When Warmth Rose

Lying there, fully dressed but face-up in front of a guy I barely knew, I could not help feeling jittery.

My hands clung to the couch like they were the only things keeping me grounded.

Howard caught on to my jitters and chuckled softly. "Just relax, ma'am. You can lift up your shirt now."

I nodded, bit down on my lip, and with a blush creeping up my cheeks, I pulled up my shirt just enough to bare my chest.

Howard gave a nod, his eyes locked on my chest with a look of pure wonder, as if he had just spotted the most incredible gem in the world.

I was well aware of my chest's appeal, and having a kid seemed to have only enhanced it.

However, Howard was not exactly subtle about it, and I felt like I was on display, like a fish laid out for inspection.

The thought made my cheeks heat up, and I shifted a bit, murmuring, "Mr. Jones, can we start now…?"

Howard came back to earth with a soft smile.

"Absolutely, you look stunning."

The way he said it was kind of double-edged, and I was not even sure what he was complimenting.

Before I could get a grip on that, a chilly sensation spread across my skin.

I gasped and recoiled a little.

Howard let out a low laugh, clearly enjoying this. "Ma'am, you're quite sensitive."

His comment only turned my face redder, my eyes darting around, not knowing where to settle.

Howard caught on to how flustered I was and offered an eye mask with a thoughtful tone.

"Would you like me to put this on for you? It might help you relax into the massage more."

I mulled it over and decided to go for it.

I mean, I could not just gaze at Howard for hours on end, could I? That would be way too embarrassing.

Howard looked like he was about to help me with the mask, but I quickly grabbed it. "I'll handle it…"

He got the message and backed off.

With the mask on, the world went black, and the awkwardness faded away, leaving my senses to focus on the sensation at my chest.

I have got to hand it to Howard, his touch was spot on: gentle, yet with just the right amount of pressure to put me at ease.

Howard's hands grew stronger, his palms radiating warmth as he worked the muscles with care. My body, ever so sensitive since having a child, reacted to his touch with a warmth that spread through me. I was internally glad for the eye mask that hid my flushed face.

The massage went on for over two hours, and by the end, my cheeks were tinged with a rosy glow. Howard's sudden firm grip caught me off guard, and a soft moan escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"Mmm…"

My foggy mind snapped to attention, and I quickly covered my mouth, feeling my ears burn with embarrassment.

I could not see Howard's face, but his deep, calm voice soon reassured me.

"Ma'am, there's a tight spot here that needs a little extra work," he said, pausing for a moment. "Don't worry about it, it's perfectly normal to react."

I felt so awkward, I could have sunk through the floor.