“This day required celebration.”
“There are celebrations, and then there’s the Ritz!”
When we get to our suite on the top floor, I discover the surprises are only just beginning. There’s champagne chilling, and lunch is delivered about five minutes after we arrive. I’m starving, so I devour the chicken Caesar wrap that Gage knows I love and pick at his fries as he eats a burger.
“Next, you need to change into the robe in the closet,” he says.
“How come?”
“You’ll see.”
“Those are becoming my two favorite words after ‘love you.’”
His smile lights up his face. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, love.”
Because he’s put so much thought into this getaway, I do what I’m told and change into the robe. Then he does the same, which further surprises me. A minute later, there’s a knock on the door. Gage admits two women carrying massage tables.
I let out a squeak of excitement that makes him laugh. “Good surprise?”
“Yessssss. The best.”
“They brought a special device that they use for people who’ve been through treatment, so you can lie face down.”
I’m brought nearly to tears by his thoughtfulness. “I can’t believe you thought of everything.”
“We can’t have the boiled chicken ruining a perfectly good massage.”
“No,” I say, laughing. “We can’t have that.” I look around him at the two attractive women who are erecting side-by-side tables for us. “You’d better not enjoy having her hands on you.”
“I’ll hate every minute of it just for you.”
“Excellent.”
The massage is heavenly. I haven’t been this relaxed in years, since before I lost Mike and had my life turned upside down. The recent health scare gives me even more perspective than I already had about how precious life can be, and I’m determined to live every minute I have left to the fullest.
That’s my last thought before my therapist is gently shaking me awake. I can’t believe I fell asleep!
“Wow, you’re a magician,” I tell her. Every part of my body feels loose and limber. For the first time in weeks, the tight knot of stress I’ve carried at the base of my neck is gone. “Thank you so much.”
“Our pleasure.”
Gage tips them and walks them to the door, adding his thanks.
“That robe is super sexy on you,” I say with a giggle.
“Not as sexy as that robe is on you.”
I hook a finger through the belt on his and bring him closer to me. “That was wonderful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I wanted you nice and relaxed for the next phase of our program.”
“What phase is that?”
“The naked one.”
“Oh, I like that one.”
The massage therapists had drawn the blinds in the suite, but there’s just enough light peeking through to cast a warm glow over the space as Gage walks me backward toward the bedroom.