Page 145 of The Secret We Keep
We’re both dressed in white robes, wearing swimwear and slippers.
Before leaving, I was given a brief list of what I’d need. Swimwear, not necessarily a bikini, nightwear, clean clothes and my pen and paper.
I knew Paddy had booked a spa somewhere off grid and in the countryside, but the late eighteenth-century manor house is more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen.
Sitting in a quiet room with thick curtains and low-lit lighting, the mood is relaxing and calm.
“Mr and Mrs O’Keefe.”
Paddy and I exchange a look. “Oh my God.” I slap a hand to my mouth, doubling over. I snort like I always do, which only makes Paddy’s face crumble with laughter.
“Did I get that wrong?” the kind member of staff asks.
The ambience of the spa waiting room is completely ruined by us.
Tearing her gaze off Paddy, the lady looks at me. “I do apologise.”
Holding up my hand, I control my laughing. “We’re not married.”
Giving me a nod, she lowers her gaze to the piece of paper in her hand. “I have Morgan and Paddy both down for a back massage.”
“That’s right,” Paddy answers brightly.
“Excellent. Have you both filled out the health questionnaire?”
Paddy hands her our two pieces of paper.
“Great. If you’d both like to follow me. Mr O’Keefe, you’ll be with our therapist, Lucy. And?” She waits for me to answer.
“Miss Brooks,” I fill in for her.
She smiles quickly. “Miss Brooks, you’ll be with Lily.”
We rise and follow the lady through the hotel corridor and into the spa. Arriving at the treatment area, she guides us into a private room with two beds, side by side.
“Miss Brooks, if you take this bed, and Mr O’Keefe, this one is for you.” She points to each one in turn.
“We’re in the same room?” I ask, feeling a flurry of nerves skate over my skin.
“Yes. Lucy and Lily will be through in a moment. If you could both remove your robes and place them on the back of the door, remove your top halves and lie face down on the beds with the blankets over you.”
Paddy’s eyes land on me, burning my skin, but I daren’t look at him. It never registered to me that I would be so exposed.
Hearing footsteps outside of the room, the lady takes her leave.
“You alright?” Paddy asks, slipping his robe off his shoulders. We changed in separate changing rooms so I didn’t see what he had on underneath.
Which is basically nothing.
Except a fitting pair of black swim shorts which sit just below a V in his hips.
Help me.
My skin prickles. My nipples harden. “Yeah.” I breathe in quietly, going against the tidal wave of heat suddenly coursing through me.
Why in God’s name did I not think about what aspaweekend would entail before now?
“You sure?” Paddy checks.
