Текст книги "The Rub Down"

Автор книги: Gina Sheldon

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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 15 страниц)

Chapter Eighteen

Alexa

Running before everyone was awake felt powerful and surreal. The streets that are usually crowded with cars, and sidewalks packed with hurried footsteps, were empty and calm. Boston was a great city. I loved living here. There was no other place I’d rather be. The mountains for skiing were only a few hours away, beaches a mere thirty minutes, Cape Cod, where my parents lived, just an hour and a half east. The culture rivaled New York City, the theatre not as spectacular, but still great. The restaurants, divine.

As I ran eighteen miles with Jeff beside me, my mind not only reflected on our miraculous city, but on my conversation with Luke the night before. It was a fantastic night that went from the highest high to the lowest low, and then rocketed to the moon. Admitting my deepest fears to Luke was hard. I knew they weren’t unwarranted, that my struggle at Heartbreak Hill probably saved me from the bombing, and I was lucky I didn’t have to bear witness to the horrific scene that ensued.

“Where were you last year when the bombs went off?” I asked.

Jeff and I never discussed the bombings. I knew he competed and finished before the mayhem started.

“I was back home in Southie already, at a pub with my friends, when we saw it all unfold on television,” Jeff said.

“I was stopped at Mass Ave.” I wasn’t sure why I was dredging all this up twice in twenty-four hours, but it was unavoidable with the anniversary days away.

“Fuck, Alexa, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were that close.” Jeff looked over at me, remorse written all over his face.

“Luke and I talked about it last night, and it brought all my fears back to the surface.”

“And? What did the wise Luke say?” Humor laced his words.

“He told me I needed to draw strength from my feelings. And not let those sons of bitches win by keeping me scared.” I glanced over and saw Jeff laughing at his friend’s words.

“Luke’s wicked smart. I take it you guys are getting along?”

“I’m not discussing this with you. All I’ll say is Luke is a professional and amazing at his craft.” I tried to keep my voice unbiased, but I probably sounded like a lovesick teenager.

As much as it physically and emotionally pained me when Luke slammed the brakes on our major make out session, I never wanted to push him to do something that would compromise his integrity. The draw between us was too strong to ignore, and I was grateful we didn’t need to avoid it.

“I see that stupid ass, happy grin on your face. Just so you know, I expect an invite to the wedding.” Jeff interrupted my thoughts.

“I wouldn’t go that far, but yes, thank you for introducing us. He’s a remarkable guy, and I’m happy to have him in my corner.”

When we finished the run, my body felt great, and I knew I could physically handle next week’s big run. I needed to spend the rest of the week ignoring the news, and finding my happy place so I could tackle the mental part as well.

*****

“How was the date last night?” Addison greeted me at the door while I peeled off some of my running gear. “You got home awfully late. Do I need to have a talk with young Luke about your curfew?”

“No, mom, my virtue is sadly still intact,” I grunted out.

“That doesn’t sound good. Spill it.”

I flopped down on my back with my legs dangling over the arm of the couch.

“Dinner was delicious. Conversation even better. His lips are like heaven. His touch felt more amazing on my skin when we are on his couch than on the massage table.” I groaned and beat my fists on the cushion. “But… he stopped us at second base.” Frustration oozed in my voice.

“What? Why?” Disbelief dripped from her words.

“He and Danny made an agreement that they would never date a client. Supposedly, I’m the first. So until the marathon is over, we can’t have sex.”

“Well, shit. That sucks, babe. I’m sorry.” Addison honestly looked like she felt my pain.

After last night, if blue balls had a female equivalent, I had them.

“I just hope that’s the only reason he keeps throwing on the brakes. What if he doesn’t want to have sex with me?” When we were in the moment, I didn’t feel this way, but in the daylight, uncertainty crept in.

“I really doubt that, babe. He’s crazy about you. I saw the lust in his eyes when he saw you last night. That man wants you hard.”

I prayed Addison was right.

“We will see in about a week, when he can’t use the marathon as an excuse. I should be able to control myself until then. I just don’t wanna,” I said in the whiniest voice possible. I might as well have stomped my foot like a petulant child wanting a toy at the store.

