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Chapter 10

Every time she went to the spa, Alessandra wondered why she didn’t just recreate the pleasant atmosphere at home—buy a sound machine, fill her tub with bubbles, lower the lights and maybe put out some candles. But somehow, after she left the spa and went back to the daily grind, the ideal of simulated rainstorms and the sweet scent of lavender gave way to vanilla-scented plug-ins, if she were lucky, and a hot shower.

Taking off the robe and hanging it on the back of the door as directed, Alessandra moved to the raised massage table and climbed up. Such a vulnerable position, lying on her stomach with her face smooshed into that headrest, but the blanket beneath her was soft and warm and Sunset Spa had always felt like a safe place. And her knife was nestled within reach.

Alessandra had nearly canceled her appointment today, knowing it would be difficult to relax given the danger she was in. Logic told her a simple knife would do little to protect her if Lawrence decided to come after her. Really, it had been silly to allow Birdie to give it to her. The extra locks on her door and Toni’s insistence on having Tyler stay over wouldn’t do any good either. Which meant, despite their final parting, Alessandra had no choice but to put her faith in a man she’d just met. One she’d been terrified of just days earlier.

And one she desired like none other.

Kenton’s draw was not simply a physical attraction. She’d tried to explain it to Toni the night before, but words had failed her. It was as if he stood at the edge of a cliff, a bottomless void below, and she stood behind him, belonging there as much as she belonged anywhere.

The door clicked open just as a shiver ran down the length of her body. Exhaling, Alessandra waited to be asked what kind of pressure she liked, but instead, the smell of lavender and citrus filled the room, the oils ensuring she would have to go straight home for a shower.

Cool air licked her back as the masseur lifted the blanket she’d pulled over herself.

Guess this guy wasn’t much of a talker. Which was just as well. She needed time to think. To plan her next move.

When the masseuse’s hands finally touched her bare back, she was more than ready. They moved expertly to the base of her neck, applying just the right amount of pressure. She sighed, grateful for the former co-workers who’d given her the gift certificate to the spa.

This was just what she needed.

Beginning to relax, Alessandra broke the silence.

“That feels perfect.”

She wanted to be sure the masseur knew he was doing an exemplary job. Oddly, he didn’t respond. Was something wrong?

Chastising herself for being constantly on edge, incapable of relaxing, Alessandra took another deep breath. In and out.

Oh man, that felt good.

“Feeling more relaxed?”

Alessandra bolted up at the familiar voice, spinning around so quickly she tangled herself in the blanket.

“What the—”

Kenton stood behind her, hands raised in the air. “Easy, love.”

“How did you get in here? What are you—”

“Lie back down. You’re owed a massage, and I’m giving you one.”

“Right. I’m going to simply lie down and let you put your hands on me after what happened yesterday—”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

There was a touch of humor in his eyes, yes, but she could tell he was serious. A bit more casual today than usual, he wore jeans and a blue button-down shirt. No sport coat. Worse, his damned sleeves were rolled up to his elbows.

“We’ve already established I’m not going to hurt you,” he said, his black hair ever so slightly tousled as if it had recently been washed. How did he manage to always look so put together? “And as I said, you’re owed a massage.”

“Not from you! Where is—”

“On an extended lunch break.”

Her eyes narrowed. “How did you convince him to . . . isn’t this some serious breach of patient-client privilege, letting a stranger . . .”

She completely forgot what she’d intended to say when his gaze drifted down to the blanket she held just above her breasts.