Page 80 of The Bro Date
“I guess it’s a good thing I booked a couple’s massage and mud masks instead of a hike,” I laugh, making Shane smile as he continues to cook breakfast.
“But we’re still getting muddy,” he deadpans.
“Hey! This is different. This is healthy mud.”
“Healthy mud?” He looks over with a skeptical brow raised.
“Yes, you’ll see,” I reply matter-of-factly, changing the subject because he can’t knock it until he tries it. “Any news on when the power will be restored?”
“By ten tonight, unfortunately. Lightning hit a transformer,” Shane informs me. “But we’ve got food, water, a generator, and a grill.” He looks over his shoulder at me. “And each other.”
“It’s not that bad, huh?” I murmur, and he just laughs, coming over for a morning hug.
Shane envelopes me in his arms, burying his face in my messy mop of curls. He breathes deeply before kissing the top of my head. “Coffee’s in the French press. I’m going to start the generator now that you’re awake. The table’s already set. I’ll just be a minute. Then we’ll eat.”
“Thank you,” I say with a blush, while he stares intently down at me. My belly swoops low, and my face heats even more, knowing I’m the center of Shane Carmichael’s attention.
He leans down and kisses me sweetly before jogging down the wooden deck stairs to get to the generator.
I quickly make my coffee at the cute little coffee bar Shane set up, adding a splash of milk and stirring with one of the wooden sticks. There’s also honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg, so I sprinkle a little in. I sit under the umbrella, sipping my delicious coffee and watching my sexy boyfriend exert himself.
He’s wearing a black tank top and matching athletic shorts, and it looks like he didn’t even comb his hair today. Just how I like it. He yanks the cord three times before the old generator kicks to life, a low rumble filling the air.
Blowing on my coffee, I grin into my mug, when he looks up with a smirk, catching me creeping on him. I quickly spin around in my seat as he makes his way over to the stairs.
“Enjoy the show, hmm?” he teases.
“As a matter of fact, I did. And I also enjoyed the coffee bar. You get an A plus, boyfriend,” I giggle.
“Oh yeah? Wait until you try this frittata,” Shane says, making his way over to the grill. “Bet I’ll get extra credit.” He checks the food, taking everything off the grill and plating it family style.
“I bet you will too,” I laugh, my stomach growling loudly. “Need any help?” I offer, still sitting at the table.
“If you don’t mind getting some drinks for us. Water’s fine for me.”
I nod, setting my coffee on the table and slipping back inside. I grab two bottles of water while Shane finishes up with the food.
“Spinach artichoke frittata with grilled tomatoes and feta crumbles on top,” Shane announces, serving us each a large slice.
“Mmm.This looks amazing. Thank you.”
We inhale our food, both of us going back for seconds.
When I’m done, I set my knife and fork down, leaning back in my seat and staring across the table at my boyfriend. “I am theluckiest guy in the world to be dating such a talented chef. Every single day, I’m amazed by you. I love you. So much.”
Shane smiles, and it’s so carefree and happy that I almost don’t recognize him. He leans forward and reaches his long arm across the table, grabbing my hand. “I can say the same about you, Toby. You’ve opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed. One full of love, acceptance, and kindness. Your soul is as beautiful as the music you create. And I’m honored to call you my boyfriend.”
I squeeze his hand. “Thank you,” I murmur, lost for words. Both of us want a better family dynamic than we had growing up, and I think maybe we’ve found that in each other.
Mountain Bliss Day Spa is right off the main road in town, so it’s easy to get to and easy to park. I’m ready for a massage, and excited to see Shane’s reaction to the mud.
We walk hand in hand to the front door, and Shane opens it like a gentleman, allowing me to walk through first. I wait for him to follow, and we go up to the girl at the reception desk.
“Good afternoon. My name is Rylee,” a pretty blonde girl says with a bright smile. “How can I help you today?”
“Hi. Tobias Livingston. Reservation for two.”
“Okay. Yep. Right here. I have you down for a couples massage and full-body mud masks.”
