Page 96 of Taste of Addiction

We walk out together, and like yesterday, Hanna is waiting for him outside.

“Hi, Hanna,” I greet, earning just a singular nod from her. She wraps her arms around Bryce, and he soaks up the attention like a sponge desperate for water. It is a bit over the top and forced. But who am I to say? I’m just merely an outsider looking in on a fresh relationship. “Well, I’ll see you next week.” I wave goodbye and make my way to the parking lot where Collins is waiting.

I get inside the vehicle and am taken back into the city. Except instead of being dropped off at the penthouse, I find myself in front of Hoffman Hotel.

“What are we doing here?” I ask.

“Mr. Hoffman wanted me to drop you off here. He has instructed me to tell you to go to the front desk and ask for him.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“Okay. Thank you, Collins.”

I exit the backseat and walk nervously across the sidewalk. The doorman greets me with a bright smile and opens the door for me to enter. I haven’t been here in months and the last time was with Mark—who basically has fallen off the face of the earth.

I make my way to the line of desks and find several friendly faces all waiting for me to get closer to speak.

“Hi. I am here to meet Graham Hoffman.”

“Right this way, ma’am,” the male worker instructs, motioning with his hand to follow him.

I allow him to lead me up a ramp and through an employees only door that leads me through a corridor and the back entrance to the spa. When we get to the other side of the room, the worker opens up another series of doors that leads into a private dressing room.

“Please get undressed and put on the robe that is hanging on the hooks near the door. Your personal items are safe inside this room and it will be locked upon your exit.”

“Thank you,” I say shyly.

I have never been to a spa before, so I’m not sure what to say. Do I keep my panties and bra on? I am just glad I am pretty well-kept and that I shaved where I needed to prior to coming here. This is how rumors start…

“Mr. Hoffman wanted you to have this,” the worker says, handing over an envelope. “Enjoy your afternoon, Miss McFee.”

I watch as he exits the same door we arrived through. I stare down at the envelope in my hand and turn it over to find a little gold heart sticker on the back flap. I run my finger under the seal and rip it open. Pulling out the card, I read Graham’s handwritten note.

Sweetheart, I wish I could join you for the entire afternoon, but I have business to tend to… Please enjoy a spa day on me. Oh and by the way, we own this hotel now. So, if you hate the service, tell them. -GH

I stare at his words and reread them three times until it sinks in and I start to believe it. We own this entire building? Did Graham inherit it from his relative? Buy them out?

The knock at the door on the other side of the room startles me, and I nearly jump out of my skin.

“Yes?”

The door hesitantly opens and a pleasant, petite woman steps inside. “Hello, I am here to help guide you through your spa experience, starting with your massage.” She looks down at my outfit.

“Oh, sorry, I still need to change.” I suck my bottom lip between my teeth, gnawing on the soft skin.

“Is everything okay?” she asks nervously.

“Oh yes, of course. I just didn’t know how much to take off and what to keep on. I’m kind of new to all of this.”

She smiles warmly. “It’s fine. Go ahead and take everything off. However, stick to your level of comfort. Today is a pampering experience, and Mr. Hoffman wants you to be spoiled and refreshed.”

I smile over her words. “Thank you. I’m pretty excited actually.”

“Good.” Her face is so kind and welcoming. “I would be very excited too. Mr. Hoffman planned an amazing menu for you to enjoy. I’ll be waiting for you outside.” She points toward the door. “Just come out whenever you’re ready to start.”

I wait for the door to fully close and then I start removing my boots and clothing, folding them and placing them on a wooden bench. Soft instrumental music plays through the speakers, and the smell of vanilla is prevalent.

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