Page 13 of Six Month Wife

He raises a brow, teasing. “That’s a shame. I was aboutto offer to mop in exchange for a shoulder and low back reset.”

I normally wouldn't take on a walk-in, especially after the day I've had. But my eyes snag on the way he rolls his neck. The tightness in his jaw. The way he’s holding tension like it’s stitched into his spine.

Something old and instinctual kicks in. The part of me that used to read bodies like energy maps.

I hesitate and then sigh. “I still keep the room prepped. For regulars and VIPs.”

He tilts his head, eyes narrowing with a smirk. “So, I make the VIP list?”

I raise a brow. “Don't get ahead of yourself. Just saying your timing is right, I could squeeze a massage in if you're needing one.”

“That would be amazing.”

"Well, alright, then."

He lifts the juice in a mock toast. “To temporary exceptions,” he says, but it comes out as more of a question.

I smile and walk around the counter. “Here's the deal. I close in ten. If you want to wait for me, I’ve got twenty minutes and enough massage oil left to give you a proper massage.”

“Put me to work. I’m happy to help.”

I shake my head. “Kind of you to offer. Thanks, but look around or take a seat over there while I start shutting down. Enjoy your juice so you're good and hydrated, and I should be done so we can head back."

He’s basically a stranger. This is probably a terrible idea. But I do have the time, and my hands are itching to run over those bulges.

Once I'm done with the few things I needed to do, I turn the "open" sign to "closed" and lock the door. I findhim studying the ingredients of a retinol cream for men on the shelf.

"You into beauty regimens? That's a great cream to put on before bed, and it smells divine."

"Never thought about it, but I'm intrigued."

"I can talk to you more about the benefits, but you want to get started on the massage first?"

“Lead the way,” he says, putting the cream back in its place.

Inside the room, the table is already set up for a massage. Martha Timmons is coming tomorrow morning, so I don't have to do anything to get him in. I'll just have to turn over the room before she comes in.

I switch on the instrumental playlist and the lavender diffuser, letting the soft scent fill the room as I move around the space with practiced ease.

“Go ahead and get comfortable,” I say, handing him a towel. “You can take off your shirt and anything else you need to relax. I’ll be prepping oils while you settle in.”

He nods, and I flip the top sheet down, then turn on the heated blanket beneath it.

“Shoulders and neck?” I ask as I move toward the warmer and place a towel inside.

“Actually,” he says, shifting slightly, “my lower back’s been killing me. I’ve got to get some better shoes for work. Could you hit the neck, shoulders, and lower back?”

“At your service.” I grab a second bottle of lotion, making a mental note to adjust my pressure points as I work my way down.

“Would you be offended,” he says lightly, “if I took my pants off? Just to give you better access. I can leave my boxers on if that’s more appropriate.”

My fingers pause briefly on the cap of the oil.

“Whatever makes you comfortable,” I say, keeping mytone smooth and professional. “You’ve got the towel, and I’ll step out to give you a minute. Just get under the sheet, face down, and I’ll be right back.”

“Cool, thanks,” he murmurs, and I walk out. My mind is running wild.

I hear rustling in the room, and my spine stiffens. I bite my lower lip, imagining him naked on the bed. Get it together, Adair!