Page 15 of One Heated Summer

We all greeted each other, introducing ourselves, and the staff led us to individual private rooms for our day to begin.

Rosy handed me a towel that had been folded on a nearby bench and a pair of cloth slides. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

While she was gone, I undressed and wrapped the fluffy towel around me. It felt like the stresses of daily life were already melting away.

Rosy returned a moment later and guided me to lie on a narrow bed. She removed the towel and draped it across my ass, leaving the rest of me exposed for the massage.

The scent of jasmine filled the room moments before the warmth of oil hit my shoulder.

Rosy, as a skilled therapist worked her magic, kneading away tension, knots, and revitalizing my senses.

The facial that followed left my skin glowing, and I chose pale pink polish for both fingernails and toenails.

Two hours later, after thanking the staff, Ronaldo and Francois, and promising to visit for pampering at least once a month, we all emerged from the spa feeling rejuvenated and radiant.

Lunch was a delightful affair, with the café's garden providing a picturesque backdrop. We indulged in flavorful dishes with lots of fresh salad vegetables and chicken rather than the beef we ate most often. Our conversation flowed as easily as the gentle breeze.

The day, though centered around pampering, was a good opportunity to cement our budding friendship.

We returned home as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my new friends and the wonderful day we’d shared. But I was most grateful for Jensen who had initiated the entire day by speaking with Cash before he’d left for his own ranch earlier that morning. How Mia and Emma had organized things so quick was something they refused to reveal.

We dropped Virginia off on our way to my place and I was disappointed to learn from Briggs that Jensen had left his ranch about half an hour earlier. The foreman had no idea where he’d gone.

Emma pulled the brute to a stop at my front steps and we all climbed out. After sharing a hug and promising to catch up for coffee in a few days, I waved after they got back into the pickup and headed to their homes on the far side of Hazy Downs.

Feeling rejuvenated but disappointed I’d missed seeing Jensen, I opened the front door and stepped inside. Cooking aromas assaulted my nose and my mouth watered even thoughI’d had a decent sized lunch. Noise from the kitchen had me frowning and I cautiously started in that direction.

As I entered the kitchen, I was met with a delightful surprise. Jensen was there, juggling pots and pans with a skillful hand, moving from one side of the kitchen to the other while cooking. His concentration was absolute, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. The enticing aroma of the food he was preparing filled the room, and I felt my disappointment from earlier melt away.

“Jensen,” I called out softly, not wanting to startle him. He turned, and his face lit up with a warm smile.

“Hey, I thought I’d make us dinner,” he said, wiping his hands on a towel. “Hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” I replied, genuinely touched by his effort. “It smells amazing.”

He stepped toward me, and I found myself enveloped in a hug that carried the warmth of his presence and the promise of a wonderful evening ahead. It seemed that the day of pampering wasn’t quite over yet, and I felt grateful once more for the unexpected joys that life, and Jensen, had to offer.

“Take a seat, this is ready. We’re having my famous Texas Southern Fried Chicken, with tossed salad and cornbread I bought from Sweet Delights. I also picked up fruit-filled kolaches for our dessert.”

“Wow, I’m impressed. Thank you.” I dragged out a chair and sat while Jensen dished up our meals.

After he served the food and placed a plate of cornbread between us, Jensen sat opposite. He poured a red wine for meand popped the top off a bottle of beer for himself. We both had a mouthful of our drinks.

“You have perfect timing,” I said before forking in a mouthful of chicken which was mouth-wateringly good.

“Emma sent me a text letting me know you were on your way home,” Jensen confessed. “How was the spa day?” His gaze was warm and curious as he awaited my answer.

“It was absolutely wonderful,” I replied, taking a sip of wine and savoring the refreshing taste. “We all had such a great time. Mia and Emma really outdid themselves with the organization. I can't believe how quickly they pulled everything together.”

Jensen chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “Those two can be quite the whirlwind when they set their minds to something.”

“And Virginia,” I continued, cutting into the tender chicken. “She was a joy to have along. We all felt pampered and relaxed by the end of it. It was exactly what I needed to get my head back on straight.”

Jensen nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I'm glad you had a good time. It sounds like it was a perfect day.”

“It really was,” I said, smiling at him. “And it’s ending on an even better note.”

Jensen's face softened with emotion. “You have worked so damn hard since you arrived. The men said you don’t hesitate to get in and help them. You should be very proud of yourself, those men are impressed and that’s not something I’ve seen often.”

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