Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 59304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
What’s his endgame here? What does he think is going to happen–a quick romp in the sand, something more? I’m not looking for a relationship, and I don’t think sleeping with my client’s son is a good idea.
But as he smirks down at me, I feel myself softening. Just a little.
“Fine–a quick massage. But I want it on the record that you basically forced me.”
He winks, then takes my hand. A shimmer moves up my arm and coils around my chest.
“What are you doing?”
“It’s a couples massage. If we don’t pretend to be a couple, they might not let us in.”
“Ha, ha,” I mutter sarcastically, pulling my hand away. “I’ll take my chances.”
“I get it. You’re worried you’ll get too excited.”
I almost gasp. Is it that obvious? But then I see he was joking. I look down, hoping he can’t read my expression.
Dario leans against the desk. “We’re here for the couple’s massage.”
The receptionist gives us the keys to the lockers for our robes and slippers.
“See you soon,” Dario says as he walks into the men’s changing room.
I stand here for a moment, wondering if I should just leave. But I am stressed… and maybe this will help. Plus, when Dario smirks at me and teases me, everything seems just a little less serious, the harsh edges of life easier to handle.
After getting changed, I go to the waiting room. The area has small potted palms, with ocean sounds playing. Dario leans against the wall, his robe open to show his hard stomach and chiseled chest. I think about what it would be like to graze my hand down his solid form.
“Are you ready?” he says, not even trying to hide the fact he’s looking me up and down.
“Sure.”
We walk down the hallway where two massage therapists are waiting for us. Both are native to the island, both women… and both beautiful. They look like models with thin waists and long legs. Something stirs within me. Not jealousy, obviously… but something.
They lead us into the massage room, gesturing to tables that face each other. Dario disrobes into his trunks. The roof here is open to the sky, letting the sunlight in, glimmering off his sweaty, hulking torso.
I’m sure I spot the massage therapists exchanging a glance, as if to say, Who’s the lucky girl?
Dario raises his eyebrow at me. “Don’t keep me waiting, hot stuff.”
“Is that supposed to be a joke?”
“I’m sorry?” he says.
It’s no wonder he didn’t hear me. I growled the words rather than spoke them.
He wants me to disrobe in front of these women, these goddesses, as if it won’t make me look like a complete fool. How many times do I have to tell him I’m here for work, not for this?
He loses his smirk, concerned. “Siena?”
“I told you I was too busy for this,” I say, turning away.
I return to the changing room, sit down, feeling far too emotional considering the circumstances. Realistically, he’s got no reason to humiliate me, but surely any woman would feel self-conscious undressing in front of those two women? With Dario watching… muscular, tall, handsome, ripped Dario.
There’s a knock on the changing room door. “Siena?”
“I’m getting changed.”
“I’m not coming in. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“Like you care,” I mutter, not loud enough for him to hear. I’m glad. My voice sounds juvenile. I raise my voice. “I’m fine. I shouldn’t have agreed to the massage. I’ll be out in a minute. But don’t feel you have to wait for me.”
When I emerge from the waiting room, Dario is standing there, dressed again. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m great,” I tell him darkly. “I’m going to scout the photoshoot spot before dinner.”
“Want some company?”
“No–I think you should stay here. You paid for the massage. Maybe if you ask nicely, both beautiful women will do the honors.”
Okay, that’s immature. I walk quickly away before he can respond. I don’t want to see the look on his face: pity, resentment. He probably thinks I’m pathetic. That’s how I feel.
But screw it.
I’m not here for romance, anyway.
CHAPTER 6
DARIO
Iwatch her go, stunned by what she’s said.
Clearly, she felt uncomfortable with the two massage therapists, mistakenly thinking she was less attractive than them. She can’t know how ridiculous that is to me. It’s not just that I prefer the curves of her body over the petite look. It’s her personality too, shining in her expression, her sassiness, and her don’t-give-a-fuck attitude.
Snapping to my senses, I jog after her. “Siena, wait up.”
She turns to me. With the sea glistening behind her, a palm leaf blew loose in the wind and danced down the beach. When she stormed off, her cheeks were red, and she was pouting.
Now she’s hiding her expression. “How can I help you?”
“Don’t get all official with me now. The wind is picking up. I’m escorting you to the photoshoot spot.”