Page 35

CHAPTER 35

Grayson

I closed my eyes, trying to enjoy movements of the masseuse who was massaging my temples, but it was no use.

“You are tense,” she said. “Relax.”

“That is the point of a spa, you know,” Giselle murmured from beside me.

Aaron was not a fan of the spa, and instead had opted for a classic shave at the shop below, while my sister, Julie, Mia, and I all enjoyed a mid-morning facial.

“Yes, well, it’s been a rough weekend,” I nipped, not in the mood for my sister’s prying antics.

“What part was rough?” Julie teased. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself to me.”

I peered at Julie by opening one eye.

“I don’t see how that is any of your business.”

“Does this have anything to do with why you left pool early and never came back?” Mia asked, and I grumbled as the masseuse held my head still, chastising me.

“Relax!” she barked.

“That is damn near impossible,” I said, getting up from my seat.

“Where you going?” the masseuse asked, obviously surprised at my gesture.

“To the Jacuzzi. To relax !” I snapped, turning on my heel and taking off for a lounge that wasn’t full of gossiping bridesmaids and a bride-to-be.

I ended up in the men’s spa, disrobing so that I could soak in the Jacuzzi alone for a moment and collect my thoughts. I’d just closed my eyes when I heard the door open.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were in here,” Henry’s voice was soft.

I opened my eyes, my gaze fixed on him, his fingers playing with the tie of his fluffy robe. He had the audacity to look hurt. As if I was the one who had ruined him.

As if the very sight of him didn’t cause my heart to race.

“You don’t have to leave,” I said.

“Are you sure—”

“Stay,” I said, my voice shaking. One word.

I wanted him to stay, and I wasn’t just talking about his presence in the spa.

I wanted Henry to stay with me.

But I could barely get the words out before his stomach rumbled. I watched his cheeks flush as he twisted his lips.

“Hungry?” I asked.

“I, uh... haven’t really had much of an appetite today,” he said cautiously.

“You should eat something,” I insisted.

Henry disrobed, peeking over his shoulder at me for a moment before sliding his spa sandals off. I watched as he slowly walked over to the Jacuzzi opposite my side. Away from me.

Part of me wanted to rise and join him, to pull him into my arms and tell him I was sorry.

I was sorry someone somewhere made him feel like he wasn’t enough.

I was sorry for compromising us both the other night.

I was sorry for sitting down in the first place with Cody, thinking he had changed, because I had changed.

But most of all, I was sorry for whatever pain I had caused Henry, and I wanted to make it right.

I wanted to be the man to heal his wounds.

I wanted to love him the way he deserved to be loved.

But I said none of that, because the masseuse came in, setting her gaze on me with fury.

“Your time is up, Mr. Sanderson,” she said, tapping her watch. The spa ran in fifteen-minute intervals, and I was well over my time.

“Understood,” I said, rising from my pool, feeling the chill of the air from the shift in temperature. I grabbed my robe, tying it closed as I followed the woman out.

“Could you see that my friend in there, Henry, receives a charcuterie platter and a pastry assortment along with a selection of your finest teas and coffees, please,” I said as I headed toward the locker room. “And, please, put it on my tab,” I ordered.

The woman smiled pleasantly. “Of course, Mr. Sanderson, will there be anything else?” she asked as I stopped at the door.

“Anything he wants, of course. Tell him it’s been taken care of.”