For the person who felt the need to send me a message saying that I should write a story that doesn't have smut in it..... All I have to say is that you're like the person who will eat an appetizer, entree, and desert at a restaurant before complaining that the meal was horrible. If you didn't like it, you wouldn't read it. Nuff said.

Eric pulled into his driveway and quickly circled around to take Sookie out of the passenger side. She still hadn't said a word. She was sniffly and kind of snotty. If he didn't care about her so much he'd probably be disgusted.

But he took one look at her and decided what she needed was a hot bath. As much as it would kill him not to make love to her in the warm water, he'd keep it PG. She didn't need him pawing all over her.

Reaching in, he lifted her from the seat and carried her bridal style to his front door. Stopping only long enough to unlock it and then kick it shut behind him. Once inside he headed straight for his master bathroom. Worry clouded his mind. Sookie still hadn't said a word. Was she in shock or just so upset she didn't want to speak?

He sat her down on the edge of the tub so he could get the water started. He suddenly wished he was a more romantic man and had some bath oils handy. Unfortunately he was with Felicia. She had shot down his every attempt at romance, so he finally gave up.

Sookie would appreciate those things. He knew she would. But for now all he could off her was a warm bath with some bubbles provided by his liquid soap. Not necessarily lavender bath oil and rose petals, but it would do.

Once the water was hot enough and the bubbles were threatening to overflow he turned back to Sookie. While he had been lost in his thoughts, she'd been stripping down. He tried not to let his jaw hit the floor at the sight of her nude body standing next to his fully clothed one. She attempted to place one foot in the large tub, but he lifted her and sat her inside. The last thing he wanted was for her to slip.

Pleased that she was comfortable he backed up to lean against the sink.

"Join me. Please."

Those three words spoken so softly pulled at his heart. She wasn't pushing him away. She was keeping him close. He couldn't describe the sense of relief he felt when he realized that she wasn't going to give up on them. Maybe she'd feel differently come morning light, but he prayed she wouldn't.

"Of course." He stripped out of his clothes and left them in a pile by the door. She started to draw her knees up to her chest to make room for him across from her. Instead he shifted her foreward and slipped in the tub behind her. Stretching his legs out on the outside of her body, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. He felt her sigh and relax into his embrace.

"Eric? Do you think gran is better off? She was always in so much pain. And she was so active before getting sick. I think that being stuck in bed was like torture for her."

"I think she is in a better place. She was a religious woman, right?"

"Very."

"I imagine she's very happy. Now she can look down on you and always watch over you. She's with your grandfather and your parents."

Sookie nodded and turned her head to the side and buried it in his neck.

"Thank you."

"For?"

"Everything. For bringing me here, for letting me cry all over you."

Eric didn't even have the words in him to tell her that he'd do anything for her. Not without coming out and saying something stupid that would scare her off. He was falling in love with her day by day. But it was too soon. He couldn't say that to her yet. Eventually, but not yet. They both needed time.

Instead of offering her words he lightly traced circles around her belly button with his thumbs. When she didn't push him away he placed soft kisses across her shoulders and back.

"Eric..."

"Shhhh. I'm not trying to start anything. I just want to relax you."

She nodded her acceptance and leaned back into him more. Pressing her weight against his chest and snuggling against him. God, had he ever felt this with Felicia? He didn't think so. He never had this overwhelming urge to hold her, hide her, and keep her safe from anyone or anything that may harm her.

Mindful of the fact that she was pressed against him and could probably sense him getting lost in his thoughts, he began massaging her shoulders. If she knew how deep his feelings were starting to run she'd would bolt. He knew she cared about him but how much? And with everything she was going through could it even be possible that she would consider anything permenant with him?

"What's wrong?"

Shit! Busted.

"Nothing. why?"

"You just seemed a mile away. I'm starting to prune, maybe we should get out."

"Of course." Eric stood and offered her a hand to help her stand up. She took it and surprised him by not immediately getting out of the tub. Instead she pressed her nude, wet body against his and hugged him tightly. Her soap bubble slicked hands massaged the small of his back as she clung to him.

It took a huge amount of effort on his part but he willed his erection away and held onto her shoulders, gently pushing her away from him.

"This is not what you need right now. Come. We'll sleep and see how you feel in the light of morning."

"Thanks." Her voice was just a whisper. He knew she probably felt rejected, but she'd appreciate this in the morning. Instead of giving in to what she thought she wanted, Eric escorted her to his room, turned down the covers and snuggled against her. They hadn't even bothered drying off. Their wet bodies fit together perfectly as they snuggled in to sleep.

He just hoped she'd still want him tomorrow.

~*~

The next morning Sookie woke up to damp sheets and a warm body wrapped around hers like a cacoon. She shifted a bit to move Eric's arm from her waist, he was practically crushing her. But she didn't mind the weight of him all that much if she was going to be honest. Yesterday had been the best and worst day of her life. She'd lost Gran. The one person in her life she could always count on. Realistically she knew Gran was going to die eventually, but she just wasn't ready for it yet.

The only thing that held her together was Eric. That's where the best day of her life part came in. She'd never felt so protected and sheltered before. It was like he would keep her from everything out to harm her. If only he could save her from the heartache of losing Gran. Feeling the need to be closer to Eric she turned in his arms until her head was tucked under his chin.

She laid there in his arms, inhaling his warm scent. So utterly male. His arms were like steel bands wrapped around her. Yet they were comforting, not hard. Normally she was very independant. Never asking anyone else for help. But Eric's silent strength covered her like a security blanket. Just as she was about to bury her head deeper against his chest, she felt his lips pressing against her forehead.

"What are you thinking of sweet Sookie?"

"How much I appreciate you being here with me."

"I will always be here with you, for you."

"Always?"

"Always."