Until We Touch

It took a second for the meaning of her words to sink in and when they did, he deflated like a popped balloon.

“Excuse me?”

She shrugged. “It would solve the problem.”

She expected him to go masturbate? Like some kid? “No,” he said firmly, gathering the towel and his dignity as best he could and sliding off the table. “No.”

He crossed to his robe and pulled it on. Only then did he let the towel drop to the floor. He slid into his shoes and stalked out of the massage room.

It was only when he was back in the relative safety of the locker room that he realized she probably thought he’d retreated to do just what she’d suggested. And there didn’t seem to be a way to tell her otherwise.

* * *

LARISSA FINISHED CLEANING up her massage room, then turned off the lights and walked toward her office. Jack’s inexplicable behavior still had her shaking her head. She didn’t like that he was making a habit of running out on her. Plus, she hadn’t finished her massage, so she knew he would be in pain. Her job was to prevent that. They had a really big problem—all penis puns aside—and she didn’t know how to fix it.

Yes, the whole erection thing had been a bit awkward. Personally, she’d found it difficult to think about anything else and she would guess he’d had the same problem. While she wanted to take credit for his aroused state, she had a feeling it was a lot more about circumstances than any allure on her part. She also knew exactly who was to blame.

She walked into her small office only to find her cell phone ringing. A single glance at the screen warned her the caller was the person who had started all this mess.

“Hi, Mom,” she said when she answered.

“Larissa, dear, I’m checking in. How are things?”

Complicated. Embarrassing. Confusing. There were so many words, she thought, not sure if the situation was comical or tragic. Probably a little of both, she thought.

“Things are good,” she said, taking the easy way out. “How about with you?”

“The usual. Your sister is finally admitting she’s pregnant.”

“The baby’s due in a couple of months.”

“You know that and I know that, but she’s been avoiding the truth. Your stepfather and I are going over this weekend to help with the nursery. A little paint, some new bedding and they’ll be ready.”

Larissa settled in her chair. “I’m sure they appreciate your help.”

“I’m sure they do. How are things with Jack?”

Larissa caught her breath. “That was subtle.”

“I wasn’t trying to be. He told you I talked to him.”

“Yes, and what you said.”

“I’m not wrong.”

Larissa drew in a deep breath and told herself to stay calm. “Mom, I’m not in love with Jack.”

“Really? When was the last time you went on a date?”

“I haven’t met any single guys here, yet. I’ve only been in town a few weeks.” It was more like months, but why say that. “I’ve made lots of girlfriends and that’s more important right now. I want a support network.”

“Why? You have a loving family, but fine. Have your girlfriends.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Oh, Larissa, I’m not trying to be difficult.”

“Maybe not, but you embarrassed me, Mom. You shouldn’t have said what you did to Jack. He’s my boss.”

There was a pause. “All right. You might be right about that, but I only did it for your own good.”