The drive takes about an hour, winding through forests and past other small mountain towns. Noia keeps the radio tuned to a classic rock station, occasionally humming along.
When we finally pull into the Earth & Fire Hot Spring parking lot, her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline.
“A hot spring?” she asks, her voice sounding somewhere along the lines between surprise and suspicion. “This was your big plan?”
“Not just any hot spring,” I correct, grabbing our bags from the back seat. “The most exclusive natural hot spring in the state. Private caves, mineral pools, the works.”
She eyes the rustic wooden building skeptically. “How did you even know about this place?”
“I have my ways,” I answer mysteriously, shooting her a lopsided grin.
Inside, the lobby is all natural wood and stone, with ambient wooden flute music playing softly and the scent of eucalyptus floating in the air.
A woman with silver hair greets us from behind a bamboo counter. “Welcome to Earth & Fire Hot Spring. What’s the name on your reservation?”
“Blackwood,” I say smoothly. “Two for the private grotto experience.”
The woman smiles knowingly as she types something into her computer. “Ah, yes. The couples package. Follow me.”
“Couples package?” Noia whisper-hisses under her breath as we trail behind our guide.
I shrug innocently. “Best value for the money. Especially since I used your credit card. I, unfortunately, don’t have mine.”
She looks like she wants to strangle me, but curiosity seems to be winning out over irritation as the hostess leads us through a series of dimly lit corridors. The air grows warmer and mistier, the smell of mineral water getting stronger the deeper we go.
After a couple of minutes, our guide stops in front of a heavy wooden door.
“This is your private grotto. There are three connecting pools of varying temperatures. Towels and robes are provided. The natural minerals in these waters are known for their healing properties—both physical and spiritual.” She winks at Noia. “Enjoy your experience. You have one hour to yourselves. If you require refreshments, just ring the bell.”
As soon as the door closes behind us, Noia turns and looks at me with wide eyes.
“Exactly how much did this cost me?”
“Does it really matter?” I set our bags down on a bench carved into the stone wall. “Small price to pay to help with our current dilemma.”
The grotto is breathtaking. The natural cave has pools of steaming turquoise water illuminated by soft, recessed lighting. Candles flicker in small alcoves, and a small waterfall trickles between two of the pools.
“This is...” she trails off, taking it all in.
“Awesome?”I finish.
She nods, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “It’s beautiful. I already feel more relaxed just standing here.”
“Then let’s get to it.” Reaching behind me, I pull my shirt over my head and toss it aside.
Her eyes widen as they dart over my chest before quickly looking away. “Um, where’s the changing room?”
I point to a small alcove behind a bamboo screen. “There.” Raising an eyebrow, I let my gaze slowly drag up her body as I lick my lips. “Unless you’d prefer to change out here.”
She shoots me a look that could melt the polar icecaps in all of a second. “In your dreams, Blackwood.”
“All day and all night, kitten.”
ELEVEN
noia
I duckbehind the bamboo screen to change into my bathing suit, trying not to get excited about what the next hour might bring.
