Lessons in Love

by Kathryn R. Blake

  Placing a kiss on the top of her head, Rob held her close and rubbed her back while she clung to him, unable to verbalize her insecurities.

  After a moment, he handed her a tissue and murmured, "I expect this afternoon will be difficult, so I wanted to offer you a little pampering this morning, kitten. My agenda is no more sinister than that, so why don't you lower your defenses a notch?"

  "Then why keep your plans such a secret?" she asked soggily.

  "Sometimes I prefer to do things without going into lengthy explanations. I thought you trusted me."

  "I don't like surprises," she muttered, feeling a bit foolish.

  "So I gathered. However, I occasionally enjoy giving them, and I don't care to have my decisions questioned."

  Blinking, she gazed at him. "Really? I hadn't noticed."

  Rob's strong fingers clasped Pam's face a second before his firm lips claimed hers. When the scent of warm coffee sweetened with a hint of cinnamon beckoned her forward, she eagerly leaned into his embrace, wanting more yet holding back for fear of rejection.

  Rob abruptly ended their kiss and drew her against him. "Even when you bristle like an angry porcupine, I find you far too tempting for your own good or mine. Do you have any idea what you do to me?" he inquired huskily.

  With her warm cheek pressed to his solid shoulder, Pam shook her head, despite the evidence of his arousal wedged against her hip.

  "I'd carry you to your room and give you a personal demonstration, but I need you to finish your breakfast so we can get moving."

  "What if I'd prefer to go upstairs, instead?"

  "Enough, temptress," he ordered with a firm, but not painful, smack to her thigh. "Think you can eat?"

  At her nod, he placed her back in her seat. Pam regretted the loss of warmth and comfort his arms provided but obediently ate her cereal.

  * * *

  With her hair freshly washed and still wet, Pam sat straight in the styling chair before the mirror while Rob remained at her side. They'd already poured through a portfolio filled with various cuts and styles, but she didn't like any of them.

  Rob's preferences tended toward a classic bob, since he claimed the cut would be easy for her to maintain, but Pam wanted something a little longer. So, they settled on a shoulder length style with bangs. Not that much different from her current look, but neater and more stylish.

  Pam was beginning to feel a bit more confident about her makeover when Rob leaned over to kiss her cheek.

  "I'll come back and check on you in a few hours."

  "Why? I mean it's not going to take Cindy that long to cut my hair, is it?"

  "No, but you'll be doing other things that I think you'd prefer to experience without me present."

  Pam turned in her chair. "Like what?"

  "Oh, he's purchased the regal treatment for you, Miss Weston. So, we'll be spending three to four more hours together."

  Rob smiled. "I leave you in capable hands."

  When he turned to exit, Pam promptly rose. "Wait."

  He took one glance at her expression and stepped over to pull her into his arms. "Breathe, Pam. No one is out to hurt you, and you have the final say in everything you do. If Cindy suggests something you're uncertain about, tell her. She'll give her reasons for the treatment and let you make the ultimate decision. Right, Cindy?"

  "Of course, Mr. Peterson."

  "None of this will bear any resemblance to your experience at Executive Fashions. I wouldn't leave if I thought you'd be uncomfortable. Use your cell phone and call me if you remain unsure about anything Cindy recommends All right?"

  Giving a single nod, Pam took a step back. Despite her unease, she refused to act like a clinging vine unable to stand on its own, and she trusted Rob. Taking comfort from his reassurance, she attempted to give him a smile. "I'll be fine," she promised.

  "Yes, you will." He placed a light kiss on her temple. "Have fun." Then, turning on his heel, he walked out.

  After Pam's hair was styled and dried, Cindy escorted her to another room where two ladies waited.

  "Your manicurist is Peggy, and the woman holding the towel is Janet. They will take care of you for the next hour and a half."

  "Doing what, exactly?" Pam asked quietly.

  Cindy smiled. "Janet will give you a cool cucumber facial while Peggy gives you a manicure and a pedicure. Then, I'll come get you and treat you to restful body massage. Sound good?"