“Want to see the dress I designed for you for the gala on Saturday?” She practically jumped out of her skin. “While you were making out like horndogs, I was home designing you a dress that will make Luke kick his own ass for his stupid rule.”

“You designed me a dress?”

Addison ran over to the worktable and grabbed her sketchbook. “Now, you’re under absolutely no obligation to like this, but since you’re my best friend, you better!” She winked.

She flipped the pad over, and what I saw blew me away. The dress was a classic boat neck with cap sleeves. A slit rode high on one thigh, which would emphasize my long, toned legs. But when she turned the page over to show me the back, I knew I needed her to make this evening gown for me. Luke would go nuts when he saw it, and I would hopefully reap the benefits all night long.

“Addison, this is perfection. You sure know how to dress my body. I love it, and will take on any clients I need to, so you can make this creation come to life in the next seven days.”

“I’m so happy you love it because I think it’s perfect for you. Let’s discuss color. My thought was the cornflower blue being used for this year’s warm up jacket.” Every registered runner received loads of swag, including a jacket. “It would match your eyes perfectly.”

“Genius as always. What do you think about Luke wearing an orange tie?” I suggested, since the warm up jackets were blue and orange.

“I think it’s a tad cheeky, but as long as he wore a vest, it wouldn’t be too much.”

“I’m so lucky to have you! You’re so talented. I can’t wait to see the final product.” I reached over and gave her a huge hug. “I’m going to run upstairs and shower, and then can we veg out and watch movies all afternoon?”

“Absolutely, I need a chill out day. We’ll need to review the schedule for the week, but we can do that over Chinese food. Go shower, you stink.” Addison pushed me toward the stairs.

*****

Half way through Pretty Woman, a movie Addison and I watched at least once a month, Luke texted me. Just seeing his name pop up on my phone made me giddy. It was sickly sweet.

Magic Hands: What ya doin?

Me: Laundry and cuddling on the couch

Magic Hands: Who should I be jealous of cuddling with you?

One of the many things that attracted me to Luke was his honesty. Every time we saw each other, his words got sweeter. When he walked me to my door last night, he whispered in my ear, “Your strength and inner beauty dazzle me.” He was the dazzler. I was falling hard, and there was nothing I could do to stop it, not that I wanted to.

Me: Addison and the laundry basket. What are you doing?

Magic Hands: Wishing I was a laundry basket

Me: No really

Magic Hands: Sitting here thinking of a way to see you today

I wanted to see him, too. But if my past relationships taught me anything, it was not to abandon friendships for a man. Chicks before dicks, and all that.

 

Me: Awww sorry I’m hanging with Addie today

Magic Hands: When can I see you again?

Me: You can run with me Tuesday morning before I see you at TRD

Magic Hands: How many miles?

Me: 10, don’t be a baby and run with me

Magic Hands: Well when you put it so nicely, fine I’ll run with you

Me: YAY! Enjoy your afternoon. Do your own laundry for once and call me later

Magic Hands: If I must.

“You’re blowing up over there. It must be lover boy. You look like Julia Roberts with that big ass smile.”

“Nothing gets by you, Kit. Yes, it was Luke, and he wanted to see me. I told him I was hanging with you today,” I said, still smiling like a hooker with a rich John.

“Thanks, babe. I miss you with all the training, and now dating the stud muffin. Once you two start knockin’ boots, you’ll never be around.”

“Not true.” Addison gave me the stink eye. “Okay, well, maybe for the first week or so. Sex with him is going to be epic. If last night was any indication, I may not leave his bed for awhile.”

“Just don’t forget to eat, and drink lots of water.”

I threw a pair of socks at her head. She fell over laughing at my sad attempt to be mad. But really, her advice was smart and useful.

*****

Luke

If I wasn’t careful, I was going to start irritating myself with my moaning and whining. This was not where I wanted to be, laying on the couch like a sad sack in my condo. I wanted to be hanging out with her. The memory of last night, her topless, spread out for me like a feast, here in this very spot, made me restless. I craved her, and my every thought circled back to her. No other woman had ever come close to affecting me this way. Yes, I wanted Alexa in my bed, but more importantly, I wanted to spend all my free time with her, get to know her more, and make her smile.

