152
By the time they got home, the sun had already melted into the horizon, leaving streaks of gold and violet across the skyline. The apartment was quiet just the faint hum of the city outside and the soft click of Ericka's heels as she stepped through the doorway.
Amanda followed behind her, loosening her tie, her gaze never leaving Ericka. She could see the weight of the day in her shoulders the way her movements slowed, the way her breaths came deeper, heavier, as if she were finally letting herself exhale for the first time all day.
Ericka set her purse down on the console table, pressing her fingers briefly to her temple. Amanda approached quietly from behind, her hands finding their way to Ericka's shoulders, kneading gently until Ericka sighed.
"You've been holding it together all day," Amanda murmured. "Let it go now."
Ericka tilted her head back slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "You always know what to say."
Amanda kissed the corner of her jaw. "That's because I pay attention."
She took Ericka's hand, leading her toward the bedroom. The lights dimmed to a soft amber glow as Amanda disappeared into the bathroom. A moment later, the sound of running water filled the space steady, soothing, rhythmic. Steam began to rise, curling in lazy swirls.
Ericka lingered at the doorway, watching Amanda move with quiet purpose pouring a handful of lavender-scented bath salts into the water, lighting a small candle, and setting a folded towel within reach.
Amanda looked over her shoulder, smiling. "Come here."
Ericka walked toward her, barefoot now, the tension in her body already starting to fade. Amanda met her halfway, her hands gentle as she began to unbutton Ericka's blouse, one button at a time, her eyes never leaving hers.
"You don't have to do all this," Ericka whispered, her voice low.
Amanda shook her head. "I want to. You've taken care of everyone all week. Let me take care of you tonight."
By the time Amanda finished, the tub was full and steaming, carrying the scent of lavender and chamomile through the room. She helped Ericka ease into the water, her hand steady against her back.
Ericka sank down with a sigh that sounded almost like a moan, her eyes fluttering shut as the heat wrapped around her. "This feels incredible."
Amanda smiled, rolling up her sleeves and sitting on the edge of the tub.
She dipped a cloth into the water and began to wash her slowly Ericka's shoulders first, then her arms, her movements unhurried and tender.
The candlelight caught on the surface of the water, scattering gold across Ericka's skin.
Ericka leaned her head back, her breathing slowing. "You're spoiling me."
"That's the goal," Amanda teased softly. She dipped the cloth again, this time letting her fingers trail over Ericka's collarbone before gliding down the length of her arm.
The only sounds in the room were the soft splash of water and Ericka's steady, content hums. Amanda took her time, tracing the shape of Ericka's back with her palms, pressing just enough to loosen the tension from her muscles.
When Amanda's hands stilled, Ericka opened her eyes, a sleepy smile curving her lips. "You're too good at this."
Amanda brushed her thumb across her cheek. "Only for you."
When the water began to cool, Amanda grabbed a towel and helped Ericka up, wrapping her carefully. She pressed a kiss to her temple before speaking again. "Come on, let's get you comfortable."
In the bedroom, the lights glowed soft and low. Amanda sat her on the edge of the bed, gently drying her hair with another towel, running her fingers through it until it fell in soft waves. When she was done, she slipped a robe over Ericka's shoulders, tying the sash loosely around her waist.
Ericka smiled, a sleepy gleam in her eyes. "You really thought of everything."
Amanda brushed a few damp strands from her forehead. "You deserve that."
When Ericka finally lay down, Amanda tucked the blankets around her like something precious. She leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead.
"I love you," Amanda whispered.
Ericka's fingers found Amanda's hand, holding it gently. "I love you too."
Amanda slid onto the bed beside her, pulling her close. For a while, they just lay there in the dim light, the soft rumble of thunder rolling in the distance. The world outside could wait.
After a few quiet minutes, Ericka spoke again, her voice still drowsy. "So... snacks for Friday?"
Amanda laughed softly against her hair. "You're already planning again?"
"I can't help it. I want everything to be right," Ericka murmured. "But I don't want to overdo it."
Amanda tilted her head to look at her. "You could set out gold-plated potato chips and they'd still think it's perfect. It's you they already adore you."
Ericka gave her a playful side-eye. "You're biased."
Amanda smiled, kissing her gently. "Maybe a little. But I'm also right."
Ericka sighed, her body melting against Amanda's. "Then maybe something simple. Pizza, sliders, charcuterie, and maybe some fresh fruit. Something cozy but nice."
"See?" Amanda said. "You've got it handled."
Ericka smiled lazily. "What about drinks?"
"Whatever you want, baby. I'll handle the runs and setup. You just focus on relaxing," Amanda murmured, brushing her fingers along Ericka's jaw.
Ericka's eyes softened, her voice quieter now. "You take such good care of me."
Amanda leaned in, kissing her softly, then again, slower this time. "Its my job."
They stayed like that until the rain outside turned to a steady rhythm against the glass. Amanda whispered small things between kisses about how proud she was of her, how lucky she felt to come home to her, how much she loved seeing her like this, peaceful and safe.
Ericka drifted to sleep before long, her head on Amanda's chest, the sound of her breathing even and slow. Amanda reached over to turn off the lamp, her hand lingering in Ericka's hair.
"Sleep, my love," she whispered. "You've done enough for today."