“She looks pretty hot in anything,” Annie said. She had reached her limit of hot steam. “I’m going to shower, too. Don’t stay in here too long. You look like mush already.” Annie opened the door and shivered when the rush of ambient air greeted her.

“Five minutes.” Becca swooped in and escorted her back to her private dressing room, where she showered and slipped back into the robe. They were only halfway done with the pampering, and while Annie’s body was completely relaxed, her blood was racing. She wanted to get back to Bristol. She could tell Bristol was starting to trust her, and that meant everything.

“Hi.” Bristol looked up from the magazine draped across her lap. She looked beautiful. Her damp hair fanned over her shoulders, and her cheeks were flushed. Were her eyes always so bright and happy?

“Hi. What are you reading?”

Bristol lifted a shoulder. “Gossip rag.”

Annie plucked it gingerly from her lap. “It’s probably nothing you need to read. Let’s talk about why you don’t want to go hiking with me in Colorado.”

“I didn’t realize you were offering.”

Bristol’s playful smile made Annie’s stomach flop. “I mean, you’re always welcome, and I’ll do my best to protect you from any threatening wildlife,” Annie said. Her heart sank when the nail techs entered and interrupted them.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Bristol said.

Annie saw the moment Bristol’s walls went up and couldn’t blame her. Would the nail techs sell their conversation to a tabloid? She was starting to understand why Bristol clammed up around people. The magazine she’d pulled off Bristol’s lap had an article and photo of Bristol. Annie didn’t know what it was about, but she knew it wasn’t good or true. They picked similar nail polish colors and sat next to each other.

Charley slipped into the room, clearly refreshed from her shower. “Hello, ladies.”

“You’re just in time. We picked our colors. The blacks and blues are on the other rack.”

“Ha ha.” Charley looked over the pink and red hues and turned back to Annie. “You’re not wrong.” She picked a dark sapphire and slipped her feet into the soaker tub. “What are we talking about?”

“Absolutely nothing. Just relaxing and enjoying the pampering.”

Annie widened her eyes and looked at the nail techs, who were busy sorting through their equipment. Charley winked with understanding. They kept their conversation light and sporadic. When they were done, Annie and Charley thanked Bristol and hugged her good-bye.

“I can’t wait until tonight,” Annie said.

“We’re going to rock the place,” Bristol replied.

Chapter Twelve