With a shift, my shoulder was back where it should be. I breathed out hard. She didn’t step away right away, rubbing the muscles. Her hands felt so nice.
“Better?” she asked, sitting on the lip of the tub behind me and putting her legs on either side of me.
“Yeah. That feels really good, right there.” I leaned into her hands, head dropping back onto her bare thigh as relief flooded my muscles. Her and tiny shorts. She must have stock in them. “Fuck, these hands are magic.”
“If anyone hears you say that they’re going to think I’m giving out handies in the hot tub,” she quipped. I gazed up at her, grinning as she continued rubbing my back. It was the closest we’d ever been since her tits were in my face that first night. Why was that suddenly seeming like the best birthday present I ever got?
“I’m serious. I think the physical therapy staff is hiring if you need a job.”
“Ha. Would probably pay more than costume design.”
“I thought people got rich in Ol’ Hollywood,” I said.
“I’m still junior. I’m an apprentice for now, so I don’t make much.”
“Doesn’t your boyfriend cover your costs?”
Her hands slowed and she stepped away, moving to the edge of the hot tub by the stairs. “We never merged accounts or anything. I pay him rent.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I was outraged. Not only was this guy cheating on her and not meeting her physical needs, but he couldn’t even pay for her while she was working on her career? “Isn’t he a finance bro?”
“I mean, yeah.”
“And he can’t support you while you work toward your dream.”
“He helps. He covers groceries a lot. And we take turns goingto the store.”
“Wow. What a guy.” I shook my head. “Our rent ain’t cheap, Jessie.”
“I’m aware,” she said, her cheeks burning.
Fuck. No filter got me in trouble again. “Hey. I’m not trying to make you feel bad. But I’d never treat a woman like that.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s more equal. We both have to contribute. I don’t expect him to be my knight in shining armor when I’m a capable adult.”
“It shouldn’t matter, Jessalyn. He should support your dreams. I’m sure you’ve supported his.”
She went quiet again. “I should get back to knitting.”
“Give me your phone.”
She drew back. “What? Why?”
“I’m going to make you a playlist so you can actually sleep. And something soothing to listen to on your drive. You can’t keep listening to sad murder stuff and expect to sleep.”
“I’m glad you think you can fix years of insomnia with a playlist or two.”
“Have you tried it, though? Music is the best.”
To my shock, she pulled out her phone and handed it to me. “Knock yourself out.”
* * *
Jessie was so still that I thought she was asleep. But when I got close, drying myself off as I went, I saw that her eyes were open. I handed her phone back.
“I think you’re going to like it. Do you work tomorrow?”
“No, I’m off weekends.”
