Never Again(21)

“Jake?” I ask, surprised. “What do you want? I told you I’m busy.”

“And I told you I want to take you out.”

“Why?” I ask, but I don’t let him answer while I continue. “Look, I’m not interested. Find some other girl, I’m sure there are many who would kill for an opportunity like that. Seriously, leave me alone.”

“I can’t do that.” His voice is full of confidence. “I want you.” His determination shocks me, and I’m rendered speechless. He’s said that multiple times now. I can’t help but to be intrigued by his words, but I want to stay on firm ground.

“Surely, your smooth talk works great with other girls, but not with me. Find someone else to have fun with. I’m not interested,” I assure him and hang up. But my thoughts are still with him and his blue eyes. I’d rather not start something I’m not sure would work out—or would end with me having my heart broken.



Jake



Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I decided to spend it with my family. Today at 6 pm, I have an appointment at Ace. Three days ago, I called the salon and demanded Ella to be my masseuse. I want to see her even though she doesn’t want to see me. I can’t get her and her beautiful chocolate brown eyes out of my mind. I remembered she told me where she worked, so I found the address and the number on the Internet. Half an hour ago, I finished my training, grabbed a quick shower, and now I’m on my way to her. I have to get her out of my thoughts and a dinner and hot sex are exactly what I need to help me. I’ll win her over eventually. The bell above the door chimes as I enter. A middle-aged woman greets me, and I tell her I’m here for my appointment.

“You’ll have to wait a few minutes. Ella is just about to finish her massage.” I nod as she goes to the back room, assuring her I don’t mind waiting. A couple of minutes later the door to her massage room opens, and Ella steps out. She’s wearing tights and a white T-shirt with the salon’s logo in the front. She doesn’t notice me as she’s talking to a man she just massaged, and I listen in on their conversation.

“Brett, don’t exaggerate.” She’s embarrassed, and waves her hand. Her cheeks turn red.

“Seriously, Ella, you know exactly where to squeeze and knead, your hands are magical,” he winks at her and Ella gets even more embarrassed. “You really don’t have time?” Smiling kindly, she shakes her head. She still doesn’t notice me as they move to the cash register. Brett touches her elbow and I can see in his eyes he likes her. Good, I say to myself. A little competition never hurts. But she will be mine in the end. He better be certain about that.

“50 dollars,” she says and gives him the receipt.

“Can I make an appointment for Monday? With you, of course,” he grins.

“Oh, that’s not going to work. I won’t be here then. If you want, I can pencil you in with Anna.” He interrupts her.

“No, no, I want you. Write me down for when you come back.” She hands him a Post It note, probably with the date and hour written on it. “Thanks. I’m looking forward to the next time. Perhaps, you’ll agree to a dinner then,” he winks and leaves. Ella steps from behind the counter, and she comes to a halt when she sees me. I give her one of my most charming smiles as I stand up.

“Jake? What are you doing here?”

“I have an appointment,” I say innocently. “With you.” I raise an eyebrow and watch her reaction.

“Uh-huh... Okay, let me just prep the room and then we can start.” Damn, I like making her nervous.





Chapter Six



Ella



I step into the massage room, change the towel on the massage table, and put my oils in order. What the hell is he doing here? I ask myself. Nervous, I fix my ponytail and take a few breaths to calm myself, and then I step in front of him.

“Come with me, please.” He obeys. “Strip down to your underwear and call out when you are done so we can start.” I turn around to leave the room before he starts taking off his clothes, so I can pull myself together from the shock of having him here.

“Where are you going?” he asks, surprised.

“Um, I’ll leave you to undress in peace. I’ll be right back.”

“Not necessary. I’ll be quick,” he flashes me his most charming smile that probably enchants every girl. He unbuttons his black worn out jeans and I turn away. Oh, God, why can’t I watch this? Breathe! I have massaged so many men in this room and I have never been as nervous as I am now, but not in the bad sense. “Done,” he says, and I turn around. Jake is already comfortably lying on the table, face down. I take a deep breath and exhale. I can do this. He’s just a client, I whisper to myself.