“I didn’t notice any of them,” she murmured. “Nowadays, the only man I ever notice is you.”
He smoothed her sweater back down over her belly. “Well, let’s make sure to keep it that way, darling,” he said, teasing her with her own words from just moments before.
A knock sounded on the door to the suite, and he deftly lifted her off his lap. As he stood, he gave her a little wink. “That will be the next in the string of surprises,” he told her as he walked towards the door. “And this one is for both of us.”
The next surprise he’d arranged was a couple’s massage. Ian had whispered to her as the two masseurs were setting up their tables and equipment that he’d specifically requested a female to work on Tessa and a male on himself, adding that he wasn’t about to let another man put his hands on her, whether it was in a clinical manner or not. The folding massage tables were set up over by the grand picture windows so that they could look outside at the snow falling as the sun gradually began to set. One of the masseurs turned on the state of the art sound system and some relaxing classical music filled the room softly. A candle was lit and the subtle fragrance of bergamot scented the air, lending to the atmosphere of complete relaxation.
Tessa had never enjoyed the pure luxury of a massage before, and couldn’t suppress a little moan or two as the masseur found a tight spot here and there. She turned her head in the direction of Ian’s table, and gave him a sleepy smile as their eyes met. She thought blissfully that she could easily get used to this sort of pampering, and wondered if he indulged in massages on a regular basis.
When the massage ended an hour later – far too soon for her liking – she felt boneless and limp and so relaxed that Ian had to help her tie the belt of her robe.
“Hmm, I hope the next surprise is a nice long nap,” she mumbled sleepily.
He chuckled, wrapping her in his arms and dropping a kiss on her forehead. “I didn’t realize I’d worn you out quite so badly last night. I can loan you some of my vitamins,” he teased. “And you might want to consider ordering an extra- large portion of protein with your dinner this evening. Speaking of which, our reservations are in just over an hour and I’d like to have a cocktail with you first. Trust, me, you’ll like where we’re going.”
Tessa yawned, stretching her arms wide. “Umm, okay. But it’s not my fault if I suddenly start nodding off. That massage was incredible. I’ve never felt that pampered before.”
“That was the general idea, darling. To have you feeling relaxed and pampered all weekend long. Though I didn’t intend for you to be quite this relaxed,” he retorted. “Perhaps I should order you a triple espresso – or two.” He leaned forward to murmur huskily, “After all, I plan to keep you awake for hours tonight. Another part of the surprise.”
She couldn’t help trembling just a little at his heated words. “I can’t wait,” she told him a little dazedly. “Maybe we should just get room service and, ah, stay in.”
He grinned at her, shaking his head. “And ruin all of my plans? Hardly, love. Besides, the anticipation will enhance the pleasure ten times over. Trust me on this. Now, time for the next surprises. Come with me.”
Ian led her into the master bedroom, where several boxes of varying sizes had been laid out on the huge four poster bed. She looked at him expectantly, not sure what she was supposed to do next.
“And where did all these just materialize from?” she inquired. “They weren’t here earlier when I unpacked my things.”
But he only gave her a mysterious smile before telling her, “I’d like you to wear all of the items you’ll find in the boxes to dinner this evening. I’ll leave you in here while I change in the other bedroom.”
Tessa regarded him curiously. “There’s plenty of room in here for both of us, you know.”
Playfully he tugged at the belt of her robe. “Yes, but if I watch you put on some of the items you’ll find in the boxes we’ll never get out of here this evening. You might not even get to order room service. Let’s just say it will be much safer all around if I use the other room.”
His rather cryptic words suddenly made perfect sense as she removed the lids from each box and spied their contents. Her mouth dropped open in a round “O” as she drew out the gorgeous bustier of cream silk and lace shot through with red satin ribbons. There was a matching pair of tiny white silk panties tied with red satin ribbons on the sides, and sheer, silky stockings that would attach to the bustier’s garters. She now understood why Ian was changing in a separate room.