Chapter 52
But Erin wasn’t finished. “And I want the tip. Make it double. It’s practically a couples massage.”
“Without you having to do any of the work,” Daryl pointed out. But it would be worth the twenty bucks to keep her hands off his lover.
* * * *
Just when Mitch was beginning to wonder if everyone had forgotten about his appointment, a door he hadn’t noticed opened and out stepped a young, attractive woman. Her outfit looked like a pair of dark blue scrubs, much the same as the clothing Daryl wore when he left for work. Her blond hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and she flashed Mitch a stunning smile. Without hesitation, she approached him, hand out to shake his. “Mitch, is it? I’m Erin. Nice to meet you.”
He took her hand and stood. “Hi.”
Her smile widened, if that were possible. “Is this your first time?” At his shy nod, she waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t be nervous. I don’t bite. Not unless you ask real nice.”
A quick laugh negated the innuendo in her words, but it did little to alleviate Mitch’s discomfort. He thought maybe he’d made a big mistake, and if Daryl found out about it, then things might even get out of hand. How could he possibly hope to explain himself to his lover? Especially if nothing untoward happened? He’d have to apologize profusely for his lack of trust, and he could already see Erin was too no-nonsense to make any real pass at him.
He wondered if it were too late to cancel.
But before he could ask, Erin was already heading down a darkened hallway. Over her shoulder, she called out, “Just follow me, please. Right this way. I’ll take care of you.”
Mitch was afraid of that.
He fell into step behind Erin, hoping he wouldn’t bump into Daryl accidentally. How would he ever explain himself?
He needn’t have worried, though. Erin stopped at a door slightly ajar and pushed it open farther before stepping into a small room. She held the door open for Mitch to enter after her, then shut it gently. In a low voice, she told him, “All right, this is the way things work. You’ll disrobe—as much as you’re comfortable with, but at least your shirt and jeans, but you can keep on everything else if you want. Place your clothes on this stool here—” She indicated a small stool under a table in the corner. “—then climb up on the table. It’s been warming up for about five minutes now, so it should feel pretty nice, but if it’s too hot, then let me know. Lay on your back, the cushion goes under your knees, the sheet goes over top of your body. I’ll be just outside. Any questions?”
Mitch looked around the room. In addition to the table and stool, a large table took up much of the space. A thin sheet was draped on top of it, and a bulge beneath the sheet hinted at the cushion she’d mentioned. It was as wide as the table, and wedge-shaped, obviously to raise the knees for comfort. Another stool was pushed up under one end of the table, probably for use by the masseuse. A chart on the wall showed a detailed description of the muscles in the human body.
“None that I can think of,” he admitted.
Erin reached for a switch by the door and dimmed the recessed lights. The room suddenly seemed even smaller than it already was. “Great. I’m just going to step out for a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable, and I’ll knock before I come back in.” She must have seen something in his face because she reached out and rubbed his arm. “Relax. This is yourtime. I’m here to focus on you.”
With that, she stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind her, leaving Mitch alone.
Disrobe as much as you’re comfortable.If he were honest, Mitch had to admit he didn’t think taking off any clothing would make him more comfortable at all. But he unbuckled his jeans and pulled down the zipper, then shucked off his shirt and undershirt. Folding them neatly, he set them on the indicated stool, then caught sight of a small stack of gratuity envelopes on the top of the table. He had a ten in his pocket specifically for the masseuse—living with Daryl had taught him other service workers should be tipped, not just waiters and valets. He wondered if he should leave the money now, or wait until after she was finished. Would she give him time alone to leave it? He didn’t want her to see him tip…
She has to leave so I can get redressed,he thought. So he’d leave it then. Really, was everyone so uptight about getting a massage?
He kicked off his shoes, then pulled down his jeans and folded them on top of his shirt. He thought a moment, thumbs hooked into the waistband of his briefs. On or off? If he were going for reallyrelaxed, then off. But if he kept them on and got hard from her touch, then at least the briefs would help tamp down his erection. On then. Socks, too. This wasn’t Daryl, after all.