As the first light of dawn began to creep into the room, Keifer stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He found himself still entwined with Jay, her body warm and soft against his. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth as he looked down at her, her face peaceful in sleep, her dark lashes casting shadows on her cheeks.
He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers trailing down her cheek. "Sweetheart," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Are you okay?"
Jay stirred slightly at his touch, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at him, her gaze soft and sleepy. "Mmm, I'm perfect," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Why?"
Keifer smiled, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "No reason," he said. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Jay's smile widened, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "I'm more than okay, Keifer," she said. "I'm here with you."
Keifer leaned into her touch, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm glad," he said. "I'm really glad."
He rolled out of bed, pulling Jay with him. She giggled, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her towards the bathroom. "Keifer, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice still filled with sleep.
"Taking you to the bathtub," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I thought we could start the day off right."
Jay laughed, her head resting on his shoulder. "Keifer, it's too early for that," she said, but there was no conviction in her voice.
Keifer set her down on the cool tile of the bathroom, his hands reaching for the faucet. He started the water, the sound of it filling the room. He turned to Jay, his eyes filled with a playful challenge. "Are you sure about that?"
Jay bit her lip, her eyes meeting his. "I... I guess we could," she said, her voice hesitant.
Keifer grinned, his hands reaching for the hem of her nightdress. "That's the spirit," he said, pulling the fabric up and over her head.
Jay gasped, her arms crossing over her chest. "Keifer, it's cold!" she exclaimed.
Keifer laughed, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close. "I'll warm you up," he promised, his mouth finding hers in a searing kiss.
Jay melted into him, her body pressing against his, her arms wrapping around his neck. Keifer deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth, his hands roaming over her body. He could feel her responding to him, her body arching into his, her breath coming in short gasps.
He broke the kiss, his eyes meeting hers. "Get in the tub," he said, his voice low and commanding.
Jay hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his. Then, with a small smile, she did as he said. She stepped into the warm water, her body sinking down until she was submerged up to her neck.
Keifer watched her, his eyes filled with desire. He undressed quickly, his eyes never leaving hers. When he was finally undressed, he stepped into the tub, his body covering hers.
Jay gasped, her eyes wide. "Keifer, we can't," she said, her voice breathless. "Not in the bathtub."
Keifer smiled, a slow, sensual smile. "Why not?" he asked, his hands reaching for her thighs, pulling them apart.
Jay's breath hitched, her body tensing. "Because... because it's... it's not safe," she stammered.
Keifer leaned down, his mouth finding her neck, her collarbone, her breasts. "It's perfectly safe," he murmured, his hands roaming over her body, teasing her, tantalizing her.
Jay's body responded to his touch, her breath coming in short gasps, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel her resolve slipping away, her body aching with need. "Keifer," she whispered, her voice ragged. "I... I don't know if I can... I mean, what if we... what if we slip?"
Keifer looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire. "We won't," he said, his voice low and confident. "I promise."
Jay hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his. Then, with a small nod, she gave in. "Okay," she whispered. "Okay, Keifer."
Keifer smiled, his mouth finding hers in a searing kiss. He entered her slowly, his body rocking against hers, his hands cupping her face, his mouth finding hers. They moved together, their bodies in perfect sync, their breaths coming in short gasps, their hearts pounding in their chests.
Jay's body tensed, her nails digging into Keifer's back as she neared the edge. "Keifer," she gasped, her body convulsing around him. "Oh God, Keifer..."
Keifer felt her release, and it pushed him over the edge. He groaned, his body tensing, his release matching hers. They stayed like that for a moment, their bodies entwined, their breaths slowly returning to normal.
Keifer looked down at Jay, his eyes filled with love. "I love you, Jay Mariano," he whispered.
Jay smiled, her hands cupping his face. "I love you too, Keifer Watson," she said. "More than you'll ever know."
As they lay there in the tub, the water cooling around them, they knew. This was love. This was home. This was forever. And they wouldn't have it any other way.