  Pam agreed, though a part of her couldn't help wondering how much all this cost and if she was worth the expense. Still, she sat in the chair and allowed the two specialists to work their wonders. Admittedly, the facial was both relaxing and refreshing and her nails had never been more neatly trimmed or shiny than after Peggy was finished with them.

  When she was through with the two women, Cindy led her down the hall to a private room. Off-white walls combined with low lighting, vanilla-scented candles, and soft oriental water music gave the room an inviting and relaxing ambiance.

  "Have you ever had a massage before?" Cindy inquired as she retrieved a couple of ornate bottles from a built-in glass cabinet that appeared flush with the wall.

  Pam shook her head.

  "It's extremely soothing. I'll need you to step into the dressing room, take off all your clothes, and put on one of our robes."

  "Everything?" Pam asked, clasping her arms to her chest.

  "It's better that way. Yes. Unless you'd prefer to keep your underpants on."

  Pam shrugged since the area she was most concerned about had nothing to do with her panties. She could keep her elbows close to minimize the exposure, though she doubted Cindy would say anything even if she did see her scars.

  "No. I guess not."

  "Good. Okay, you change while I set things up in here."

  Left with little choice, Pam went where she was directed and stripped.

  When she returned, Cindy helped her onto the table. "Let's loosen the robe and have you lie face down. Once you're situated, I'll cover you with this sheet and blanket."

  Taking a deep breath, Pam did as she was told while keeping her arms down at her sides.

  "Great," Cindy praised, arranging the coverings so they rested just above Pam's buttocks, leaving her back bare. "We'll start slow. This should feel relaxing, but let me know if anything I do hurts. Some people are a lot tenser than they realize, and working out the kinks can be uncomfortable. This is your first time, and I don't want you hurting, even if the end result will be better. However, if you want more pressure, just tell me."

  A clean, slightly flowery scent enveloped Pam as Cindy began the massage at her neck and shoulders and slowly worked down her back, easing away all tension as she did.

  "How does that feel?"

  "Wonderful."

  "Good. How is the temperature of my hand? Too warm?"

  "No. Why?"

  "I'm going to be applying hot stones, but wanted to make sure you were comfortable before I began."

  The smooth, flat rocks were definitely warmer than Cindy's fingers, but the heat was a deep, relaxing warmth. By the time Cindy was working on Pam's feet, her efforts nearly put Pam to sleep. Then, Cindy suggested she turn on her back, and Pam's eyes sprang open with surprise.

  "Um…."

  "I'll mainly be focused on your extremities. We can skip your tummy and chest area if you prefer."

  "I'm not sure. I mean I've never had a woman stroking me there before."

  "Would you rather I get one of the guys?"

  "Um…. No. I don't believe that would help."

  "Well, I'd like to work on your shoulders, neck, arms, and the front of your legs. Would that be okay?"

  Pam hesitated, realized she was being silly, and turned over. When Cindy lifted Pam's right arm and started to run the stone along the inside, she asked, "Temperature still comfortable?" The heated stone steeped past Pam's skin deep into her aching muscles, creating a liquid glow that spread through her like warm, buttery syrup.

  "Yes."

&
nbsp; "Good. I'll continue this for about another half-hour, then we'll talk about what Mr. Peterson has scheduled for you next."

  "Okay," Pam replied, but the fact Cindy thought they should discuss it first, left Pam with an uneasy niggling. Still, Rob was right. Being pampered this way was exactly what she needed, so whatever Rob had in mind, she would do her best to enjoy.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Pam gazed at Cindy with her mouth parted. "He wants all my hair removed? Did he say why?"

  Cindy hesitated for a moment. "No, not exactly, but—"

  "How would you do it?" Pam asked, cutting her off. She didn't want to hear Cindy's speculation about Rob's reasons. She would get those from him.

  "We use a combination of sugar paste, strip, and hard wax. Sugaring is a gentler process, since the products don't cling to live skin, only the hair and dead cells."

  "But you're saying you'd be removing all my hair?"

  "Well, not the hair on your head or your eyebrows, of course, but all your androgenic or secondary hair, including the hair growing under your arms, between your thighs, and on your stomach and legs. When was the last time you shaved?"

