On our fourth dig day, I hit a wall. This is way harder than those high altitude trail runs Reid was forcing me through. My back is aching in a way it never has before. I’m exhausted. How am I supposed to go straight into riding after this?
That night, Reid knocks on Willa as the sun is setting. He’s holding something behind his back. “I have a surprise for you.”
I peek my head around to see what he’s holding. It looks like it could be a blanket? “Well, what is it?”
“Close your eyes.”
I obey. A soft bundle lands in my arms. I’m trying to guess what it is as he instructs, “Okay. Open em.”
It’s my robe. My fluffy cloud of a robe I was so heartbroken to leave behind. I’m at a loss for words. He wasn’t gone nearly long enough to make it all the way home to grab this. That means he’s had it the whole time. I smack him with it. “Why didn’t you give it to me sooner?” A small tear runs down my cheek, giving away how I really feel about this.
“I dunno.” He shrugs. “It didn’t feel right until now.”
The fabric is buoyant between my fingers. It’s silly how attached I am to this thing.
He pushes me back into Willa as he says, “Okay. Put it on and come meet me on the patio.”
Before I can protest, he’s gone—door slamming shut behind him. I can’t wear this around Reid. Why would he suggest that? I can’t figure out what’s going on, so I decide to layer the robe on top of my current outfit.
It’s slightly too warm for the desert, but it’s oh-so-worth it. This is the little taste of luxury I need to get me through this week. I have to fight to keep my eyes open—it lures me into a state of relaxation I haven’t felt since Christmas.
I’m floating on my sore feet as I make my way towards Reid under the canopy. He ushers me to sit on the floor in front of him. “Here. Sit down.”
He hands me a mug of hot chocolate, and it warms me up instantly. I didn’t picture wanting any warm beverages out here, but it’s shockingly comforting, even if I am getting toasty. I’m so at ease for once that I don’t even question why he wants me sitting between his legs.
I fall into position—the new rug providing a flimsy barrier between me and the ground. His knees bump against my shoulders, and I scramble onto all fours as I make my way to stand. Reid pushes down on my shoulders gently, and the pressure feels so good I have to fight the urge to sigh.
His raspy tone convinces me, so I fall back to the ground as he says, “Just sit down and relax.”
“What are you doing?”
“You look rough, Addie. I’m going to give you a massage.”
Quickly, I turn around and shove the mug back into his hands. “Oh no, that’s okay.” I’m getting up to stand again.
He pushes my shoulders down once more and takes his position behind me. “You genuinely need it, Addie. Just sit down and let me help. I’m on your team for a reason.”
I’m trying to get up, but he won’t let me. “That reason is not to massage me.”
“It can be.” He smirks at me dramatically as he places two firm hands on my chest and pulls me against him. “Addie, just shut up and relax.”
His hips are almost touching me. I can’t think straight.
Before I know it, he’s pulling down the edges of my robe. “Adelaide.” He sounds disappointed.
“What?” I’m squeaky.
“Tsk Tsk. You weren’t supposed to wear clothes. That was the whole point of the robe. So I could touch you better.”
My mouth’s gone dry.
I’m on fire, and it’s not from my sunburn.
He’s not letting up. “You should take your shirt off.” Reid starts untying the fabric belt, and I shove his hands away. This is not at all what I expected from tonight.
Hot chocolate spills out of my mouth and onto the rug in front of me. “I can’t do that!”
“Addie. You can do whatever you want. Come on, you’re so tense.”
