Page 17 of Curves and Courage

I drink the coffee and tell myself not to panic. He probably needs some space. Some time to think and heal. I mean, that’s what he’s been sent here for, I can’t expect him to spendallhis time with me.

I’ve felt the weight he carries, the burdens of his past despite the fact that he only opens up so much about his time in the military. I get the feeling there is so much more to his story, but I’m grateful he’s letting me help heal the scars that linger on his body and in his eyes.

Truth is, I’ve fallen for him. And I’ll do just about anything to make sure I see that rare smile of his more often.

I head to the bathroom, trying to push down the lingering worry as I go through the motions of getting ready. It will be nice to spend the day with Freya. We came on this trip together, but since day one, we’ve both been so “busy” we’ve barely seen each other.

I let the hot, steaming water cascade over my body. It’s odd being in here without the presence of my big, strong man. He’s usually soaping my skin, massaging my shoulders and treating me better than I could ever have imagined, instead, I’m stepping out and toweling myself dry all alone.

I dress quickly, slipping into something comfy. A soft, pink sundress will do the trick today, and I head out to find Freya.

The ship is already bustling as I make my way to our cabin. I haven’t spent a single night with her, but I get the feeling she hasn’t missed me. I decide to knock first before flying into the cabin, and when a shirtless guy with a beard and a beaming smile greets me, I’m glad I did.

“Um, hi,” I say, looking over his shoulder to see Freya laying in the bed, the sheets pulled up over chest. “Freya, we’ve got Day Spa treatments all day. Samuel’s treat.”

The man blocking the door looks over his shoulder. “Samuel?”

Freya winks at him. “Hers, not mine.” She slides out of bed and gives me a sight I didn’t need to see right now. “Give me a minute, babe. I’ll be right there.”

The guy’s jaw drops. “Um, what about… you know, what we were about to do?”

Freya flaps her hand at him and shoves his pants in his chest. “Maybe later. If you meet me at the rooftop bar again tonight, you never know, sweetie.”

I laugh and watch as my best friend dismisses her one-nighter without a second glance, and starts walking with me towards the Golden Sunset Sushi Bar. As we’re walking, she gives me a sideways glance, looking me up and down as her smile falters slightly.

“Rough night?” she asks.

“No, the night was good,” I reply, trying to match her energy, but my voice comes out more subdued than I’d intended.

“Uh-oh. What’s going on? And don’t lie to me girl, I know when you’re giving me porkies.”

I sigh, walking slowly as we reach the front door of the sushi bar. “He left a note this morning. Said he’s taking the day to himself.”

“So? That’s good babe! I’ve been missing you!”

“I know,” I reply, catching Freya excited hands as she bounces in front of me. “It’s just… I don’t know. I guess I didn’t expect him to just disappear like that.”

Freya hooks her arm through mine, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “It’s probably nothing, Stella. Guys need their space sometimes, especially with the kind of baggage that man seems to carry around. And… he did book us a day spa, which, by the way, soundsamazing.”

I agree with her, but the unease of saying the words out loud doesn’t quite leave me. “I’ve fallen for him, Freya. Hard. And I think he feels the same way, but then he goes and does something like this and I’m getting all these mixed messages.”

Freya hums thoughtfully as we enter the sushi bar, the scent of fresh fish and savory soy sauce filling the air. We head to the counter and there are hundreds of rolls of every color filling thebay. I grab the avocado and cucumber roll, and Freya chooses crispy chicken.

“Just take today for what it is, and go from there,” Freya says eventually, finishing up her sushi roll. “Men are weird. And sometimes, you just gotta go with it.”

I agree and when we finally make our way to Infinity Day Spa, the tension in my chest has eased slightly. We enter the reception and instantly I’m hit with how stunningly gorgeous it is inside. Two towering marble columns lead towards the reception desk which is sitting in front of a cascading waterfall that fills the space with a soothing, melodic sound. The air is moist, filled with a scent of lavender that automatically makes my muscles unclench.

“Good morning,” the reception smiles from behind the desk. “You must be our 11 o’clocks!”

I smile and nod. “Yes, it might be under Stella.”

The lady smiles knowingly. “Oh yes, I’ve got it. You’re both lucky ladies today. The full treatment is available, no restrictions on beauty products, amenities, or treatments. It’s all taken care of, so when you’re ready, proceed through those sliding doors. Towels will be on your left.”

I glance at Freya who looks as shocked as I am. We head through the doors and slip into plush white robes and soft slippers; the scent of total relaxation easing the stress and worry from this morning.

We enter the main spa area and I’m struck by the sheer luxury of it. The room is bathed in natural light, with large windows that offer a stunning view of the ocean beyond. Endless depths of blue make my heart swell and we enjoy the view for a moment before heading across to the treatment rooms.

“Massages, facials, hydrotherapy… this place has it all,” Freya says, running a finger down the list of services available to us today. “This must have cost him a fortune.”

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