‘So, where are we going?’
‘Somewhere we can both relax.’
Lauren started the car, pulling out of the garage, her mind already at their destination. It was her go-to place when she needed to unwind and forget about the stress and complications of her life.
When they finally pulled up outside the Treetop spa, Rain turned to her, laughing. ‘Okay, I wasn’t expecting this.’
‘What were you expecting?’
‘I don’t know, a walk in the park to feed the ducks or something.’
Lauren laughed. ‘Disappointed?’
‘Not at all. I’d be happy anywhere with you.’
Lauren grinned. ‘Smooth talker.’
They climbed out of the car and went inside, the scent of essential oils and the soft, soothing music enveloping them like a warm embrace. After paying, they were handed robes and towels, the attendant directing them towards the changing rooms.
Lauren tried to focus on getting undressed, but it was impossible to ignore Rain’s presence, to block out the fact that she was right there, so close.
As Lauren slipped out of her blouse, she couldn’t resist sneaking a peek at Rain. Her breath hitched at the sight of Rain’s smooth skin being revealed inch by tantalising inch.
Forcing herself to look away, Lauren unzipped her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. She reached back to unclasp her bra, her fingers shaking slightly. As her bra fell away, Lauren felt a blush creep up her cheeks, a flutter of vulnerability in her stomach. She was exposed, laid bare in more ways than one, and the knowledge sent a thrill racing through her.
Unable to resist any longer, Lauren turned to look at Rain. Their eyes locked, and the air between them practically sizzled with electricity, with the unspoken acknowledgement of the desire that flowed between them.
Rain’s eyes were dark, smouldering with a heat that made Lauren’s knees weak. They roamed over Lauren’s body, drinking in every inch of her.
Slowly, hesitantly, Rain stepped closer, closing the distance between them. Her hand reached out, hovering in the air for a moment before settling on Lauren’s waist. The touch was electric, sending sparks skittering across Lauren’s skin, igniting a fire deep inside her.
‘Lauren,’ Rain whispered, her voice low and husky, filled with the same yearning Lauren felt.
‘Rain, I . . .’
But the words died on her tongue as Rain’s thumb started moving, tracing small circles on her hip. Lauren’s eyes fluttered shut, a shuddering breath escaping her lips at the sensation.
When she opened her eyes again, Rain was closer, so close Lauren could feel the heat radiating off her body.
‘Tell me to stop,’ Rain murmured, her breath warm on Lauren’s lips, making them tingle with the desire to be kissed. ‘Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll walk away right now.’
Lauren’s heart stuttered, seized with a sudden, irrational fear that Rain might actually do it, might actually leave. The thought was unbearable, unthinkable, and Lauren knew in that moment she would do anything, risk anything, to keep Rain here with her, to hold onto this perfect moment.
‘No . . . don’t stop,’ she said, her hands coming up to grip Rain’s shoulders.
Something flashed in Rain’s eyes, a flare of heat, of triumph, of pure, unbridled desire. Her lips curved in a slow, sensual smile that made Lauren’s heart race. And then, at last, Rain stepped closer and captured Lauren’s lips in a passionate kiss.
Lauren melted into the embrace. Rain’s lips were soft yet demanding, coaxing Lauren’s mouth open to deepen the kiss. Her tongue swept inside, stroking, teasing.
Lauren’s hands slid into Rain’s hair, pulling her near, moulding their bodies together until it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began.
They kissed like they were drowning, like they were each other’s air, each other’s salvation. In that moment, in Rain’s arms, Lauren felt more alive, more complete than she ever had before.
The sound of voices entering the changing room burst their bubble, forcing them back to reality. They broke apart, grinning like a couple of mischievous teenagers as they threw on their robes.
‘You know what I want more than anything?’
‘Tell me.’
‘To spend the night with you.’
Lauren smiled. ‘I think that can be arranged.’
Rain’s eyes widened. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, really. I need to get Ben settled, then I’m all yours.’
‘You have no idea how good that sounds. Waiting until tonight is going to be torture,’ Rain said, her eyes still heavy with desire.
Lauren leaned in and kissed her briefly on the lips. ‘It’ll be worth it.’
As they left the changing room, Lauren’s mind raced with thoughts of what she was getting herself into. She knew this was more than just a fling, more than a momentary escape from her crumbling marriage.
She was ready to take the leap, to follow her heart and see where this adventure would lead. And no matter what happened, she knew she would never regret choosing love over fear.
They both entered the spa’s treatment room, with two massage beds side by side. The dim lighting bathed the space in a soft, sensual glow. Flickering candles danced across Lauren and Rain’s skin as they shed their robes and lay on the beds next to each other.
Lauren inhaled the calming scents of lavender and chamomile, attempting to slow her thundering pulse. But her gaze kept straying to the shape of Rain’s body. Her arms dangling either side. She pictured Rain’s hands gliding over her bare back, thumbs digging into tense muscles.
