"All ready for your appointment?" The deep voice of the massage therapist rumbles into the room. I'm in my yoga pants and tank top, hair up in a messy bun. I've been waiting for this appointment for weeks. I turn to greet the therapist and try not to stare.
He's dressed all in white, a colour that sets off the tan in his skin. He's tall--taller than my ex boyfriend, anyway--and even though his shirt is loose, I can see the firmness of his muscles through it. He cracks a smile as if he knows what I'm thinking, all dimples and white teeth. The shadow of stubble on his cheeks and chin matches the chocolatey brown of his hair, but--
I'm staring again.
"Sorry," I say, breathless, then panic as I realize I all but admitted to staring at him. "I'm--out of practice with selfcare."
"Don't worry about it," The therapist says, lowering the lights and turning on an aroma therapy machine. "My name is Dante. Is there anywhere in particular you want to focus on today?"
"Just general relaxation," I answer. "I'm tight all over."
His eyes flash at my words--or do I imagine it? No... get a hold of yourself! He's a professional.
"Alright. I'll give you the room--just call my name when you're ready."
"Just--" I gesture to the massage table. "Take everything off?"
"If you're comfortable. Then climb under the towel."
Dante leaves, and damn if the lingering scent of his cologne isn't enough to make me grind my teeth. This is my own fault. Massage foreplay was always my favourite--it's only reasonable that I'm feeling a bit excited.
I pull off my clothes, then slowly slide out of my thong and bra. The air is chilled and my nipples peak, but I hurry under the towel. By the time Dante comes back in, I'm face down on the table.
"Perfect," He rumbles, sliding a hand down my shoulder. "Let's get started."
He folds the towel down just enough that it uncovers my lower back, then gets to work. The oil he pours on my skin is warm, and from the first touch of his big hands, it's hard for me not to moan. He works my muscles with expert care, and I let myself settle into the embrace of his cologne and his touch.
When it's time to move to my legs, he adjusts the towel again.
"If you want, we can keep you partially covered."
"No," I say, mortified to hear my voice come out as slightly breathless. I clear my throat. "You can take the towel off if it'll help."