Over the years, I had had my fair share of girlfriends, but the relationships always revolved around the woman. I gave my all in every one, but never received anything in return. Alexa listened to me. She cared about The Rub Down and its success, and I wanted to be a better person. For her.

My phone dragged me out of my thoughts of Alexa. The name on caller ID made me smile.

“Hey, Mom. What’s going on?” I couldn’t sit still while I talked on the phone, so I got up to start my laundry. Alexa would be proud.

“Can’t your mom just call to see how you are? The girls told me there is someone new in your life.” She cleared her throat. “I want to know why I had to hear it from them, and not my favorite son.”

I was going to kill Jessica and Elle. Ever since I’d popped the heads off their dollies and flushed them down the toilet, they’d ganged up on me and told my mother every little thing I’d done wrong.

“I’m your only son, mom. And way to cut to the chase. I didn’t tell you because it’s very new. In fact, last night was our real first date.”

“Tell me about her. Your sisters made it seem like they were going to take you ring shopping soon.”

I loved my mom. She was by far the most amazing mother a kid could ever want. Kind, funny, loving, and more importantly, a hard ass, she taught me to go after my dreams, and never give up if life got hard along the way.

“Her name’s Alexa. She’s gorgeous inside and out. She owns a fashion consultant company with her best friend. She makes me smile bigger than I ever have before, so I constantly look goofy. Oh, and she’s running the marathon next week, which I think is incredible.” When I talked about her, my body came to life, and I loved the feeling it gave me.

“How did you meet her?”

Did my sisters really keep their mouths shut and leave out that major detail?

“She’s a client,” I mumbled, knowing my mom would be disappointed in me for this small fact. She was a huge fan of Danny and me keeping it in our pants when it came to the spa. Even though my mom was not a career woman, she was very business savvy, having completed a Master of Business before having kids and staying home with us.

“I’m sorry, what was that, son?”

Fuck, she heard me. I knew she did. She just wasn’t going to let me hide it.

“Do you remember Jeff from school? Well, he’s a marathon trainer now. She’s one of his runners, and she was having some muscle problems when she started to tack on the miles, so he recommended her to me.”

“Luke, what happened to not dating clients? You know this could burn you.” Mom’s voice was stern and accusatory.

“Mom, she would never. She knows all about it. We’ve only hung out casually. Last night was our first date.” I hated that I had to justify our relationship. “Danny and I’ve discussed it. He’s okay with it, as long as we behave professionally at the spa. Plus, the marathon is eight days away, and then she won’t need my professional services anymore.”

After a moment of silence while she mulled over what I said, she replied, “Okay, I trust you. Plus, your sisters like her, so she must be great. I just wanted to see where your head is at with this.”

“Wait, so you knew all this before calling me?” I knew my sisters couldn’t keep it from her. Our mom should have been a terrorist negotiator. She could get information out of anyone.

“Of course, dear. You can’t hide anything from me, and neither can the girls. When do I get to meet the woman who put the smile on my darling boy’s face that I can see from here?”

“Not sure, mom. Danny is in Philly for a few more days. An issue came up last week when I was there. Then the Boston Strong Gala is next Saturday, then obviously the marathon. I’ll check with Alexa, but how about the weekend after?”

“Sounds great. Be good, and call me later this week to confirm. I love you, son, and I’m very proud of you.”

“Love you, too, mom!”

Chapter Nineteen

Luke

Monday came and went quickly. Alexa and I spoke on the phone and texted all day. We talked a lot about the one-year anniversary of the bombing on Tuesday. Discussing the events, and the feelings she was having, helped her overcome some of her fears. Between the anniversary and the ceremonies in honor of the victims and survivors, it was inevitable that she was still scared.

At six o’clock Tuesday morning, I met Alexa at her apartment for our ten-mile run. Thankfully, the weather was much warmer than a few weeks past when I needed winter gear. I donned a pair of shorts, a running shirt, and a zip up, since it was still a tad cool to start. Rain was in the forecast, so I was happy it was still clear. Running in bad weather sucked.