  Pam struggled to keep her breathing steady and even. "Several days ago. Why?"

  "Good. Sugaring requires only a small amount of growth to work. Much less than conventional waxing. Looking at your legs, I'd say you're perfect to sugar."

  "Okay. And you're sure this 'sugaring' is something Rob wants done?"

  "He requested it, yes."

  Pam winced. "I'd like to talk to him first. Could you hand me my robe so I can get my purse?"

  "Of course."

  Cindy did as Pam asked, made sure she didn't need anything else, and left the room. Hands shaking, Pam retrieved her phone and called Rob.

  "Kitten. Everything okay? You're not done, yet, are you?"

  "No. You asked them to remove all my hair? Why?"

  "Ah. Yes, I did. It's a preference of mine for many reasons, and the results last longer than shaving."

  "They do?"

  "Yes. Or so I've been told, but, as I mentioned before, nothing you do today is a requirement from me, Pam. Your choice."

  "Doesn't it hurt?"

  "You need to ask Cindy about that, since I can't speak from personal experience. Why don't you request a test area first, if you're curious? Try it out on your legs, and decide after that?"

  "I guess."

  "Would you rather I come get you? We could find a cozy bistro for lunch."

  "No. I don't know. I wasn't expecting this." Pam covered her eyes with her hand. Somehow the thought of having someone rip away all her hair was a trifle unsettling.

  "How was the rest of your day?"

  "Wonderful," Pam admitted, lowering her hand. "I was so relaxed and at ease until a few moments ago."

  "Then forget Cindy mentioned it. I wanted you relaxed and at ease, so doing something that agitates you is self-defeating. Get dressed, and I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

  "No. Give me a moment to talk to Cindy first."

  "This is a beauty treatment, Pam. Like getting your hair styled or your nails manicured. It's a choice, not a necessity."

  "But it is your preference."

  "Even so, your contentment is more important to me than a bare pubic area."

  Pam nodded then realized he couldn't see her. "I'll ask Cindy to do my legs, and make my decision after that."

  "Only if you're sure."

  "I'm sure. I'll call you later. Bye." Pam ended the call and covered her face with her hands then, taking a deep breath, she stashed her mobile in her purse and called Cindy.

  After addressing a few preliminary questions and making certain Pam was comfortable, Cindy went through each step in the sugaring process, even though Pam was only half-listening. First step was cleaning with a cooling anti-oxidant toner spray. Pam could detect a hint of Witch Hazel, but the primary scent she recognized was lavender.

  As Cindy explained what she would do next, Pam concentrated on her breathing and staying relaxed while Cindy completed her prep.

  "The paste is heated to body temperature, so it should feel warm, but not hot. Working down from knee to ankle, I'll apply the wax with a stick, cover the area with a strip of linen, and pull it off as quickly as I can. Tell me if this is too warm."

  The heat felt soothing, so Pam shook her head. "It's fine."

  Cindy took her time and made sure Pam wasn't too uncomfortable after she yanked off each strip. Though the procedure stung a bit, the process wasn't as painful as she expected. Rob's swats hurt worse. So, after Cindy finished Pam's calves, she started on her inner thighs. The first one took Pam by surprise. Letting out a small yelp, she winced and gripped the table.

  "I'm going to sprinkle on more powder. Looks like you're perspiring a little."

  Pam gritted her teeth and nodded. After the tender skin was cleaned and powdered again, Cindy tried another strip, which wasn't nearly as agonizing. Releasing her tight hand hold, Pam did her best to relax. In less than five minutes, Cindy spritzed more toner, wiped, then applied a cool, soothing cream with a faint scent of coconut.

  "So, what do you think?"

  Running her hands down her legs, Pam marveled at the soft, silky sensation.

  "Well, they're definitely smoother. The skin on my inner thighs is prickling, but not in a totally bad way. Why don't you go ahead and do my underarms next?"

