“What’s wrong?” Eric asked.
“Can’t move.”
“You’re too comfortable?”
“In a manner of speaking,” I grumbled, and Brooks chuckled out in low, intoxicating amusement.
He licked his lips, and by the way he smirked, I could tell whatever was about to come out of his mouth was going to irritate me. I shook my hand free and smacked at his arm, but his smile only grew as he snagged me again. “I’ll pay for anything extra.”
Groaning, I thumped my forehead off the padded table. I tried to tug my hand away from Brooks, but he wouldn’t let go and only laughed.
To my surprise, and I think Eric’s, too, Hans stood back and gave all of us a death glare. “I am a professional. I am a certified physical therapist and a licensed massage therapist. I am tired of people assuming I give hand jobs.” His thick Nordic accent was cliché enough that for a second, all I could focus on was the cadence of his words, not the meaning. Then it all rushed in on me.
“There’s nothing wrong with sex work,” I said, getting defensive as I went up on my elbows to glare better. But then, too late, it occurred to me that it might sound like I was trying to get the aforementioned hand job. Brooks was too busy snickering to be helpful.
“Really? You never have?” Eric innocently directed the question to Hans, but then he gave me a saucy wink. Hans’ eyes practically spit sparks. Brooks didn’t help matters because he couldn’t stop cackling.
Hans stalked out of the room in a decidedly unrestful way.
I rolled onto my back to stare up at the same type of rocky domed ceiling they’d had out in the reception area. “Well, that definitely killed it.”
Eric snorted, and I sucked in a breath as he rested his hands on my belly and rubbed. “Hans has got stuff going on right now. He’s not normally so easy to frazzle. I’ll finish you, too, Mr. Sutherland, once I’m done with your handsome friend here.”
Brooks’ laughter finally stopped, like flipping off a light switch. “You better not. I’m a jealous man. Stay above the belt. I know what he sounds like when he comes, so I’ll know if you’re over there handing out free happy endings.”
“Will. You. Stop,” I grumbled, without much fire.
Eric and Brooks laughed together, and in the end, Eric was very professional. I found what he did on par with other massages I’d had. He stayed well above and below my towel, though, so maybe he really was worried about Brooks because I’d had people who worked their way so far up my legs in the past, they were saying hello to my balls. I was drowsy when he was done, so I rested my eyes while he went over and finished working on Brooks.
“Hey,” a soft voice said near my ear, and I startled upright. Eric laughed, and his brown eyes danced with humor. Brooks was already dressed and standing by the door. My head was fuzzy, and I pressed my fingertips to my temple.
“You okay there, sweet prince?” Brooks asked.
“Yeah, sorry. Fell asleep.” I scowled as Eric helped me sit up with a hand on my shoulder.
“I’ll leave you to it.” Eric caressed his hand along my naked shoulder, and I flinched. “Have a wonderful afternoon, Mr. Sutherland. Mr. Sutherland’sfriend, you too.” He left the room with a quick wink.
Shrugging off the clenching of my stomach as something to do with being abruptly awakened, I shambled over to where my clothes were waiting. On top of my shirt was a card for Eric’s massage services, which I thought might be his way of hustling extra business without the resort taking their cut. Shrugging, I set it aside, but there was writing on the back.
Hey beautiful, call me when your sugar daddy falls asleep tonight. I’m sure you wear him out fast. I’m in an employee’s cabin. 7. Near the lake.
XOXO
Eric
Furious, I thought about leaving the card there, but then decided I didn’t want to get him in trouble if someone else found it, either. I wasn’t sure if he was selling his extracurricular services or just trying to get laid, but the part of me that was forever protecting the Courtesans didn’t want to hang him out to dry. Not even if this was inappropriate. I dressed, then shoved the card in my pocket to throw away later.
Why couldn’t Brooks and I just be seen as a couple? I wasn’t that much younger than him, but… he had Lemonade and a cane. Why did everyone else seem to care so much about that and make judgments based on it? Longing tore through my belly and almost cramped it. If I was going to date, I wanted anormalrelationship, one where we irritated each other and made up, and… maybe even said I love you sometimes.
Eric’s assumptions just reminded me of how complicated the Courtesan Hotel could be some days, and I was glad I was still a long way from home.
“Are you ready for what’s next?” Brooks asked and smiled at me. He tucked his cane under one arm. I grabbed the yoga mats and did the same so I could take his hand.
“Yeah, I think I am.”
