Zoe's POV
The water had gone still.
Not completely—but enough that the ripples from moments ago had softened into something quieter, more gentler… like the world itself had decided to give me a second to breathe.
I wasn't sure when my breathing had gotten so uneven. Or when my thoughts had become so loud.
Or when he had become the only thing anchoring me.
Brandon's fingers traced slowly along my arm—light, absent-minded, almost like he didn't even realize he was doing it. But I felt every movement. Every brush of his skin against mine sent a faint shiver through me, grounding me in a way I didn't expect.
I leaned back slightly against him in the hot tub, letting the warmth sink into me. Taking the moment in.
He was quiet.
Too quiet.
I could hear him breathing… it was quite obvious his mind had traveled… I noticed it.
"What's on your mind?" I asked softly, my voice barely above the hum of the water.
His fingers paused.
Just for a second.
