“That was terrible,” Matt gasps.
Holding my sides, I can only nod, trying to calm down. If anyone’s walking outside the door, they’re probably wondering just what in the world we’re doing in here. I haven’t laughed this hard in a while. Probably since my vacation with my friends.
That thought sobers me up some. I don’t have a great core group of friends here. We’re all scattered across the country and that gets lonely at times. Sure, I have some work friends, but they are more like acquaintances. Most of my friends were the girlfriends of my ex’s friends, so I lost them in the breakup too.
Matt sits up on the table, his smile gone. “Are you okay? You got quiet fast. Was it something I said?”
My gaze flies to him.Is he serious?He looks so concerned. What a sweet guy.
I shake my head. “No, nothing you said.” I glance at the timer on the stand with the oils. “I’m sorry we’re wasting your time. I’ll add more on at the end.”
He waves a hand. “You didn’t waste my time. I feel good. Relaxed. Thank you.” He carefully flops back over on his stomach and neither of us tries to continue the conversation.
When he leaves, an odd pang hits me and I want to follow him out the door and…
And do what? Tell him I find him attractive and watch the poor man get flustered while he tries to let me down gently? Or have him stride out the door and never see him again?
Neither of those are great options, so I busy myself cleaning up and getting ready for the next client.
***
Next Tuesday, when I see Matt’s name on my schedule, I don’t even try to control the sudden burst of heat and happiness that floods me. I’m attracted to him. There’s no law against that.
And if I get butterflies in my stomach when he smiles? Oh well, I’ll enjoy his company while he’s my client.
Except it’s not just giddiness that overtakes me when I walk into the room and find him waiting there for me with a wide smile and a covered dish in his big hands. Pure want wraps around me and I want to do one of those slow-motion romantic runs to him. The kind with the sappy music playing in the background.
He'll toss the dish aside, sweep me up in his arms, and kiss me senseless. Then we’ll test out the strength of the massage table. My fantasy is so realistic that a tingle zaps through my nipples, radiating down to my clit and leaving me physically aching.
“Afternoon, Matt.” I force myself to slowly approach, my clinging damp underwear a very stark reminder of how deep into this crush I am.
“Tricia.” His brown eyes twinkle with warmth as he holds the dish out to me. “I picked up an extra shoofly pie for you.” Faint red creeps up his cheeks above his beard.
“You did?”
My stomach cramps up in a knot. He’s handsome, sweet, and thoughtful. And has a sense of humor. Could he be any more perfect?
“Thank you.” I can’t help noticing my hands tremble when I reach for the pie.
“You’re very welcome. I hope you enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I will.”
We stand there staring at each other, and I don’t know what to say or do. Matt seems to have the same problem.
Finally, I come to my senses and turn my back on him, placing the pie on the long counter along the wall. When I turn around, Matt’s moved closer. For a big man, he’s light on his feet.
My mouth goes dry as I look up at him.
“Tricia, I’m sorry if this is out of line. Could I take you to dinner sometime?”
“A date?” My voice squeaks slightly.
A shy smile tugs at his firm lips. “Yes, a date.”
I want to say yes. This is a dream come true. I’d be crazy not to say yes.
But I can’t.