At the moment, we’re the only ones here, so we change into our robes, and River immediately starts petting his and rubbing it against his face.
“What is this material? It’s so soft. Feels amazing on my skin.”
“Extraterrestrial secret,” I tell him with a wink.
He gives me the puppy-dog eyes I can’t resist. “Pleasetell me we can keep these robes. I want to bring mine home as a souvenir from our superspecial spa day.”
I pull him into my arms and kiss him tenderly on the lips. “Hmm. I believe that can be arranged.”
“Oh, goody. You have to get yours too,” he admonishes, “because we have to have a matching set.”
“Your wish is my command, darling.”
“You are so getting hardcore laid later.”
I clear my throat and direct a mock stern look his way. “No getting me hot and bothered right before our first spa treatment.”
He leers back at me. “Are you sure you don’t want a happy ending?”
“Only from you, and definitely not in the presence of the poor spa workers.”
River sighs dramatically. “Fine, we’ll save those shenanigans for back in the honeymoon suite.”
Galactic gods, I adore this man. I can’t imagine my life without him in it anymore. I’ve never believed in the idea of needing someone else to complete you, and that’s not exactly what River is to me. He’s an equal partner who brings so much added joy, fun, and love to my life that I now see the world in vibrant Technicolor, where once it was only faded pastels. River makes me see things I didn’t appreciate or that I took for granted with new eyes.
Getting comfortable in the private lounge, we cuddle up together in an oversized reclining chair and sip on some relaxing herbal tea. River closes his eyes and nestles closer to me with a contented sigh. It’s almost surreal to be so calm and peaceful right now after the intensity of the past few months.
At the same time, I have to admit that I can’t recall the last time I took a vacation. I’m kind of a workaholic. Being a captain in the Alliance isn’t an easy job, and there are times when it’s not only stressful but also dangerous, as we’ve experienced all too often lately. So, I’m doing my utmost to unwind, let go, and enjoy this time with my husband without thinking about work or anything outside of the here and now.
We’ve just finished our tea when a gong-like sound echoes through the air and the lounge door opens. On the other side wait two employees in smocks, polite smiles on their faces.
“Gentlemen, we’re ready to begin your first treatment.”
River rubs his hands together and jumps to his feet. “Ooh, I can’t wait to see what we have in store!”
We follow the staff into a room that contains an enormous tub built into the stone floor. River comes to an almost screeching halt as he gapes at the bubbling bath.
“What the hell is that?” he whispers.
“It’s our gelatinous mud bath,” one of the aestheticians explains cheerfully. “This treatment is quite popular with our clients. The mud detoxifies the body and softens the skin. You’ll come out with a radiant glow.”
“That is, if I don’t end up with mud all up my ass,” River mutters.
I choke back a laugh.
The aestheticians hand us each a pair of special briefs.
“Please put these on before entering the bath. While the mud is not harmful to more sensitive areas of the body, this special fabric will wick away any mud from your nether regions.”
“Well, that’s marginally more reassuring,” River says. “Gotta protect my man bits for my man, if you catch my drift.”
They just smile politely and exit the room.
River stares as bubbles in the mud rise to the surface and pop with an odd, belching noise.
He grins at me. “You know me, I’m always up to try a new experience.”
“That I do,” I reply dryly.
