A comfortable silence settled between them as they began their baths, the gentle sounds of running water and the soft swish of soap filling the air.
They cleansed their bodies with a quiet intimacy, the shared space a testament to their easy familiarity.
Rhys finished washing first, and with a thoughtful expression, reached for a small bottle of lavender essential oil and a jar of Epsom salts.
He carefully measured a few drops of the oil into the steaming water, then added a generous handful of the salts, watching as they dissolved into the swirling currents.
The subtle, calming fragrance of lavender filled the bathroom, mingling with the warm steam.
He then eased himself into the tub, a sigh of contentment escaping his lips as the warm water enveloped him.
He leaned back against the smooth porcelain, his eyes half-closed, a picture of relaxation. He watched Heather as she finished her bath, a soft smile playing on his lips, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment.
When Heather finished her bath, she met Rhys's gaze. He extended his hand, and she accepted it, allowing him to guide her into the warm, inviting water of the tub.
Initially, she settled at the far end, drawing her knees to her chest, her chin resting on them, observing Rhys with a quiet curiosity.
"Why are you so far away?" Rhys murmured, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
He reached for her hand and lightly tugged her closer, inviting her to his side.
Heather yielded, allowing him to pull her until she was nestled beside him. She turned, her back to his chest, and leaned back against him, her head resting comfortably on his left shoulder as he pressed a soft kiss to her right temple.
This feels nice, she thought, a sense of deep relaxation washing over her as she closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the water and the comforting presence of Rhys behind her.
Rhys's hand gently massaged her shoulder, his fingers kneading the tight muscles, easing the lingering knots.
He moved his hand down her arm, tracing the delicate curve of her elbow, then back up to her neck, his touch feather-light.
"This is nice," Heather murmured, her voice soft and languid. "Just what I needed."
"Me too," Rhys replied, his voice a low rumble against her ear. He shifted slightly, his chin resting on the top of her head. "It's been a hectic few weeks."
A comfortable silence settled between them, a shared understanding of the pressures they both faced. They simply enjoyed the quiet intimacy that flowed between them.
After a few moments, Rhys's hand moved again, this time tracing the line of her jaw, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.
He tilted her head up, his eyes meeting hers.
"You know," he began, his voice hesitant, "about living together..."
Heather's breath hitched slightly, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.
"I really want it," he continued, his voice earnest. "I want to wake up next to you every morning, to come home to you every night. I want to build a life together, a real life, not just stolen moments and whispered goodbyes."
He paused, his eyes searching hers, as if seeking her approval. "But I also want to do it right," he said, his voice laced with sincerity. "I want to find a place that's safe, a place where we can be ourselves, without worrying about prying eyes."
Heather's heart swelled with warmth. She understood his concerns, his desire to protect her.
She also understood his longing for a normal life, a life where they could simply be together, without the constant pressures of his fame.
"I want that too, Rhys," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "I want a home with you. A place where we can be ourselves."
She paused, her eyes searching his. "But I also want you to be safe," she added, her voice laced with concern. "I don't want you to feel trapped, like you can't be yourself."
Rhys smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I won't," he assured her. "We'll find a way to make it work. We'll find a place that's our sanctuary, a place where we can be free."
He leaned in, capturing her lips in a soft, tender kiss. "I love you, Heather," he whispered against her lips.
"I'll talk to my manager about getting a real estate agent," Rhys continued, his voice determined, "so we can start looking for our place as soon as possible."
"Is it okay to move out of your current place?" Heather asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "What about the other guys?"
"We've been planning to move out for a while now," Rhys explained. "We've just been… procrastinating. Jess and Henry have actually found a house already and are ready to go. They're just waiting for us to leave, I think."
"Oh, I see," Heather said, understanding dawning.
"We can start looking for our own place after the tour," Rhys suggested, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What do you think?"
"Yeah," Heather agreed, a soft smile gracing her lips. "That way, you won't be too busy with tour preparations and we can focus on finding the perfect house."
She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
"Or," Rhys countered, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "we could start looking now. That way, we can move in as soon as the tour ends."
"Aren't you being a little hasty about this?" Heather asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement.
"Nope," Rhys said, his voice firm. "I told you, I want to live with you. And I want that to happen as soon as possible. My mind won't change. I'll call Jess later and ask him about the real estate agent who helped him find his place."
He leaned closer, his eyes locking with hers, and then captured her lips in a slow, lingering kiss, the warmth of his affection filling the space between them.