Discovering Pleasure Read Online Free Page B

arthritis—so this seemed as good a time as any to do a bit of gardening. Actually, she was looking forward to her appointment. She’d been seeing Mrs McDaniel twice a week for three years now. When she’d first started, the sweet old lady had been in constant pain and was considering moving into an assisted living facility. Now, thanks to a specialist at Barnes-Jewish hospital and Rose’s ministrations, Mrs McDaniel could again make her famous gooseberry pie and still lived independently.
    As she continued with her chores, her mind drifted. She walked to pick up the garden hose and smiled just a bit at the slight soreness between her legs. Nathan. Strong, sweet, kind, stubborn Nathan. The day she met him had to have been plotted by the Goddess.

      “I’m here to give you a full body massage,” Rose stated, staring at the gorgeous man who had opened the door to her. “Your friends, Joe and Vince, said this was part of your birthday gift. Here’s my card.”
    Nathan grinned at her, then threw back his head and laughed. Rose shifted from foot to foot as she waited for him to compose himself.
    “Well then, darlin’, come on in. What’s your name?” he asked.
    “I’m Rose Hester. And if you’d like to see my qualifications, I’d be happy to show you my state certificate,” Rose assured him.
    “If Joe and Vince sent you, I’ve no doubt you’re legit.”
    Rose set up her portable massage table and set out her oils.
    “Okay. Joe said you probably needed a relaxation massage, but if that isn’t correct and you want something else, just let me know. I can target sore areas due to arthritis, sports injury, muscle cramping. But…I need to be sure you understand, I don’t usually work on men alone. I’m a state licensed massage therapist and that is all I do. Got it? You try anything funny with me and I’m out of here and will press charges. I also hold a brown belt in karate.”
    Nathan grinned. “Got it. No hanky panky. And yeah. I’d really like the relaxation thing.”
    After he had settled himself on her table and she’d ascertained that he had no allergies, she added a few drops of lavender and chamomile oils to the almond oil she used as a base and began the massage. She worked diligently on loosening the knots in his shoulders and lower back. Despite her attempt to remain completely professional, she couldn’t help but notice the strong muscles and spectacular physique of the man. She barely suppressed a gasp of pure wonderment when he turned over so she could begin to work on his impressive chest and biceps. Hell, she’d always been a sucker for a strong chest and arms.
    “Hmmmm. That feels wonderful,” he whispered.
    “Good. It’s supposed to,” she responded.
    When she’d finished, she had every intention of leaving. For some reason, though, she felt reluctant to leave and took her time organising and cleaning her equipment, enjoying Nathan’s lingering gaze. Nathan’s only clothing was a towel wrapped around his waist and he was sitting in a straight-backed kitchen chair while she gathered her paraphernalia.
    “You ever cross the bounds of professionalism with a client?” he asked.
    “Never,” she answered. But, oh goddess, she’d love to cross that bound today.
    “Good thing that Joe and Vince hired you then. That makes them your clients, not me,” he said.
    Rose looked at him, startled for a moment. The smile on his face seemed to promise long nights and soft mornings.
    “Good thing,” she agreed rashly.
    He held out his hand and her pulse raced. Never before had she been so quick to walk into a man’s arms. Normally, she went to bed with a man only after weeks, sometimes months, of consideration. She had never impulsively enjoyed a one-night stand. But something about this man—his dark eyes, his strong voice—demanded obedience, and something deep in her soul responded. She went to him willingly and wantonly.
    He kissed her, his lips sweet and soft, while he ensnared