Page 38 of Rules Of Our Own

The pinch of jealousy surprises me, not because I think he’s hitting on her; anybody with eyes can see he is a goner for Sidney. It’s his easiness with her, the familiarness. The fact that I know after tomorrow, she’ll be gone from my life again, and she’ll still be in his. I swallow hard and grab the back of my neck. I’m being an asshole.

“See you at home.” Jax shoves her shoulder lightly. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

I wrap my arms around her middle, pulling her back to my chest. I rest my chin on her head as we watch them leave.

River comes up to us and tilts his head as he takes us in. “We got to hit the gym, but I scheduled you a massage for the afternoon.”

She makes an almost squeal-like sound of excitement, then clears her throat. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“No, I didn’t have to do that, but I wanted to.”

We walk her to the spa, and I kiss her temple before she leaves. I glance up at River, suddenly furious he’s making me work out and miss out on time with her.

He smirks. “Trust me, she needs a break for what I have planned later.”

CHAPTER19

MIA

“How was your massage?”an attendant asks warmly the second I step out of the treatment room. I take the small glass of water she holds out to me and smile.

“So good.” And it really had been. The bed was heated, she tucked pillows under my knees and ankles, relieving all pressure, and she gave one hell of a head massage. Between that, the body scrub, and the facial, I’ve never been this relaxed.

“I’m happy to hear that. Mr. Davis has opted for the package that includes full-day access to the rest of the facility.”

There’s a tug on my chest, pulling me toward the guys. I’ve already been away from them for hours, and it feels like a waste to not go back. I glance at the large wood door, curious about what’s on the other side. If it’s anything like the rest of the spa, it’s probably amazing. River wouldn’t have booked it if he didn’t want me to go in, right?

Maybe I can convince the guys to get a pedicure or something. I bite back a smile at the image of River with painted toes. “Yes, thank you.”

She pushes open the door, and my mouth falls open. The walls are covered in deep blue-gray mosaic tiles that glimmer in the low amber light, and the ceiling is paneled in low-hung cedar planks, making the entire space feel like a warm hug.

There are a few other people lounging in what can only be described as oversized beanbags, snuggled into their soft seats with their robes pulled around them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more appealing place to nap.

We turn a corner, and the lights are dimmer here, giving it a cave-like presence. There are three pools the size of a parking stall, side by side and dimly lit with underwater lights.

The attendant gestures to the first one. “This is our contrast hydrotherapy section. First is a cold plunge pool that’s kept at a crisp forty-five degrees. You climb in, submerge for a few seconds before getting out. Then you have a hot pool and finally a relaxing hydrotherapy pool. You’re meant to alternate between the cold and hot. It increases your circulation.”

A couple leisurely relaxes in the last one, their backs leaning against sunken lounge chairs.

I’m not sure about the plunge pool, but I’m definitely trying the bubbles.

I silently follow, my gaze focusing on a large gold abstract painting of a naked woman, and nearly walk right into her. “Shit. Sorry.”

She gives me a warm smile, and I make a mental note to make sure she gets a tip.

“Here you’ll find our steam room.” She points to a large glass door. The door beside it opens, and the sounds of water fill the space. “And this is our rain shower room.”

I take a quick peek and spot rivulets pouring from the ceiling, covering the entire space.Stunning.

“We suggest you start in the steam room before rinsing off in this one prior to making your way to the pools. You can hang your robe just here.”

“Thank you very much.” Why am I so freaking awkward? I hang my robe next to two others, leaving me in my swimsuit, and step into the room, my lungs instantly filling with the damp air. I blink to focus, but the steam is so thick I can’t make out the benches lining the walls until I nearly trip into them.

I climb over the first level, choosing instead to sit on the middle step, and rest my shoulder blades against the top one before tipping my head back and taking several breaths. The air is scented with cedar and leather. I instantly wish River was here. The wooden seat is hot against my thighs, and I shift until they get used to it.

With my eyes closed, my senses narrow in on the sound of shifting fabric from across the space. I lift my head and strain my eyes, but even though I know someone’s there, I can’t see anything through the white vapor.

I jolt upward when the person—who I didn’t even know was there—shifts beside me, lining their thigh to mine. I start to lose my balance, tipping forward, and brace my hands in front of me. I cringe, sure I’m going to hit the ground, but strong arms wrap around my middle and haul me back before I land.

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