The rain dripped from her hair. She could feel the drops rolling down her face, slipping down into her shirt, between her breasts. She'd walked to his house, hoping he'd take her in. Hoping he'd care. She didn't know where else to go.
She rang the bell and began inspecting her shoes. They were soaked and her socks with them. Her clothes clung to her body. She was a mess. She was close to tears and wasn't prepared to answer for them if they came. At least the rain would act as camouflage.
The door opened. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to look him in the eye and ask him if she could stay.
"Get in here," he said, before she'd even lifted her head. A wave of relief passed through her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't have anywhere else to go," she began rambling. "If you're busy, I can go. It's just that..." Her voice trailed off. She was afraid of saying it out loud.
"I told you that you could always come here. You're always welcome. Now, get in here before this storm gets worse." He motioned for her to come inside, holding the door open.
The meteorologists had been crowing about the storm for days. Stores had been emptied of batteries, candles, and non-perishables. The possible severity, the idea of being without power for days while stuck with Adam had been too much. Without even packing a bag, she left. She would worry about that later. Now she just wanted to feel safe.
Peter led her through his house, to the bathroom. She'd never been inside before. He opened the door, ushering her in. Without speaking, he took her purse from her shoulder and hung it on the doorknob. She took her shoes and socks off as he turned on the tub faucet. His eyes watched her's intently as he lifted her shirt over her head. A shiver ran down her spine as his fingers brushed her skin while he undid the button on her jeans. It was the first time he'd actually touched her. She'd thought about the possibility for so long it was difficult to think of it as reality. But he was really here in front of her, caring for her, helping her out of her clothes.
He pushed her jeans down her thighs and she stepped out of them. He came in close to her, his hot breath against her cheek and wrapped his arms around her to unclasp her bra. He took the straps in his fingers and pulled them forward to remove it. The bra slipped from his fingers as he moved his hands to her hips. Slowly, he pushed her panties down until they were around her ankles. She couldn't calm the goosebumps on her skin. She wrapped her arms around herself as the air chilled her.
Peter sat on the edge of the tub and dipped his hand into the water. "Get in. It's nice and warm," he told her, meeting her eyes with his.
She stepped into the water slowly, letting the heat emanate up her legs before lowering her body in completely. A wave passed over her as the goosebumps began to dissipate and her body warmed. Peter began lathering up some soap on his hands. He slid on the edge of the tub until he could easily scrub her back. Slowly, he began bathing her, beginning with her back, his hand rubbing slow circles on her skin.
Mustering the courage to leave Adam had been difficult. It'd taken two years for her to decide to take the chance, staring the possibility of being alone in the face and deciding it was better than the rut she was stuck in. The cracking of the eggshells she was constantly walking upon was grating. She felt like she'd sold herself for an idea of marriage that didn't exist and she regretted it and the years she'd lost. Now sitting in the tub feeling Peter's hands cleansing her skin, she tried to shed the weight of those years, if only for one night. Let them drip from her body like the rain.
She sat like a rag doll, letting Peter do as he pleased, looking up at him periodically. His hands cupped her breasts, massaging soap into them as she closed her eyes. Her body shivered beneath his touch. The months of anticipation, the days when she'd just wanted to say something to let him know she wanted him. A sigh escaped her lips as he pinched a nipple lightly. He gently washed her stomach, then moved to the other end of the tub to attend to her legs. He massaged each foot as he washed it, taking his time. Teresa breathed deeply, forcing herself to relax, to enjoy. The feel of his hands on her body excited her, she wanted to touch him back, but now wasn't the time. She drank him in, let each touch be seared on to her memory.
Peter moved closer to her on the ledge. His hand brushed through her hair as he looked into her eyes. He leaned forward, kissing her as his other hand reached between her legs. Teresa moaned as he rubbed her clit. She reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, keeping him close to her. She breathed him in, tasted him. She knew she'd made the right decision. Even if this was only for one night, better once than never.
His fingers traced the folds of her lips and teased her clit beneath the surface of the water as they continued their kiss, refusing to break apart. Her moans were silenced by his tongue. He pulled her hair, forcing her head back. He kissed down her neck as he slipped a finger inside her. She bit her lip, fighting the urge to thrust against him.
"Bedroom?" he asked her.