His eyes locked with hers as he watched her fall to the floor beneath him. For a moment, they just stared at each other, panting heavily from their exertions. Then, slowly but surely, Ray lowered himself down beside her, his hand reaching out to stroke her cheek gently.

"You're amazing," he breathed, his voice raspy with desire. "Always so incredible."

Without hesitation, Ray scooped Ella up into his arms and carried her back inside, through their bedroom and into the bathroom. He set her down on the edge of the tub before turning on the water, testing its temperature with his hand. Satisfied that it was warm enough, he helped her step in and then joined her, sitting down opposite so they were facing each other.

"There," he said softly, reaching out to cup her cheek again. "That's better."