  Cindy followed the same prep routine she did earlier. With this area closer to Pam's nose, the clean, slightly flowery fragrance of the toner was more noticeable, and the powder, which she thought would smell like baby talc, had no fragrance at all. Cindy opted to start with the strip wax and finish with sugar paste. The removal of hair from Pam's underarms stung a bit more, but was nowhere near as painful as that first rip off her thighs. Pam had caused herself much more discomfort with her cutting. When Cindy declared she was done, Pam couldn't resist touching herself, amazed by the way her newly bared skin tingled at her slightest touch. Cindy applied the coconut balm and cautioned Pam against using any deodorant for twenty four hours. Pam had to admit her flesh seemed more responsive, sensitive, and though the procedure wasn't fun, it wasn't excruciating either. Even so, the thought of….

  "So, do you need to remove it all—there?" she asked, trying to hide her uncertainty, but doubting she fooled anyone.

  "No. Some women prefer to leave an inverted triangle or what's referred to as a landing strip. I can show you pictures, if you want."

  Pam shook her head. "I really doubt photos will help at this point."

  "If you want to try, I have a suggestion. I'd like to put headphones and a sleeping mask on you. The headset will play the music you're hearing now, while blocking out any other sound, and the mask will allow you to sink into yourself and forget what I am doing."

  "I doubt I'll forget."

  "Maybe not, but I think you'll be more relaxed."

  "Okay," Pam agreed.

  "So, you want me to continue?"

  "I'm not sure 'want' is the correct word, but I'm 'willing.' However, let's leave the triangle."

  "No problem. I think you'll enjoy the sensations after it's finished. I'll go get the earphones and mask." When she returned, Cindy helped Pam position her legs.

  "Since this is your first time, I'm going to trim you a little first, then I'll start at the crease and work my way in. If at any time you want me to stop, raise a finger to signal you need a moment, and we'll talk."

  Giving a nod, Pam lay back and tried not to tense while Cindy put a mask and earphones on her. She'd barely felt it when Cindy waxed her legs, and though removing the hair from her inner thighs and underarms was a bit more uncomfortable, the result made Pam feel cleaner and fresher.

  The first strip's yank caused Pam to jump a little, but the sting wasn't unbearable. Not being able to hear the ripping sound made the process a little less traumatizing, so she tried her best to stay relaxed when the warm wax was applied and the next strip was laid down. A
s she lay there with her legs spread open, a part of her wondered if any of Rob's other assistants underwent this procedure. Knowing him, he probably listed the need for a depilatory in his assistant's job description, and she'd missed it. The Chief Executive Officer's assistant must undergo a complete hair removal treatment at least six times a year.

  As she let out a faint snort at her own joke, she noted the slightly tangy scent of lime and forest mingling in with the vanilla-scented candles. Without thinking, she snapped her thighs together just as Cindy yanked off a strip.

  "Ouch," Pam protested, ripping off her blindfold and earphones before she shot up into a sitting position and tossed the sheet down to cover her in one not-so-smooth, movement. Sure enough, there he stood, larger than life, staring down at her. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, not caring if her tone was sharp.

  He frowned. "I was concerned. You sounded so uncertain on the phone that I started to worry when you didn't call me back. Rather than take a chance you were having another episode, I decided to check on you myself."

  "Oh." Pam's cheeks heated at her foolishness, but he could have checked with her first by knocking. Then again, maybe he had, and Cindy let him in. She'd have no reason not to, and, with the earphones in place, Pam might have missed a light knock. When her glance shifted to Cindy, the young technician excused herself and stepped out of the room.

  Rob's gaze remained fixed on Pam. "Why? Did you assume I came here to get a thrill from gawking at you? I won't say cheap, because this spa hardly qualifies as inexpensive."

  She shrugged. Yeah, he'd probably paid a pretty penny for her full service today. "You said you left to give me privacy, and yet you show up right when I'm laid out like some virgin pagan sacrifice."

  One corner of his mouth quirked up. "Apt description, and you make a lovely pagan sacrifice, too, if I might add."

  "I'd rather you didn't." She gave the sheet covering her legs another tug.

  Rob leaned forward. "I did not come here to spy on you, and I meant it when I said you didn't have to do this."