She could feel the heat even outside the wooden door, and gripping the handle, she pulled it open and slipped inside. She let out a murmur of appreciation as she spread her towel out on the bench in the darkened room and sat down. This was more like it. This was what she had wanted – no, needed. Some well-being time, some time just for her, where she didn’t have to sit and fret about Julie or Tommy or babies.

She leaned back against the hot wood and closed her eyes. She could almost feel herself drifting off and wondered how appropriate it would be to come here several times a day. She shifted, the bench creaked… and then someone cleared their throat.

Paula sat bolt upright and peered into the gloom. As her eyes adjusted, she felt the heat double in her already flushed face.

Someone else was in here. And… she was naked!

Her first instinct was to apologise, to blurt out that she hadn’t realised the sauna was occupied, but the sight of the woman in all her unclothed glory stopped her short.

‘Hi,’ the woman said, her tone friendly, her smile wide, showing even white teeth.

‘Hello,’ croaked Paula. She tore her eyes away from the woman’s breasts, small and perky and so high that she was even tanned underneath them. Embarrassed, she crossed her arms over her own chest, even though she was wearing her bikini. ‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise anyone was in here.’

‘S’all right,’ the woman said. ‘There’s more than enough room for both of us in here.’ She grinned at Paula, pushed herself upright and stuck out a hand. ‘I’m Anna. Anna Masi. It’s good to meet you.’

Chapter 7

They chatted for a while. Anna bit her lip to stop her amusement showing at just how uncomfortable Paula was.

‘Are you looking forward to seeing the Northern Lights?’ she asked, casually stretching out one leg and admiring her pedicured painted toenails.

‘Oh yes, very much so,’ Paula replied. ‘But my husband said we might not see them, they’re not always visible.’

Anna nodded. ‘It’s certainly down to luck.’ She narrowed her eyes as she watched the other woman in the semi-dark of the room. ‘But I’ve got a good feeling about this trip.’

Paula smiled – stiffly, Anna thought. Hiding her own smile, she stood up, raised her arms above her head and stretched. Paula put her head down, pretended to fiddle with the tie on her bikini.

‘Right, enough for one day.’ Anna picked up her towel and let it drape behind her as she made her way towards the door. She stopped, turned around to face Paula. ‘Want me to put some more water on the coals for you before I leave?’

Paula, looking anywhere but at Anna’s naked body, shook her head. ‘No, that’s fine. I should go find my husband soon anyway.’