The morning sun gently seeped through the narrow gap in the curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden hue. Wren stirred from her deep, restorative sleep, feeling the comforting weight of Connor's arm draped around her. Her cheek was pressed against the warm expanse of his bare chest, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear was soothingly familiar.

As she slowly tilted her head, her gaze met Connor’s peaceful, sleeping face. Even in repose, he was undeniably handsome, with his features softened by sleep and a faint smile playing on his lips. Wren thought to herself,  “Wow…he really is so handsome. I’m so lucky!”

For a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the beauty of the sight before her. However, as her mind fully awakened, the previous night's memories came rushing back in a tide of embarrassment and regret.

“I ruined everything last night. It was going so well and then hell came back to haunt me. What is wrong with me? Is Connor right that I’ll get better after a while?”

Despite wanting to cling to the hope that Connor’s assurances were true, a cloud of self-doubt lingered over her. She tried to slip out of Connor’s embrace, but as she moved, his eyes fluttered open, revealing a soft, sleepy gaze.

“Good morning, Sunshine,” Connor murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

Wren’s cheeks flushed slightly as she responded, “Morning.”

“Did you sleep well?” Connor asked, his eyes crinkling with concern.

She nodded, though the action was tinged with unease. As she attempted to wriggle free from his arms and quickly jumped from the bed, she mumbled, “I should go freshen up.”

Connor’s voice stopped her mid-step. “Hey, wait a minute. I have something important to say.”

Wren froze, her heart racing with anxiety. “Is he mad at me? He hates me. That’s what he is saying, right?”

Connor noticed her distress and his concern deepened. “Sunshine…Sunshine, can you hear me?”

His voice grew more insistent, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts. “Huh? What did you say again? I’m sorry,” she stammered.

Connor’s expression softened with reassurance. “I said I have an idea about how to help with your issue with being touched.”

Wren’s eyes widened in relief. “Oh…I thought you were mad at me.”

Connor reached out, gently touching her arm. “I said I wasn’t mad last night. I love you and could never hate you. Stop having those thoughts or I will get mad.”

Wren’s expression shifted from apprehensive to relieved. “Okay…okay…I’m sorry. I won’t think that again.”

Connor nodded approvingly. “Good.”

Wren, now more curious, asked, “So what’s the idea?”

Connor’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “We should shower together, and I’ll show you.”

Wren’s eyes widened in shock. “What! Shower together!”

Connor’s laughter was warm and infectious, easing the tension in the room. “Yes, it’s not what you’re thinking. You really are a naughty kitten.”

Wren’s cheeks turned a deep crimson. “Oh…umm…I just thought. Never mind!”

Connor chuckled as he stood and approached her. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders, his gaze tender and reassuring. “Do you trust me?”

Wren met his gaze, her voice steady but soft. “Yes…I do.”

“Then follow what I tell you, okay?” Connor’s tone was calm, filled with gentle encouragement.

“Okay, I’ll try,” Wren replied, her nerves giving way to a cautious optimism.

The bathroom filled with the soft hum of the shower as Connor turned the faucet, adjusting the water to a soothing warmth. Steam began to curl and wisp from the rising heat, filling the space with a comforting mist. Connor turned to Wren, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Go ahead and get undressed,” he instructed, his voice gentle yet firm.

Wren’s cheeks flushed slightly as she hesitated, then spoke, “Umm…turn around first.”

Connor’s grin widened, revealing a teasing edge. “I’ll be getting undressed too. So, no peeking.”

Wren’s eyes widened in surprise at his playful tone. “What are you saying?!”

Connor chuckled, his gaze warm. “Don’t play innocent.”

“I am innocent!” Wren protested, her voice a mix of embarrassment and indignation.

Connor raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “I’ve seen your naughty side, kitten.”

Her face turned a delicate shade of pink as memories of their intimate moments from the night before surfaced.  “I…I only get like that with you.”  She thought as she shyly looked away, feeling a mixture of shame and vulnerability.

Connor’s tone softened. “Shh…alright, don’t be embarrassed. I know you wanted to please me, and I liked it too. I’m just teasing you.”

Wren continued to avoid his gaze, struggling with her feelings of discomfort.

“Please look at me…” Connor urged gently.

With a resigned sigh, Wren met his eyes. “Fine…let’s just forget about it.”

Connor smiled reassuringly. “Okay…come on, get undressed. The water will get cold.”

Wren and Connor hurriedly undressed, their movements quick and slightly awkward. As Connor stepped into the shower, he reached out for Wren, guiding her in with him. The small space was intimate, with the hot water cascading down, creating a soothing ambiance.

Wren’s heart raced as she stood close to Connor, their bare skin pressed together under the warm flow of water. Connor grabbed a loofah, lathering it with soap before turning to her.

“Come here and turn around,” he instructed, his tone both tender and authoritative.

Wren took a deep breath and obeyed, positioning herself with her back facing him. Connor’s hands were gentle as he began to rub the soapy loofah in slow, deliberate circles on her back.

“This is embarrassing, but it also makes my skin feel on fire in a good way. Should I make him stop or just let him do it? I should make him stop, but I…”

She let out a soft moan of pleasure, her senses awakening to the sensation of his touch. Connor’s smile widened, clearly pleased with her response.

Replacing the loofah with his hand, he continued the slow, circular motions, his fingers gliding across her back and lower down to her buttocks. Wren’s eyes flew open, a mix of surprise and panic filling her.

“Connor!” she gasped, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

“Sunshine, trust me. I won’t hurt you,” Connor reassured, his voice calm and soothing.

Wren slowly nodded, trying to relax as he guided her through the unfamiliar sensations. Connor’s hand continued its gentle exploration, making small, soothing circles across her cheeks and down the backs of her legs.

“Connor, I’m not sure if this is okay,” Wren said, her voice quivering slightly.

“I’m just giving you a proper washing,” Connor explained, his voice light with a hint of playfulness.

Despite her initial reservations, Wren let him continue, the warmth of the water and Connor’s touch creating a paradox of comfort and vulnerability. Connor’s hands were methodical, taking their time as he washed her arms and, to Wren’s surprise, her chest.

The sensation of his fingers gliding across her sensitive skin, combined with the warmth of the soap and water, made her skin tingle. Each touch was gentle but deliberate, and Connor’s hands cupped her chest with a tenderness that sent waves of mixed emotions through her.

As he washed her, Connor’s touch was both affectionate and therapeutic, his movements designed to soothe and reassure. However, at one point, he stopped and gently grasped her shoulders. He turned her around until their gazes met, his expression serious yet filled with love.

“Connor…I love you,” Wren said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Connor’s smile was soft and full of warmth. “I love you too. This is the hard part. I need you to keep looking into my eyes and trust me.”

Wren’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why? What are you going to do?”

Connor’s gaze was steady and full of conviction. “I’m going to heal you with love.”

Wren’s eyes widened, her heart fluttering at his words. “Huh?”

Connor’s smile remained, full of gentle reassurance. “Just trust me, Sunshine. We’ll take this one step at a time.”