I sat on the built-in bench, keeping my head just above the water. It was getting chilly out, and I knew it was going to be invigorating when I stepped out, but I wanted to get my body to optimum hot before I left the tub. I sipped my wine, pondered the few stars I could see amid the city’s light pollution, and glanced at the big house, repeatedly, wondering if anyone could see me and if they did, was I going to get busted?

Too bad so sad, I thought. Come what may, this was totally worth it. I stretched my legs, rolled my ankles, and flexed my toes. The hot water felt delicious. I put my feet right over two jets and let the force of the water massage the aches out of my soles.

I tipped my head back on the ledge and spread my arms and legs out wide. The hot tub was so big that I couldn’t even reach each side. I let the water lift me up and I drifted off the ledge. I pulled my hairpins out and tipped my head, letting my long curls float on the bubbles. I closed my eyes and relished being enveloped in the heat. It felt delightfully decadent.

When I started to sweat, I knew it was time to get out. I would have loved to take a plunge in the cold pool, but that had been expressly forbidden in the rules, so instead, I sat up, finished my wine, and tried to climb out of the hot tub as quietly as I could.

The cold air was like a full-body slap and I shivered. I danced from foot to foot on the chilly stone deck while I slipped on my robe. Then I bent over and swiftly wrapped my hair in the towel. I grabbed my empty plastic cup and hurried to my house as stealthily as possible. I was just stepping into the door I’d left unlocked, when the sensation of someone watching me made the hair on the back of my neck prickle.

Hoping fervently that it was just my overactive imagination, I glanced over my shoulder at the big house. I saw one of the drapes on the second floor move as if someone was yanking it back into place. Well, hell.

Nick

6

“Jackson, what were you going to say?” I asked.

Jackson and I were seated in the small dining room, adjacent to the kitchen, which overlooked the backyard. Lupita, my housekeeper and cook, had set us up with a charcuterie board while she put the finishing touches on dinner. I loved that woman. If she wasn’t already married to my groundskeeper, I’d propose to her for her carne asada alone.

“When?” Jackson asked. He looked confused. Small wonder since I was referring to our conversation this morning while working out.