Disclaimer: Not mine, not paid. Love ‘em, all the same. They’re getting waterlogged so I thought I’d let ‘em dry off a bit, have a snack.

Thanks: To dear Jacqui, my best beta buddy and to Rion, my own Big Bad Man, who is so very inspirational.

Rating: You asked, so I’m gratifyin’ ya - NC17/R. Sex and food and more sex.

Feedback: Oh yes, kind readers. I grovel nicely, do tricks even. Praise or gripe, it's appreciated, especially if you like a particular bit. To read the previous six chapters or any of my other stories, click on my name. Makes a lot more fun when you’ve read the lead-up.

The Birthday Gift

Chapter Seven

“Happy Birthday, Kaylee, that’s number five…” The little mechanic trembled and then stilled in his arms, breathing hard.

The candles were burning down, the water had grown cool and both of them were wrinkled as a pair of prunes. Jayne noticed that Kaylee was starting to get gooseflesh from the chill and sat them both upright.

“Pull that plug, hon, and let’s get you out and warmed up some. Don’t want ya getting’ sick or nothin’.”

He pushed himself up and stepped over the rim of the tub, wet and glistening like some ancient sea god, then steadied Kaylee as she climbed out. Her face, as she looked up at him, was all soft and smiley and she looked more than a little drunk.

“Made me a little weak in the knees, there, ‘ya know, “ she grinned.

“Good thing, since that was exactly what I was aimin’ for,” he chuckled. He took one of the big red towels and began to gently and methodically dry her off like he would a small child.

“Gimme yer foot.”

Kaylee put an arm across Jayne’s shoulder to steady herself. “That’s alright. Ya can just lean on me. Ain’t gonna let ya fall.”

Having burnished her dry, he grabbed the robe hanging nearby and slipped it around her to keep her from getting chilled. Another towel and he quickly wiped himself down, then blew out the candles. Beaumond’s twin moons had risen and their light pooled on the