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“You always threaten but never deliver.”
“Oh, baby, you just poked the bear.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’ll see. What are you going to do now?”
She leans to the right of me so she can see in the door. “I’m going for a swim to cool down.” She moves back to stand in front of me. “My body aches, so maybe I can get a last minute massage, unless you think your magic tongue can take away muscle aches and strains.” She gives me a what-do-you-have-to-say-about-that look.
“I’m sure my magic tongue can do anything you need it to do, but you should still go for a massage. You deserve it. I’ll see you at six.” One more kiss is not enough to get me through the next hour, especially when all I want to do is choke Paige, but a win is a win, so I turn and walk away with Maddy’s scent in my nostrils and her taste on my tongue.
Twelve
Maddy
Leaving Ripley alone with that vulture doesn’t give me an easy feeling in my stomach. With her beak nose and squawking voice, I’m pretty sure she’ll try to pick him clean in the next hour.
When I walk into the hotel, my first stop is the desk to see about a massage. To my surprise, Ripley has made me an appointment already. I have fifteen minutes to get changed and down to the spa. That’s enough time to pull another pastry from the box. On the flap inside is a note that says I can’t wait to fill your croissant. My sex clenches at the thought.
A woman with a nametag that reads Alexa is waiting at the spa entrance when I arrive. “You must be Maddy?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m told that you need a relaxing massage.” She winds us through a labyrinth of hallways until we enter a muted room that smells like lavender. Soft music plays in the background along with the trickle of water that falls from a corner fountain. “Take off what you’re comfortable with, and I’ll be right back.”
She leaves me to undress and climb onto the table where a heated blanket awaits. Within minutes I’m almost asleep.
Like a ninja, Alexa enters in silence and begins to work the knots out of my neck and shoulders. “I hear you’re taking Ripley’s class.” Her voice is quiet and calming.
“Yes. Do you know him?” Of course she knows him. I’m pretty sure everyone knows him.
She lets out a little laugh. “He’s a regular celebrity here. Nice guy, I’m told.”
“He’s definitely a nice guy.”
“And so darn sexy. It’s a wonder you get anything done in that class. I’d be staring at him the whole time.”
“He’s quite demanding and thorough.” I think about our lunch together, and I’m grateful the lights are dimmed. Otherwise, she’d see my blush. “Tell me what you know about him.” I feel guilty for asking, but part of me wants to get the local gossip. Does he really like me, or am I simply the soup de jour?
“Not much. He gets a lot of celebrity attention.” She pours a warm liquid on my back and works it into my skin.
“Yes, I saw that. There's always a beautiful woman hanging from his arm.” My stomach clenches at the memory of the swimsuit model I saw in a recent photo, not just hanging on his arm, but hanging on him.
“I’m sure he isn’t in need of companionship, that’s for sure. I know a thousand women who would drop to their knees in front of him,” Alexa says.
I know one who did, I think to myself. “Well, he is easy on the eyes.” I press my face into the opening of the table and silence myself. Maybe if I’m quiet, she won’t feel compelled to destroy my fantasy. Some guys go slumming and some guys go fat. Ripley is obviously trying on a plus size girl and for the next few days, I’ll let him wear me, if he’s interested. I’m a grown up girl. I can handle a one-week stand. I’ll keep telling myself that until I believe it.
The next thing I know, Alexa is shaking me awake. “You’re all done. I hope you enjoyed it.” The lights in the room grow brighter.
“I fell asleep.”
“Yes, but at least you’re not a snorer. I’ll leave you to dress, and I’ll meet you at the front desk.” She slips from the room as quietly as she entered.
I dress with haste and rush out of the room. In less than an hour, Ripley will be here for our date. That’s what he called it—a date.
At the desk I sign for my massage and add a hefty tip. I needed that nap to get through the night, and it was worth every darn penny.
Dating wasn’t on my mind when I packed for this trip. Long days on my feet and dressing comfortably were all I was concerned about, but if I’m honest, I threw in a dress just in case, and boy am I glad I did.
