‘Two minutes!’ Hannah called. ‘Kelly, count in the bar area. Everyone else… go!’
They scattered.
***
Eva moved quickly at first, then slowed as soon as she was out of sight of the restaurant.
The spa at night was quieter, dimmer. The peace was nice.
She passed the relaxation lounge, already claimed—Mary’s laugh gave her away instantly. Aria’s voice followed, hissing something about subtlety.
Eva kept going. She didn’t want company.
A corridor led toward the treatment rooms, doors half-closed, the scent of oils lingering in the air. She slipped into one at the end, easing the door almost shut behind her. She needed to ninja this.
It was a small room containing a massage table in low lighting. Perfect.
Eva sat down cross-legged under the table, getting comfy. She was there all of ten seconds when the door opened. Maddy’s head appeared under the table. For a second, neither of them spoke.
‘Oh,’ Maddy said, a little breathless. ‘Sorry. I didn’t—’
‘No, it’s fine,’ Eva said quickly, shuffling up. ‘Plenty of room.’
There wasn’t, really. Eva didn’t know why she’d said that.
Maddy hovered, as if she might bolt. Then, slowly, she climbed under.
‘This is a good spot,’ she said, a little too brightly.
‘Mm,’ Eva replied.
Eva folded her arms loosely, watching Maddy. Trying to read her. That was the problem. Shecouldn’t. She thought she could. But then…
Not into muff.
Eva tilted her head slightly. ‘Are you sure you want to hide with me?’ she asked before she could stop herself.
Maddy blinked. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Well…’ Eva’s tone stayed light, but there was an edge to it now. ‘You wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. About you and muf—’
Maddy’s expression turned quickly to horror. ‘No!Pleasedon’t say that word. I never want to hear it again as long as I live.’
‘You said it first,’ Eva shrugged.
Maddy looked down at her hands. ‘I panicked,’ she admitted quietly.
Eva let out a small breath. ‘No biggie,’ she said dryly.
Maddy coughed an embarrassed laugh. ‘I’m sorry I said that. Honestly.’
‘It doesn’tmatter,’ Eva said.
Maddy looked up at that, at Eva. A real look. And for a second, something shifted again.
‘Let me just explain. I didn’t mean it likethat,’ Maddy said.
Eva held her gaze. ‘No?’
