[Elizabeth POV]
The water in the oversized bathtub enveloped us like a warm cocoon. Steam rose, carrying the clean scent of eucalyptus soap. I sat between Lin Yi's legs, my back resting against the broad plane of his chest, his long arms encircling me protectively. He made the tub feel almost ordinary; I felt small, safe, cherished.
His hands move slowly, spreading the lather while gently rubbing around my temples and the scalp of my head. The steady motion made me sink deeper into the calm moment.
I closed my eyes and adjusted my head against his shoulder, a soft sigh escaping me as the suds slid down my neck.
We remained like that for long minutes, the only sounds the gentle lap of water and our synchronized breathing. Eventually, he rinsed my hair with cupped hands, careful not to let soap sting my eyes. When he finished, he pressed a kiss to the damp crown of my head.
"I spoke to dad within the week."
I opened my eyes slightly and tilted my head back to look at him.
"He asked when we are coming to visit."
I felt him shift a bit beneath
"I know. I'm sorry. I've been meaning to arrange a meeting with David and the family officially."
I felt a small pang of guilt from his voice.
"No apologies needed," I murmured.
"I'll make time. We'll go together. I promise." He said.
His hands returned to my shoulders, kneading gently, thumbs tracing the line of my collarbone. The promise settled over me like another layer of warmth.
"Thank you," I whispered.
We finished bathing in companionable silence, toweling off before moving back into the bedroom. Still naked, I slipped into the walk-in wardrobe while Lin Yi selected clothes from his side.
Hmm, what to wear? Aha, Bingo.
When I emerged moments later, I had claimed one of his oversized blue button-downs—sleeves rolled to my elbows, hem skimming mid-thigh, and nothing beneath but a simple pair of cotton panties.
I stepped into the doorway and struck a playful pose. "Ta-da."
He turned, and his gaze darkened instantly. The shirt was thin enough that my nipples pressed visibly against the fabric, small peaks betraying the cool air. His eyes traced the outline of my body beneath his clothing, then lifted to meet mine with unmistakable heat.
"Temptations all around me," he said, his voice low.
Lin stepped closer and stood over me. With one finger, he tilted my chin upward, leaning down slowly.
Thinking he was about to kiss me, I closed my eyes and waited.
Nothing came.
I opened them again and found Lin looking at me with a cheeky smile.
"I've been looking for this shirt," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "And a certain someone denied taking it."
His gaze dropped briefly to the oversized shirt hanging off my shoulders before returning to my face.
"Care to explain yourself, Miss Olsen?"
"Magic."
I smiled, completely unrepentant.
He shook his head, smiling before pulling on loose gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips, leaving his torso bare. We moved together into the living room, drawn by the promise of breakfast and the soft hum of the city beyond the windows.
The television was tuned in—ESPN First Take was running, the familiar voices of Stephen A. Smith filling the space. They were deep in debate, graphics flashing across the screen: "Lin Yi ties historic record—nine consecutive 40-point games. Is he the best we've ever in the modern era?"
I settled onto the couch, tucking my legs beneath me.
"Look at you," I said, nodding toward the screen. "Always the talk of the town."
Lin Yi shrugged one broad shoulder as he walked toward the kitchen. "It's my job, and I love it."
He opened the fridge. "What are you in the mood for?"
"Ice cream," I answered immediately. "And peanut butter."
"That's… an interesting breakfast."
I lift my shoulders with a relaxed shrug.
"Pregnancy cravings."
He retrieved a pint of Ben & Jerry's and grabbed the jar of peanut butter from the pantry.
"I wish I were pregnant too. I could eat as much as I want," he said with a grin.
"Hahaha. Very funny," I replied dryly.
He chuckled, scooping a generous mound of vanilla cookie dough ice cream into a glass bowl, then added several thick spoonfuls of peanut butter. Stirring them lightly, he carried the bowl over and set it on the coffee table in front of me.
For himself, he sliced some bananas, apples, and watermelon, arranging the pieces neatly on a plate. When he sat beside me, the couch dipped under his weight, and I instinctively leaned into his side.
I took my first spoonful of the cold sweetness melting against the rich, salty peanut butter, and could not suppress the moan of pure delight that escaped me.
"Ohhh… this is perfect."
Lin Yi watched me with a soft smile, then reached for the remote to lower the television volume. The voices faded to a background murmur.
He took a bite of the apple slice, chewed thoughtfully, then spoke. "Kobe and Vanessa's coming into town tomorrow."
"Oh, I know," I said around the mouthful. "Vanessa already told me."
Lin Yi's brow lifted in mild surprise. He set his plate of fruit on the coffee table and leaned back against the couch cushions. "I did not realize she had spoken to you. They will be coming over for dinner tomorrow evening. I hope you do not mind."
I swallowed, then shook my head. "No, I do not mind at all. In fact, she suggested we meet up. She wanted some girls' time while they're here."
He nodded, a small smile touching the corner of his mouth. "Fair enough. Kobe and I have an interview scheduled on Jimmy Kimmel tomorrow night anyway. It will be good for her to have company while I am occupied."
I took another spoonful, savoring the sweet-salty contrast, while he reached for the remote. Lin Yi pressed a button, and the screen shifted to a quieter channel. A nature documentary with soft narration and the sound of ocean waves.
As his attention moved to the television, I glanced at his plate of neatly sliced fruits. Without thinking, I reached over and stealthily plucked some, dropping them into my ice cream-peanut butter bowl. I stirred them in quickly, hoping he had not noticed.
He had.
Lin Yi turned his head just in time to catch the motion. "With the way you are eating this morning, you are going to get fat."
The words landed lightly, but they stung anyway. Heat rushed to my cheeks—part embarrassment, part irritation. I set the spoon down with more force than necessary. "I wouldn't."
He immediately softened, raising both hands in a placating gesture. "I know. Plus, a few kilos would suit you."
I narrowed my eyes at him, playful suspicion creeping in. "So you think I am skinny?"
"No," he said quickly, then paused, reconsidering. I'm just saying… being a bit more… thicc won't be bad."
I stared at him for a beat, then grabbed the nearest throw pillow and launched it at his head.
He ducked with easy reflexes, his laughter loud as the pillow sailed past and landed harmlessly against the armrest. His dark eyes sparkled with amusement.
I tried to maintain a stern expression, but the corners of my mouth betrayed me, curving upward despite my best efforts.
He reached over, still chuckling, and tugged me gently against his side despite my protests. I let myself settle there, the warmth of his arm around my shoulders chasing away any lingering tension.
The nature documentary played on in the background, waves rolling across the screen, while the bowl of ice cream and peanut butter, now studded with stolen fruit, sat forgotten for the moment between us.
. . .
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