I texted when I arrived, so I didn’t disturb Addison’s sleep. One thing I learned from getting to know Alexa was they never started work before ten. The stores didn’t open before then, and that allowed them to sleep in.

A minute later, a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed beauty opened the door and dove straight at me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

“Good morning, beautiful.” I kissed her like I hadn’t seen her in weeks, not just three days before. She tasted fresh like wintergreen toothpaste, and I couldn’t get enough of her.

“You ready, old man? You going to keep up today?” She was saucy this morning, and nothing was sexier.

“Yes, dear. Let’s do this. I would like to run down Boylston before they block it off for the ceremony, if you’re cool with it. I think it would be good for you to see the finish line before Monday. See the love everyone has for this city. See that we’re Boston Strong, and nothing can bring this town down.” I squeezed her in a tight hug, loving the feel of her pressed up against me.

“I would really like that. Thank you.”

I was worried she wouldn’t want to go down that road with me. She was scared, but she needed the ugly memory replaced with beauty, and I wanted to be there for her.

“I was hoping we could listen to my playlist today. I promise no hard rock. I made it special for this occasion.”

“Did you make me a mixed tape?” she teased, bouncing up and down like a goof. “Are you going to finally give me your letterman jacket when we get back?”

“Wow, you are full of sass today. Do I need to give you some sassy juice?” I joked.

Alexa gave me a sideways glance, looking down at my shorts, and zoning in on my cock.

After a few seconds, I realized what she was thinking. “No way! That is NOT what I meant. Alexa, seriously?”

“Saturday night, maybe? Bill Clinton said oral isn’t really sex. So, it totally works, right?”

Thoughts of her mouth wrapped around my cock flooded my brain. Note, running with a hard-on was not fun.

“Let’s go, dirty girl.”

And with that, I told her what playlist to load up and away we went. First song up was cheesy, but perfection, the theme song to Rocky. Then came a classic, “Chariots of Fire.” Each song on the list was more inspirational. Thrown in were songs that made me think of Alexa like “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera.

Once the song registered with her, Alexa looked over at me, questioning my choice. I reached for her hand to give it a squeeze as I mouthed, “You are beautiful,” along with the song.

As we made our way to the bombing site, we took out our ear buds, slowed down to a walk, and grew reverent. I laced our fingers, and we stopped at the finish line together, bowing our heads for our own moment.

Every single emotion rolled through me. Fear, helplessness, pride in my city. Pride for the woman standing next to me, who at that instant, locked her body tight while tears welled up in her eyes. After a minute, I wrapped her arms around my neck while she sobbed into my chest. I held onto her as tight as I could, letting her get it all out. Knowing Alexa as I did, she had been holding in these emotions for a year.

After a few minutes, she tried to move away, but I kept my hold on her.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure why I keep covering you in snot, but I needed this. Thank you.” She pressed her cheek to my chest.

We stayed at the bombing site for another minute. I said a prayer for the victims, the survivors, and the runners who were going to fight this demon in six days.

We slowly walked away from the finish line, worked our way to a jog, and finally to a full run. Once we were a respectable distance from the site, we reinserted our ear buds and pressed play. The perfect song came on immediately, “Shipping off to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys. Nothing got the blood flowing like the beat of this song. Didn’t hurt to think of Jonathon Papelbon dancing around the pitcher’s mound like an idiot, either.

By the end, Alexa and I were screaming the lyrics as we jumped up and down on the sidewalks of our city.

The rest of our run was great. The heaviness we carried during the first part had lessened. I felt lighter. Alexa even had a bit more bounce in her steps.

“What time is your appointment today?” I asked as we approached Alexa’s neighborhood.

“I think it’s at four. I have to check my day planner.” She flipped her hand up and planted her palm in my face. “And before you laugh at me for having one, I’m a very visual person and need to see things in print.”

“I wasn’t going to laugh. I make Jessica print out my schedule every day so I can hold it and reference it all day.” I looked up at the sky, trying to picture my day. “If it’s at four, then I think you may be my last appointment. Can I meet you afterward for dinner in your neck of the woods?”

