Iris:
He shifted slightly, just enough for me to see the corner of his profile.
I lowered my gaze and continued. I moved along each scratch, smoothing the ointment in careful strokes until every mark was treated well.
When I finished, I stepped back to give him space.
"Really, I would love to see how you can tease me," he challenged.
He pushed himself to his feet and turned to face me. I held the cloth against my palms, feeling the warmth fading from it.
"And by the way, thanks for the care. Nobody has ever taken care of my wounds like this," he mumbled, and I noticed that he wasn't playing around this time.
He began to step toward me.
"And I know how to thank you in a perfect way," he whispered.
The fact that he wouldn't admit why he had gone to the cave felt like a challenge.
I wanted to know his real reason.
What was he hiding? But before I could respond, he leaned in for a kiss.
That was when my kids burst in.
"Yay, we are ready for bed!" they exclaimed.
