Page 52 of Kobalt

“Oh, that’s how it is? Make me grab all the bags because I’m a man.”

She lowered her sunglasses and peered at me over the rim. “Boy, you’d better quit complaining and grab those bags. All the workouts you do and fighting men, those bags won’t even make a dent in your energy.”

I chuckled as she turned and headed up the stairs to the resort office. By the time I had grabbed all our luggage and met her inside, she had retrieved the keys from the desk clerk.

“We’re going right through this path, babe. She says it will take us straight to our little room.”

I followed her until we arrived at a little adobe cottage built into the side of the hill. It was dope with a grass-covered roof. We passed a stone firepit, and from the side, I could see there was an outdoor shower that I couldn’t wait to put to use with her.

Inside was a living room, bathroom, a round bedroom with Mexican inspired paintings and a hand-woven rug, and a beautiful view of the backyard beyond through glass double sliding doors.

“There’s a Jacuzzi and pool out back,” she pronounced.

I set the luggage down and then followed her through the doors to the back of the cottage, where there was not only a Jacuzzi, but a waterfall that fed into the pool.

Another firepit had been set up out back, just beyond a cute garden before a low slope led up into a mountain.

“This is dope, baby. You knew just how to help me relax. This little retreat is far from everything and everyone, and our cottage—though it’s not far from the office, it’s hidden from all the other buildings.”

She spun around and smiled. “I thought you would love it.”

“I do, and I love you too.” I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against me. Our foreheads rested against each other’s, and I closed my eyes for just a moment before I pulled them open again and stared into hers. “You know you mean the world to me, right?”

“I do.”

“You were the only one who didn’t think I was ridiculous when I used to pull stunts when we were younger. Neither did you laugh at my dream of becoming an MMA fighter or try to talk me out of it.”

“I’ve always believed in you. Why would I turn you from what you were meant to be—what made you happiest?”

“You’re what makes me happiest,” I replied.

I brushed my lips softly against hers before I deepened the kiss, and she opened her mouth. Our tongues slid against one another in an erotic dance with promises of more to come.

“So, we have a lot to do, even if it’s relaxation—I don’t need you starting something you can’t stop.” She chided me as she pulled back from the kiss.

With reluctance, I released her and took several steps back. “I’ll try to behave.”

“Mhm, sure you will. For our first excursion, these robes are for us to change into, and then we can head to our next destination,” she explained, pointing at two large plush robes that were laid out on the bed.

We took quick showers, and it was hard for me to keep my hands to myself, but she promised if I behaved, she would make it worth my while later. She said that included her on her knees before me. That was enough to keep my hands to myself.

“This is for you.” She reached in her purse and pulled out an envelope.

I opened it and pulled the note from within and read it aloud. “Look at you being romantic, girl. ‘Kobe, this weekend is just a token of what our forever holds. You’ve worked hard to make me happy and give me everything my heart desires. I just want to give you a token of what you’ve given to me. I pray that you’ll learn how to relax this weekend and find your peace again. Love, Kai.’ Aww. I love you, too, girl, and thanks for doing this for me. C’mere.”

I kissed her again before she pulled back.

“Let’s go.”

She grabbed my hand and led me back toward the office. A tall brown-skinned woman with her hair pulled in a tight ponytail waited for us outside of a door that read “Relaxation Lounge.”

“Welcome to Laramie Retreat Center. I’m Tara, and I’ll be your attendant for the afternoon. If you need anything, there’s a buzzer on the side of your chair. Just press it, and I’ll be right here,” Tara explained.

Tara led the way inside. Low lighting, the sound of ocean waves, and aromatherapy diffusers with eucalyptus scents created a relaxing ambiance. Kaimera and I took a chair in the oversized ergonomic chairs.

“Your request was for vanilla chai tea, and you requested peppermint tea for Mr. Harden, correct?” Tara asked.

“That’s correct,” Kaimera confirmed.