A wide spread smile grew across Alexa’s face. “Sure. Do you want me to wait for you? I could just hang out in the sauna for a bit.” Mischief twinkled in her eyes. “It would be a hardship, but for you, I would totally do it.” Sarcasm flowed in her words.

“No, I think it’s best that we don’t leave the spa together.” Six more days. “Once I’m done cleaning up and closing up the office, it’ll be after six. Jess can lock up for me. I’ll take a cab straight to your place. That will give you time to get pretty for me.” I winked, trying to mask how much I hated the precautions we had to take.

“Hey, I always thought I was pretty. Shit, I’m one sexy beast right now. All sweaty and stuff. You telling me you don’t want to get with this?” She swept her arms down her body like Vanna White presenting a new puzzle.

“You have no idea. All I want is to strip you bare the second we enter your apartment. Sweaty is sexy as hell on you. That tight outfit you’re wearing is begging to be ripped off.” I looked over at Alexa and saw her jaw hanging open at my words.

“No one is stopping you, tiger… but you.”

And wasn’t that a pisser.

Moments later, as we reached her apartment door, my desire to do as I said throbbed through my veins and my cock.

“Thank you for the run. You’re stronger than you think. Never doubt it.” I captured her mouth in a searing kiss that would have to hold us off until dinner.

*****

Alexa

The run wrecked me. I never would have had the courage to go to the finish line, today of all days. But he was right. Going there helped. I felt a renewed sense of strength and clarity.

However, the rest of the day, my mood was solemn. The day deserved respect, and I gave it mine as I took a few appointments before heading to The Rub Down.

First up was Mrs. Feldstein. She was one of my favorite people in the world. Not only was she a dream to dress, since she had a great body with lots of womanly curves, but she was genuinely a wonderful person. She personally donated five thousand dollars to my marathon fundraising, and made her husband’s company match it. Rich beyond imagination, she was so down to earth, no one would ever know by talking to her. I adored her.

Having just returned from a trip to St. Maarten, her skin was perfectly bronzed and her natural blonde hair bleached out by the sun. Finding her the right dress for Saturday’s gala would be easy. She chose a simple black dress that hung perfectly over every one of her curves, and then fell straight to the floor. The neckline was asymmetrical, with one shoulder and arm fully exposed, and the other covered. A bright orange clutch finished the ensemble, and she called it a day. We made another appointment for a few weeks later to refresh her spring wardrobe.

Next on the schedule was a royal pain in my ass. And when I said royal, I meant it. Boston was home to a bunch of Middle Eastern oil princesses. Some actually lived in the same building as Luke. Most of the princesses were pleasant, but Dalia was not.

She was spoiled rotten and hated any suggestion I made. Typically, Addison took care of her, but I filled in today since I needed her to finish my dress. While Dalia was in a dressing room at Barneys, I texted Addison and asked if she was always a pain in the ass. Her reply? YES in all caps. After three painful hours, we parted ways. She had lots of bags of clothes that I would have never chosen, but she seemed happy. My guess was she wanted someone to shop with and tell her she looked great in everything. Fine by me, I still got paid.

Since I was only a few blocks from The Rub Down, I headed to Newbury Street to grab a power smoothie before my appointment. A large crowd was gathered for the anniversary of the bombing ceremony. Bowing my head, I said another prayer for all the survivors and the victims’ families.

*****

Luke

Despite my heavy client load, the day went by slowly. To say I counted the hours until Alexa’s appointment would be an understatement. I counted the minutes. Danny’s clients were just as irate he was gone as mine were when I left town. We needed another solution. We needed to send someone else down to Philadelphia to check on the progress.

When I saw Alexa sitting in the Zen room, all my stress and tiredness washed away. If only I could touch her freely. My body ached for her.

“Alexa, I’m ready for you. Come with me,” I called out in the busy waiting area.

“Hey, Luke. Let’s do this.”

Her own yearning for me filled her eyes. Only two more appointments, and then she was mine. She followed me to my room, but that saucy girl’s stare burned holes into the ass of my pants. I glanced over my shoulder, giving her a look of pure lust.

“Stop it, Alexa,” I whispered as I waited for her to enter the treatment room.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” she said, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, as a coy look danced on her face.

