Page 21 of Eat Your Heart Out
9
Gerard
I watched Ali laugh a few times at the comedy. Her profile interested me in the dark, when she thought I couldn’t see her. She seemed more relaxed and innocent. I wanted to know everything about her, but my gut told me she was scared. She needed time.
As the film ended, I decided I wanted to do something fun that she’d never experienced before.
When the lights came on, she asked, “What did you think of the movie?”
I opened the door, and the bright late afternoon shone in my eyes as I said, “It was cute. Let’s get the massages now.”
She wrung her hands, and I paused. Maybe she wanted to do something else.
Then she asked, “Can I wear my pants?”
She would be glorious naked, but we weren’t together, and I figured a massage was for relaxation. The question had me picturing what she looked like under her clothes. “Generally, you wear underwear and a sheet, so you’re covered.”
“Fully covered?”
“Yes. You’re safe.”
We took a few steps and made it to the stairs.
“I’m nervous.” She stared at the floor.
“Why?”
“I have scars,” she mumbled.
My heart thundered. She hadn’t seemed injured when I found her on the side of the road. I winced. “From what happened with your ex? Why didn’t you tell me or someone?”
She shook her head. She looked as though she were in pain. “No, they’re older. I… was in an accident.”
I put my hands in my pockets then asked, “Want to talk about it?”
She hugged herself. “I just don’t want my masseuse to laugh at me.”
I inched closer, not wanting her to be upset. Something about her hit me in the gut. “No one’s going to laugh at you or hurt you anymore.”
She met my gaze and pressed her hand on my shoulder in a friendly slap. “Your protective streak is kind of cute.”
We ascended the stairs.
“You don’t have to flatter me all the time,” I said.
She winked. “I thought that was what companions did. Isn’t it part of the job description?”
I gazed at her and realized her humor was part of why I liked her and hoped she would stay. “Don’t fake anything with me, ever. And relax. Let the staff take care of you.”
We made it to the top, and I opened the door for her. Time to spoil her a little.
