Page 32 of Benidorm Again

‘We have complimentary towels, flip flops and a range of swimming costumes at the spa reception,’ she says. ‘But most patrons opt to go naked.’

‘Naked?’

‘Like they do in Finland,’ she explains casually as though it’s the most natural thing in the world. ‘You can also book a slot for a facial and de-stress massage if you so wish?’

‘I do wish that,’ I say. ‘I do wish that very much.’Where has my Geordie accent disappeared to?‘I wish to avail myself of all that is on offer, thank you so kindly. Except the going naked bit. I’m not Scandinavian enough for that.’

I have six hours before I am due on stage. Plenty of time to sober up by way of steaming it out of my system. ‘Oh, can you also send the concierge up to collect my costumes for tonight, please? I need them express dry cleaned.’

‘Certainly, madam. I’ll send up some swimwear options too. Whatsize are you?’

By the time the girls at the spa have run their hands lightly over my face with essential oils, and massaged my back and shoulders, I am all but asleep. Soft music is lulling me into a deep state of relaxation and happiness. Wine fumes are escaping from my every pore.

‘Hot tub, madam?’ one of them asks and, without even opening my eyes, I nod gratefully. They lace up the back of the new bikini I chose from the fabulous selection they sent to my room, wrap me into a fluffy robe and place a pair of brand-new, slipper-type sliders on my feet, and lead me over to the spa area. They point out the hot tub, sauna and steam room.

‘Then perhaps a swim to cool off,’ she whispers, indicating a picturesque waterfall splashing into a rock-lined plunge pool. ‘You have the entire place to yourself. Enjoy.’ The lights are very low, like a tropical oasis. Gentle, relaxing music is playing while bergamot and jasmine fill the air. The heady concoction of the scented aroma and half a bottle of delicious wine is mesmerising me into a trance.

I step gingerly down into the hot tub as she takes the robe from me. The bubbling hot water sends a soothing warmthstraight to my bones. I sag against the seat and let my head drop backwards. I have never been so relaxed in my entire life. As the jets of water massage my feet, I allow my mind to wander back to that incredible night with Matteo. The feel of his lips. The touch of his hands. The electricity surging between us, whipping up a wild and out of control lust for each other. A small, desirous groan of longing rumbles from my throat. Only one week and three days until we are reunited.

But it feels like a lifetime. I wonder if Matteo would be up for some phone sex. I’ve heard from Tash that it is the next best thing.

‘Penny for your thoughts?’

My eyes snap open.

Shitting hell.

‘Sorry to interrupt.’ Luke is standing by the hot tub, glistening, towel in hand. ‘They told me the place was empty.’ He shrugs, causing droplets of water to run down his bare chest. ‘Glad you seem to be… enjoying it so thoroughly.’

I swallow loudly. It’s as though he is in my mind. My filthy, filthy mind.

‘How long have you been there?’

‘Long enough.’

I knowa lustful look when I see one. And Luke has one plastered all over his face. He keeps his eyes trained on a spot just above my head while I sink a little lower into the bubbling water. My boobs are bursting to be free from this skimpy bikini. My nipples are poking through like drill bits.

I choose my words carefully so as not to encourage him. ‘I was practising my tongue trills.’ I’ve managed to make it sound sexual. ‘I mean I was blowing erm… lip bubbles.’Sounds just as dirty.

Luke’s eyes grow wide. ‘Can I join you?’ Luke raises his eyebrows. ‘I find the steam great for the larynx.’

This is very true, and while I think it’s a hideous idea, I’m at a loss for words. I look away as he climbs in and sits down opposite. Steam billows around us making me feel light-headed and dreamy. I try to sit up straight. I must act normal, so he doesn’t think I’m encouraging him. Just because we are both tipsy, and he is sitting across from me looking like a sexually depraved catwalk model, doesn’t mean anything needs to happen between us.

He seems to inch a little closer.

It causes my pulse to react. ‘I was thinking around 5pm for a light dinner?’ I hear the break in my voice as I busy myself, collecting up my hair. I twirl it into a bun and rearrange the clip.

He watches every movement intensely.

My boobs thrust towards him as I lift my arms. It had seemed like a good idea in the moment. Now, it feels as though I’m inviting him to knead them like lumps of dough.

I watch him swallow. He seems mesmerised by my every move. I watch him lean back, resting his arms casually on either side. Droplets of water rolling casually over his biceps.

Electricity crackles between us.

‘You are… simply breath-taking,’ Luke says, his voice breaking. He shakes his head. ‘Sorry. That was wildly inappropriate.’ His eyes flick down to my drill bits before he tries to disguise it by inspecting the surroundings.

I feel the heat rise instantly to my flushed cheeks. My blood pressure is skyrocketing.

---