Chapter Four
He took her hand and directed her along up a long flight of steps and down a hallway.
“This will be your room.” He pointed down the hallway. “That’s mine, so if you ever need me, you’ll know where I’m at.”
He showed her the closet first, and she saw women’s clothing and shoes.
“Whose clothes are those?” she asked.
“Those are yours. Remember I talked about Mr. Marsh? He’s the one who found out about you?”
She nodded.
“His woman’s name is Larkin, and she gave those to you.”
Emily was confused. “Why? She doesn’t even know me.”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s your friend already, and you haven’t met her. You’ll love her. Now, do you want a bath or shower?”
She bit her lip as she stared at the bathtub, unable to remember the last time she’d had a bath.
He chuckled. “It’s all right. I can see what you’d like. I’ll get it started for you and then pick out some clothing for you.”
She nodded and watched him pick up a bottle on the edge. He read it before turning on the water, adjusting the temperate, and then sprinkling some pink-colored dots in. It immediately started making bubbles.
Grey smiled at her. “Larkin didn’t miss anything. She even brought shampoo, conditioner, and bubble bath.”
She had no idea she’d cried out in excitement.
Grey laughed. “I’m glad that this makes you happy. I think you’ll be easy to please.” He wiped his hands on a towel and set another one by the tub. “Do you need any help?”
She shook her head.
“Okay, I’ll wait out in the bedroom. Is it okay if I open the door and place the clothes on the counter? I promise I won’t peek.”
Emily nodded.
“Okay. Enjoy the bath and take all the time you need.”
She waited until the door closed before dropping the blanket, pulling off the small gown Fowler made her wear, and dropping it in the trash. She never wanted to see the thing again.
The bubbles tickled her legs when she stepped in, and the warm water felt so good as she sat down. The bubbles seemed to keep expanding, making her feel like she was on a cloud.
She dunked her head under the water and then used some shampoo on the edge to wash her hair. When she thought she’d gotten it clean, she put some conditioner in and tied it in a knot on the top of her head. She knew the knot wouldn’t hold long, so she cleaned her body.
There was a knock, and the door cracked open.
“It’s just me. Here are the clothes.” He set them up on the counter without opening the door far.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Call out if you need me.”
“Okay.”
The bubbles were gone a while ago, so when her skin started to prune, she decided she needed to get out. She rinsed the conditioner out of her hair by putting the back of her head in the water.
She pulled the drain, stood, and squeezed as much water out of her hair as possible before reaching for a towel to wrap around her torso and another one around her head.