As I closed the door behind us, I grabbed her in a toe-curling kiss. My tongue stroked the seam of her mouth, demanding entrance. She tasted great, and I could have spent the entire hour of her massage loving on her.

She finally broke our lips apart, eyes hooded and panting. “Look who’s talking, buddy. None of that here. Your rules.” She sat on the table with her legs crossed, tempting me even further when the robe split to expose her long, luxurious legs.

“I have a surprise for you today. Elle is joining us to give you a facial while I work on your front.”

Having Elle in the room with us was a great way to keep the appointment clean and professional. Plus, I wanted to pamper Alexa, and Elle was a gifted esthetician. After a few rough years, she finished a business degree at the University of New Hampshire, but as the spa grew, she decided to go to esthetician school. She graduated at the top of her class.

“Seriously? I’ve never had a facial before. How exciting. Thank you, that’s really sweet of you.” Her head tilted to the side and she narrowed her eyes. “And a safe move. Don’t trust yourself with me, tiger?”

“Honestly, no. I’m Superman, but you’re my Kryptonite. I’ll step out and grab Elle, and we’ll be in when you’re ready.” I gave her a quick peck on the top of her head and walked out.

Elle waited right outside my treatment room. “Hey, sis. Alexa’s getting under the covers. You ready for this?”

“You mean, am I ready to babysit your horny ass?”

“Elle, what the fuck. Keep it down. Come on,” I whisper yelled.

“I’m just kidding, big brother. I know you need to keep this on the DL. Relax.”

“I’ll relax when you start using your spa voice, not your outside voice.” I was serious. Alexa and I had two more treatments to suffer through, and then we were in the clear. I didn’t need anyone putting pieces together. It wasn’t as if what we were doing was illegal, or even against moral code, but the spa was my baby, and the last thing I wanted was to jeopardize it.

“She’s probably ready. Are you, big brother?” Elle said sweetly, knowing she’d upset me.

I knocked on the door and opened it after hearing Alexa say to come in.

“Hey, Alexa, how are you?” Elle greeted.

“I’m good, Elle. I’m excited to get a facial, since I’ve never had one.”

“Nice. I’m doing a non-abrasive treatment since you have the big gala on Saturday. We don’t want you to be all broken out or red faced for the big night.” Elle explained everything to Alexa since it was her first time.

While Elle was chatting, I got my oils ready.

“Lex, since Elle is here, obviously I’m going to just work your legs and arms. Elle will massage your neck and upper shoulders during your facial. Do you think that will be enough for today, or does your lower back need attention?”

Dear God, please say no. I just can’t.

“No, it feels okay today.” She laid her head down on the table.

“Okay, let’s do this. What music do you want today?”

“Dave Matthews?”

She really was my dream woman. I loved his music. He was my go-to when I needed to chill out and think.

The rest of the appointment went smooth. The sexual tension that usually crackled between Alexa and myself was there with every stroke. That fact wouldn’t have changed if the Pope was in the room with us. Elle, however, provided a great distraction. She and Alexa talked about fashion, celebrity gossip, and other girly stuff while I massaged the best pair of legs I’d ever seen. But I was becoming partial to them.

When the hour was over, Alexa’s face glowed, and sadly, it wasn’t because of me, but I was thrilled to see her gorgeous smile anyway.

“Thank you, Elle, for the facial. That was amazing. My face feels great. My skin is so soft.” Alexa rubbed her hands over her cheeks.

“Anytime. You have beautiful skin. I hope you’ll still come in after the marathon. I know you won’t be seeing this jerk, but I’d love to still treat you. I don’t have a rule against dating clients.” Elle winked at Alexa and walked out.

“How did that feel, babe?”

Alexa was still naked, a fact that wasn’t lost on me.

“It was great. Thank you for thinking of it. It was nice to get to know her better, but more importantly, I was distracted from wanting to jump your bones.”

“Yes, it helped me, too. Okay, I’ll leave. Take your time and come out when you are ready. Then I’ll meet you at your place in a little while.” I had nowhere near my fill of her for the day, and was dying to kiss her with wild abandon.