‘Great. Adira’s just preparing the room, let’s go up.’
Adira had lit the scented candles and put on the tranquil background music. The lighting was subtle, creating a soft, comforting ambience. Despite her initial reservations, she was actually eager to make a good impression – it had been a while since she’d given a massage and wanted it to go well. She hoped Jasper would feel the benefit and recommend her. In a way, she was going to enjoy watching him let go of his inhibitions. It would make a pleasant change to the serious businessman, carrying the worries of his family. Only once had she seen him semi-relaxed: the evening he had visited her with a bottle of wine. Well, perhaps she was about to see that side of Jasper again.
All the essential oils had been prepared and fresh towels lay on the bed. Adira heard the sound of voices coming up the stairs. She took a quick glance at her reflection in the mirror. She’d taken great care of her appearance, and not just because of the promotional photographs Cassie wanted to take. Her hair was freshly washed and tied back into a low ponytail. Her complexion was naturally sun-kissed and a touch of lipstick and mascara finished the natural effect nicely.
She met Cassie and Jasper with a bright smile.
‘Adira, can we take a photo of you by the massage bed first?’ Cassie asked.
‘Sure,’ she agreed.
‘And, Jasper, if you can sit on it?’
‘OK.’ He casually sat down on the edge, crossing his legs, looking totally at ease.
‘Great!’ Cassie clicked away. ‘Adira, maybe you sit next to Jasper?’
Adira did as she was told.
‘Closer please,’ urged Cassie, still clicking.
Adira felt his shoulders graze hers and that electric volt shot through her again.
‘Right, all done, thanks.’ Cassie gave a wide smile. ‘I’ll leave you to it.’ The humour in her voice was evident, as were the stifled giggles on the stairs. Adira tried hard to ignore them.
‘Jasper, I’ll need your arms, legs and chest bare, so I’ll nip out and let you get comfortable under the towels. If you can lay face down to begin with.’
He calmly looked at her. ‘No problem.’
Adira left the room and waited outside. After a few minutes, she knocked quietly on the door. ‘Ready,’ she heard him say.
She instantly noticed how Jasper’s body covered the massage bed. His long, lean legs reached the end and his shoulders filled the width, with his muscular arms only just managing to fit closely at the sides. She reached for the oils and smeared her hands. Then, in slow, sweeping movements began to rub his neck and shoulders. He felt very firm and toned.Obviously exercises regularly, she thought, whilst trying to keep a professional distance. It was rather difficult though, given the good shape he was in. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him.Concentrate, Adira, she told herself. Then she became aware of a rough edge in the middle of his right shoulder, it was a scar that ran down towards his collarbone. Adira wondered how he got it.
Jasper was in heaven. The rhythmic strokes soothed his aching muscles and he could feel all the tension ooze from him. The more her hands kneaded his shoulders, the more he fell into a deep, restful state. The air smelt clean and fresh and the sound of lapping water gave him a sense of peace. Then her hands travelled down his spine, spreading her fingers out to press against the knots in his back. This was bliss.
Her hands lowered again to rest on his hip bones. He caught his breath. Slowly she circled over them, the circular movements continuing down one thigh, then the other until she reached his ankles. Even the soles of his feet came alive under her touch.
Then his arms received the same treatment as she worked the oil into his biceps right down to his hands and between his fingers. He resisted the impulse to curl them round hers.
‘I need you to turn over now, Jasper,’ she whispered.
‘Right,’ he croaked, then rolled over and closed his eyes again.
Adira covered her hands with more oil and worked on his chest, digging the palms of her hands against him. He sneaked a glimpse of her through slitted eyes. She was deep in concentration. She moved and stood at the top of the bed. Her fingers rubbed the sides of his head, then over his scalp, to finally rest over his eyes. He’d never felt so revived.
‘I’ll leave you to get dressed, Jasper,’ her voice spoke softly in the distance.
‘Stay,’ he half groaned, not wanting the sensation to stop. Then, realising what he’d said, he opened his eyes to see her looking down at him.
Adira slowly bent her head to meet his lips. Instinctively, he reached up and put his hands either side of her face. Her mouth was soft and inviting. He ran his tongue against it and felt her jolt.
‘Thank you,’ he whispered thickly.
Adira had never felt so roused. Her nerves prickled with emotion and her heart thumped uncontrollably. Without another word, she eased herself up and quietly left the room.
She lent on the door, shaking. Did that really happen? Had she and Jasper just kissed? The tingling of her mouth told her it had. She’d never experienced such a connection with a client and it un-nerved her. She closed her eyes and replayed how his lips had felt against hers, warm and gently insistent.
Taking deep breaths, Adira tried to steady herself. That body, his lean, muscular flesh beneath her hands was intoxicating and it had been a pleasure to explore it, feeling the smooth firmness of him.
