I spent the next twenty-four minutes with Thane, snuggling close while he ran his fingers through my hair. Well, not actually through because it was well past time to brush the mess.

Now you might've been wondering why I knew it was twenty-four minutes. That was because Theo poked his head in every five minutes, and after he did it twice Thane and I made it a game to see how long he could last between 'visits'.

At minute twenty-four Theo's patience apparently wore out and he barged into the living room. "Bro, stop holding her hostage."

Thane sent him a glare. "Says the guy that got her for a full thirty."

"It wasn't my fault no one else in this house can tell time."

Thane rolled his eyes dramatically before turning to me, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. "We should let you get cleaned up. I'm sure that would make you feel better."

Suddenly I was being yanked out of Thane's arms by an apparently greedy Theo as he quickly walked toward the bathroom, Thane yelling colorful words at him as we disappeared down the hallway.

I just shook my head at Theo's antics while, deep down, feeling very much cared for. It was weird, but good.

Theo opened the bathroom door with his backside, then closed it the same way. The bathroom was very clean, considering four men lived there. The counter was black granite with gold flecks set on what appeared to be light mahogany. And the bathtub…they had a whirlpool tub. I repeat, a whirlpool tub.

Good thing I wasn't wearing panties. I'd have to change them.

Theo must have noticed me ogling the tub because he chuckled and turned the water on to fill said tub. All without letting me go.

"I can walk, you know."

Theo booped my nose with a wet finger. "I know." Then proceeded to grab a towel and some shower supplies from a drawer by the sink.

When all the supplies were ready, he didn't lower me into the water as I expected him to. Ever the gentleman, he captured my gaze. "Would you like to get in by yourself or would you like some help?"

I could see he wasn't trying to tease me. He was genuinely offering to help. And giving me the choice since all that was covering me was a blanket.

Surprisingly, the thought of him helping me and subsequently seeing me completely naked didn't bother me. To be honest, having him near was comforting, and I wanted to soak in that comfort for a little while longer.

"Help would be great." I leaned into him and gently kissed his cheek.

Theo smiled brightly at that, setting my feet down on the floor. Finally. I don't think my feet have felt solid ground for about two whole hours.

Without giving me time to overthink, I dropped the blanket. It bunched up at my feet. Theo kept things PG, holding my arm while I stepped into the tub.

Oh my giant unicorns, this thing was amazing.

I settled at the end of the tub, submerging myself up to my collarbone in the water. I had just gotten comfortable when the whir of the jets started and everything was a swirling current of awesomeness.

"I'll get some clothes ready for you. We won't be far so call us when you're done." He laid a kiss on the top of my head before sliding out of the bathroom.

I tried to make short work of washing my hair but there were so many knots I had to condition twice to be able to get them out with my fingers. Then I scrubbed my entire body down with the pouf and body wash they left me until every inch of me was pink.

Once that was done, I settled into the jets and closed my eyes. Just wanting to relax and enjoy it.

Thankfully the memories stayed away when my eyes closed. I did have this weird dream where I felt like I was flying, soft voice calling my name as I floated through the clouds. I found a cloud I liked so I settled in, sinking into its softness as it drifted through the sky.

What seemed like a second later my eyes opened to a completely different sight. Gone was the whirlpool tub, and in its place was one of the most comfortable mattresses I have ever laid on. I was pondering how I got there when the bed moved slightly and an arm slid around my waist.

My first reaction was fear. I couldn't stop it. All of a sudden I was in the basement with Philip…

Before I could do anything other than tense the arm was gone. "It's okay. Just me."

The fear dissipated as I recognized Tripp's voice. I turned onto my back and tilted my head toward him. His eyes bore into mine, searching.

"How did I get here?"

"You fell asleep in the tub. We got worried so Theo went to check on you, and I told him to dry you off and bring you here. Perks of being the bossiest." A corner of his mouth lifted.

"You? Bossy? I could never imagine that." At that I rolled my eyes for dramatic effect.

"Smartass."

"Freckled farting forest fairy."

Tripp's brow furrowed in confusion. "Where do you come up with that shit?"

"You're just jealous because I am so much more creative than you are."

"...sure…"

Chuckling, I rolled to face him completely. Which probably wasn't a great idea, in hindsight. Or maybe it was the best idea I had ever created in my biggie brain.

I wanted to blame his stupidly handsome face, and that was part of it. But mostly it was the look on his eyes. He looked at me like I was the only thing in his world. A huge difference from his usual surly, judgemental frowny face.

And I just couldn't stop myself.