant what I said.
'This is fine. I can do this. I'm a man of my word.'
The water was warm. The silence was comfortable. Mostly…
"You're staring at my back."
I blinked. "I'm looking at the ceiling."
"You were staring before that."
"...Maybe for a second."
