Page 85 of One Small Spark
She wrinkles her nose again. “You mean the one at the commune farther up the canyon? Isn’t that a nudist colony?”
“You can visit the hot spring at the commune without being a nudist.”
“So you’ve been.”
“Yes.”
“Were you naked?”
“You’re fixated on my naked body, Krause.” Never change.
“I’m worried about everyone else’s retinas getting seared away by the image.” The way she’s watching me, I don’t think she’s too concerned about her own eyesight.
“Forget the commune. I want to take you to one of the other hot springs a short drive away from here.” I heave out a sigh. “But for the record, all of the hot springs are clothing-optional.”
She shoots me a deeply unimpressed stare. “Trying to get me undressed on our first date is not a good look.”
“Wewould wear swimsuits. Most people do.” I don’t want to drill down to percentages, but “most” seems pretty accurate from my visits.
“But some just let it all hang out?” She cringes, no doubt imagining the worst. “Are they our age? Older? Is it a deeply wrinkly time out there? Or are they muscular and overly tanned and reallyproudof everything?”
Honestly, I’ve seen some things. But a few awkward experiences aren’t enough to make me give up on all the good ones.
“You’re missing the point. The hot spring I want to take you to is a series of small rock pools in the middle of the forest. Theyrange from hot tub temps down to bathwater. It’s not the same as digging one on a beach, but it’s a close second.”
“People just put their naked butts on the rocks, though? Is that sanitary?”
“Wren.” It’s a warning as much as a plea. “I’m trying not to think about anybody’s naked butts right now.”
Her mouth tips up into a wicked smirk. “Not anybody’s?”
This woman will be the death of me. At least I’ll go out doing what I love.
“A team of volunteers cleans the hot springs regularly.”
She cringes. “It’s outside, though.”
“Like most hot springs are.”
“What are the beneficial properties of this hot spring?”
“What?”
“You know. Does it have special vitamins and minerals in it? Does it cure wounds and heal bug bites? Does it have any mystical legends surrounding it?”
“No. Well.” I lean forward a touch. “There is one.”
She mirrors me. “What is it?”
“There’s a legend that says anybody who enters the hot spring with pure intentions will fall irrevocably in love with their companion.”
She blows a raspberry. “Pass.”
I lean back against the booth. “I tried.”
She stares me down, her mouth twitching. I just wait. “Okay, fine. It sounds like fun.”
Inside, I’m celebrating with bottle rockets and firecrackers. I try to keep it to a serene smile on the outside, but I’m well aware what a victory this is.
