The Rub Down

“Well, I’m just jealous. It’s not my favorite past time, and if I had that luxury, I would use it, too.”

“When we first started the spa, Jessica did all the linens and towels to save us money. I used to throw some boxers in there when I ran too low.”

I laughed, shaking my head, because knowing what I knew about his sister, which was very little, she wouldn’t tolerate doing her big brother’s laundry.

“I had to start paying her in expensive wine after the first two times, or she was going to throw them all out,” Luke said, laughing pretty hard at himself, while I got a little hot thinking of him going commando. “The Ritz service is cheaper than Jessica.”

Luke was too much. At least he owned up to his aversion to laundry instead of pretending to be domestic. Just as I was about to ask if he had housekeepers, too, our server came with our food. Thank goodness, they placed us at a table for four, since the restaurant plates were huge, and we had enough food to feed a small village.

*****

Luke

Sitting there with Alexa felt like the most natural thing I had experienced in a long time. Eating out with Je

I liked that Alexa didn’t get upset when I busted her chops, and would bust my balls in return instead of huffing and pouting. This conversation with Je

Brunch was great. We shared the same sense of humor and had so much in common that we sat for an hour after the server took our plates away. The fact that Alexa was drop dead gorgeous didn’t make the view suck either. The “Brunch Barbies,” as Alexa called them, wouldn’t stop staring at her. I overheard one ask another why I was there with someone not in my league, like they thought they were. I internally had a big laugh, since they were right. She wasn’t in my league. She was in a much higher one that I could only dream about reaching.

As I watched her mouth as she talked, I told myself we only have four weeks left until the marathon. I was pretty positive I was not going to last that long, and would end up breaking my promise to Da

Since our server stopped coming to the table thirty minutes ago in an attempt to get us to leave, I paid the bill. Alexa made me arm-wrestle her for it. Just picture two grown adults, one big guy and one tiny woman, grappling in the middle of a nice restaurant. I laughed hard at her adorable mean faces to focus, and I actually won. All I wanted to do was pull her arm forward, crash our lips together, and taste the fruit she just ate.

I stood up from the table and held out my hand to help Alexa up from her chair. “Thank you for coming to brunch with me. The food was great, but the company was even better.”

“I had a great time, too. I really appreciate you ru

Four more weeks. Four more weeks.

As if she heard my thoughts, she let go of my hand, creating more space between us.

“I actually liked you kickin’ my ass. It’s time for me to get off the hamster wheel at the gym, and outside again to run. So I think I may just take you up on that offer. But next time, we’ll listen to my playlist.”

Our walk to her place was nice. I loved the South End of Boston. The neighborhood had hit its prime a few years ago. Amazing restaurants and shops were around every corner. I would have moved to this part of Boston if there were concierge services. Since I worked so much, I needed my packages delivered, and service men let in when repairs were needed. Otherwise, I would need to hire an assistant, and I wasn’t that pretentious.

Once we arrived at her house, the air around us turned awkward. It reminded me of the end of a date where you are not sure if you should go for a hug or not. I knew a kiss was out of the question. As much as I craved it, we were still in the friend zone, so was a hug okay? And if I hugged her goodbye, would I hug her hello at her next appointment? I was overthinking this. If Da

“Well, this is you.” What was I, a teenage boy on his first date?

“Yes, it is. Ah, do you want me to drive you home?”

I was glad to see she was as uncomfortable as I was.

“No, you got a prime parking spot. I’m good to grab a cab. I saw a bunch lined up at the taxi stand down the street. But thank you.” I couldn’t stand still. I shuffled back and forth, hoping my nervous energy would escape through my feet.

“Okay, if you’re sure. Thank you. I know that spot will be taken again before I even pull off the street.” She gri

I loved that she had to look up at me. It made me feel big and masculine.

“Enjoy the rest of your day.” I wrapped my arms around her tight body. She felt so small in my arms, but also like she belonged there. She fit me perfectly. At that moment, all I wanted to do was walk up the stairs with her, cuddle up on her couch, and hold her while we watched a movie and did laundry.

I was so screwed.

Chapter Thirteen

Luke

After brunch with Alexa, I went home to relax and think about what I was going to do. With Dave Matthews crooning in the background, I laid on the couch and let my mind work. Every angle brought me back to the same place. Spending more time with her was where my thoughts began and ended, and waiting until the marathon was over was more than I could stand. I wanted to hold her hand, kiss her, and touch her whenever I desired. Resisting her was no longer possible.

Tuesday’s appointment with her was a form of torture. As soon as I saw her, I wanted to pull her into my arms and hold her close to me. Sadly, the Zen room was full with people waiting for their treatments. By the time we got to my room, a hug would have been awkward and out of place. With her beautiful soft skin on display, and me touching every exposed surface, the whole appointment was heaven in my hell. For every stroke of my hands, I wanted my lips to trail. I craved a taste of her, desired all of her, but I couldn’t take what I wanted. Not yet.

I did, however, ask if she and Addison wanted to come with my sisters, Da

The crew and I made a habit out of going to the Black Rose, an Irish bar in Faneuil Hall, several times a month for the last few years. It was very rare that anyone outside our group was invited, so I was going to get a bit of shit thrown my way. Thankfully, Addison’s going would shut Da

*****

The days flew by with long hours at the spa, and longer nights wishing I could be with Alexa. Her sessions were great opportunities to get to know her better, and with each one, my desire for her only grew. Each appointment seemed to fly by, while our time apart felt like forever.