Can We Take It Slow?

One afternoon Helena found a blank canvas in her bedroom. She had completely forgotten it was there and couldn't remember why she had kept it when cleaning the guest room. Part of her wanted to throw it away and forget about it, to put the past behind her, but another part wanted to take up the brush again—to finally reclaim the joy that painting had once brought her.

Her adoptive parents had encouraged her love of art, giving her guidance and support over the years until Helena felt like a master of her craft. When they passed away, her passion for painting died with them.

But with a determined breath, Helena picked up the brush and began to fill the canvas with bursts of life and color. Thoughts, feelings, memories, and ideas all came together to form an intricate work of art that declared her spirit loud and clear. Every brush stroke seems to dance on the canvas in perfect harmony. Despite the fear lingering in Helena's chest, she embraced freedom and uncertainty.

After several hours Helena stepped back and admired her work, feeling a sudden surge of pride. She had done something extraordinary, something she never thought she could accomplish again.

The outcome was vibrant colors blended together to form nature scenes and dreamy images of joy and freedom. There are swirls of blues, greens, and purples, like a calm ocean or a bright summer sky.

It was then that she heard a knock on the door. Helena hesitated momentarily, wondering if she should ignore or show her work to Arthur. In the end, she decided it wouldn't harm her if she asked Arthur's opinion about her work.

Opening the door, she saw Arthur standing there, looking at her with curiosity and admiration. Helena felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she realized that she was still wearing nothing but her paint-stained apron.

"Baby, sorry to interrupt," Arthur said, "but I thought I'd check in on you. What are you working on?"

Helena smiled shyly, feeling exposed but excited to share her work with her special someone. She stepped aside, gesturing for Arthur to come in and take a look.

"I found this old canvas and decided to start painting again," she said, feeling like a schoolgirl showing off her artwork to a crush. "It's not much, but I'm proud of it."

Arthur walked over to the canvas, examining it closely with a thoughtful expression. Helena watched him, feeling a sudden surge of attraction for her boyfriend she had spent so many nights naked.

Arthur wrapped his arms around Helena. He bent down to her ear. "Baby, this is a masterpiece. I'm glad you've rediscovered your creative side."

"Thank you. I didn't even intend to paint again; I just saw this blank canvas I kept while we were cleaning the guestroom. And then, voila, I ended up painting."

"No wonder why you've been here for so long," Arthur said with a laugh, "you didn't even notice it's dinner time."

"Really? How long have I been painting?"

"About 4 hours. You were lost in the living room."

"Oh my Gosh. That long?" She said in awe. She was surprised to find out she had been working for long hours.

"Yeah, I come here to tell you that dinner is ready. And also talk about your best friend, Gabby.

"Oh, what about Gabby?"

"Before that, can I just admire how hot you are naked while painting your masterpiece," he said, glancing at Helena's naked butt. "Is this some kind of a ritual you do while painting?"

Helena laughed hysterically. "No. I thought of taking a shower, but then I saw the blank canvas, so instead of putting my robe on and heading to the shower, I decided to paint instead. I was naked and then put on this apron," she narrated shyly. She was like a child caught doing naughty things.

Arthur laughed with her. "Baby, you're silly. So do you plan on getting a shower before dinner?"

"I can have it later on. I'll just put on my robe, and then I'll follow you into the kitchen."

"I can wait for you here while you do that," Arthur insisted.

"No. Baby, you can prepare the table, and I'll be there when you're done," she said firmly.

"Okay, we should have dinner first before the food gets cold. Don't be too long."

"No problem, Mister, I'll be right behind you," she reassured, kissing Arthur.

During dinner, Arthur couldn't help but glance at Helena's beauty. The way the candlelight flickered across her face, and her red hair fell perfectly on her shoulders. Every detail of her makes him feel like he's the luckiest man in the world.

The table was set with their tableware, wine glasses, and a bottle of red wine. The aroma of grilled steak, roasted vegetables, and garlic bread filled the air. Helena couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment and the man in her life who had made it all possible.

"Here," Arthur helped her with the bread.

"Thank you, baby. You're getting sweeter every day," she said, chuckling.

Arthur smiled, "Anything for you." He then picked the best-grilled steak with roasted vegetables on the side. "Baby, would you like me to help you shower later?" Arthur asked with a smirk on his face.

Helena laughed. "I don't know. I think I can manage."

"Are you sure? I think I have to shower too," he winked at her, sending a clear message.

"Maybe you can shower after me," she said, giggling.

"I thought we could conserve water if we shower together. Isn't it a good idea, especially since we are both environmentalists."

Helena laughed at Arthur's silly explanation. He clearly wants more than a shower together. "Let's decide about that later. I'm starving; let's eat."

"That is something to look forward to," he grinned.

After dinner, Helena excused herself from taking a quick shower. She could feel Arthur's eyes following her as she walked away. She smiled to herself, knowing that he was probably picturing her naked.

As she stepped under the warm water, she felt a shiver run down her spine. She couldn't stop thinking about how much she wanted Arthur. She knew he felt the same way and couldn't wait to feel his strong arms wrapped around her.

As she was drenched in water, she heard the bathroom door open. "Hey there," Arthur said, stepping into the shower with her. "I thought I'd save water and join you."

"Let's save water," she said, winking at him.

Arthur grinned mischievously, knowing full well what was about to happen. Taking their time to savor every inch of each other's naked bodies. The steam from the shower filled the bathroom, creating a sensual atmosphere.

As the water cascaded down their bodies, they kissed passionately, their tongues exploring each other's mouths. Arthur broke their kiss and faced Helena, caressing her cheeks.

"Baby, can we take it slow this time? I want my hands to feel every inch of your body and taste it like never before.

Helena nodded. "I'd love that. I want to do it to you too."

"You have no idea how much I want that. Every time we make love, we seem to be in a hurry. Let's try a different approach this time," he said gently, tracing a finger on Helena's cheek.