Page 54 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“That’ll make your back muscles tense up, and I’m pretty sure it might make other things take notice, too.”

“Trust me, sweetheart, the second your hands touched me, my entire body went on red alert.”

I smile and deepen the massage.

“God, Pep,” he says gratefully. “I think I like your hands as much as I like your mouth.”

I laugh softly and continue massaging his shoulders. “How did you hurt your shoulder?”

“It wasn’t any one thing. Years of overuse, and enough direct blows to make it worse.”

“When did your headaches start?”

“A few months ago.”

“Have you gone through PT and tried migraine meds?”

“I’ve done it all. It’s fine, really. Don’t worry about me. This is just a minor setback.”

I apply pressure to a knot and hold it. He sucks in air between clenched teeth.

“That doesn’t sound fine to me,” I say gently.

“I don’t usually have anyone pushing on me like that.”

“Sorry. Applying pressure limits the blood flow. When it’s released, more blood flows in, which should help the muscle relax.”

“I hear ya, Dr. Pepper. That’s cute. Dr. Pepper.”

I’ve been called that so many times, I thought it had lost its cuteness. But coming from him, I kind of like it. “You need to stop talking and relax, or your headache won’t go away.”

He’s quiet as I work out the knots in his shoulders, neck, and back. I take my time, touching him lovingly. I get the sense that’s what he needs, and it’s definitely how I want to touch him. When he’s breathing easier and is visibly more relaxed, I ask him to turn over and begin working my way through the pressure points. Starting with the simplest, I apply pressure to his hand between the base of his thumb and index finger.

“That pinches.”

“I know. Sorry. This one doesn’t always help, but I thought it might be worth a try.” I don’t want to make him uncomfortable, so I skip some of the others and move to sit against the headboard. “Come lie on your back with your head between my legs.”

“It usually works better if I’m on my stomach, but I’m game.” He moves into position, gazing up at me. “Hey there, beautiful. Want to come here often?”

Yes plays out in my head. “What I want, is for you to close your eyes and relax.”

“Should we get the scarf and use it as a blindfold?”

“I might be tempted to use it as a gag if you don’t stop flirting and let me help your headache. Now close your eyes.” When he does, I use my thumbs to gently massage his face. Starting at the bridge of his nose, I press gently, easing them down the sides and across his cheeks.

“That feels nice.”

“Shh.” I work my way over his entire face, relieving the tightness in his jaw and mouth, giving extra attention to where the bridge of his nose meets his brow bones, around his temples, and along his forehead.

“You’re really good at this. It’s helping.”

“I’m glad,” I say softly. “But you should try not to talk.”

“I will if you tell me about the migraine device you’re working on.”

“It’s just something I’ve been fiddling with during my off hours. It’s a device that alleviates muscle tension while stimulating the nerves that cause migraines. There are devices that stimulate the nerves separately, but I’m looking at enhancing them and possibly combining two of them for people who react well to the individual stimulation.”

“That sounds complicated.”