The Rub Down (22 page)

Luke

I called out to Alexa as we got closer. Her head lifted slightly so she could see who called her name. Her blonde hair was matted from sweat. The blue eyes I wanted to swim in every day were glossy from tears. Mascara streaked her cheeks. Her medal hung around her neck like a badge of honor. When our eyes met, her pain was evident.

Addison and I hurried our steps, weaving in and out of the other friends and family waiting for their runner. Dropping to my knees as soon as I was in front of Alexa, I cupped my hands on the sides of her face and wiped away some of the black lines. I placed a small chaste kiss on her dry, cracked lips.

“You need more water, Lex. You’re dehydrated.” I passed her the big bottle I grabbed when I picked up Addison’s lunch, knowing it would come in handy.

Alexa guzzled half of it before pulling the bottle away from her mouth. She touched her lips and turned to her best friend. “Do you have ChapStick in your bag, Addie?”

“Of course, babe. Never leave home without it,” Addison said, searching around in her small purse before producing lip balm. “I’m so proud of you, girl. You kicked ass today.” Addison sat down next to her and gave her a hug, while rubbing her back.

“How are you, Lex? What hurts? I saw you limping.” I needed to figure out if it was a muscle cramp gone horribly wrong, or something more serious.

“My left knee. I took a corner wrong at mile twenty-four, and it buckled underneath me. It fucking hurts so bad.” Her tears welled up again.

“Okay, let’s get you home to my place and assess where we go from there. It’s wicked swollen. It needed ice like four miles ago.” I looked over at Addison. “Can you run home and grab her enough clothes for a few days and meet us at my place?”

“Of course.” Addison gave Alexa another squeeze before she got up and left.

“Okay, champ. Let’s get you out of here. You feeling okay to move?”

“I can’t walk, Luke.”

Silly girl thought I would make her walk home. I unlaced her sneakers and yanked them and her sweat soaked socks off her feet. An audible sigh of relief left Alexa’s mouth once she was free from the constraints of her shoes. Huge, angry blisters covered her feet.

“I know, babe. You’ll ride in style all the way home.” I stood up, pulling her with me, and helped her balance on one leg. I turned around, giving her my back. “Hop up a little, and I’ll catch you. Just hold your stinky shoes for me.”

“Luke, it’s a long way home. You can’t be serious. I’m sweaty and gross.” Alexa spoke softly.

“First off, you look gorgeous. B. It’s not that far. And three, I ate my Wheaties this morning. Come on, Lex. Let’s get you home on my couch with a bag of peas on that knee.”

“You know you numbered wrong, right?” Alexa laughed as she gave a quick hop, and I grabbed under her ass and pulled her higher up my back.

I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself and gave her tight ass a squeeze. My hands palmed her cheeks perfectly. Alexa gave me a giggle and a slap to the side of my head. We found a way out of the tent and walked home.

“No, I did it just fine. Now hush up and enjoy your ride.”

*****

“Why did Addison need to pack a few days’ worth of clothes? I have work tomorrow,” Alexa said as we neared The Ritz. It seemed to have just dawned on her that twenty minutes ago, I asked Addison to pack so much. My girl was wiped out.

“You most certainly are not working tomorrow. You can barely walk. You’ll be at the doctor getting your knee looked at. And how do you think you’ll get up all those stairs to your place, huh? I don’t think your landlord wants to put in a chair lift thing for you.”

Alexa inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. “But, but…”

“You don’t have a single rebuttal, so shush your delicious mouth.” I turned my head to look at her, and puckered up, demanding a kiss. She bent down and laid a big smacker with exaggerated noise and everything.

After an eight-block hike, we finally reached my building. I put Alexa down on her good leg once we stepped into the elevator. It was a good thing she was light because that was a long walk. Granted, it wasn’t twenty-six point two miles.

As soon as we entered the house, I carried her to my lounger and laid her down. I captured her lips with mine, something I had been waiting to do since I saw her running down the street. “I’m so proud of you, Lex. Let me go grab some frozen veggies for your knee, and a banana for your empty stomach.”

“I prefer corn. Peas freak me the fuck out,” she hollered from the other room as I entered the kitchen.

“Peas freak you out? Please explain,” I said, sticking my head out the door, looking at her with a puzzled face.

“My dad used to squish them with his fork and then eat them with his mashed potatoes. It grossed me out. They always made this sound when he jammed his fork down. Then I made the mistake of telling Addison, so now she does it on purpose to see me freak.” Alexa made a face of complete disgust as she told the tale.

“You’re in luck! I have organic frozen corn. Only the best for you,” I joked as I placed the bag on her injured knee.

“You spoil me. Organic. Wow,” Alexa teased as I swooped in for another kiss. While the corn rested on her knee, she gave me a rundown of the race, and how she hurt herself.

“How’s the corn feeling?”

“Still hurts like a motherfucker. But the corn feels nice.” She settled into the couch after she spoke, sinking her head in the cushions, and relaxed.

“I’m going to go draw a bath for you, and bring you some ibuprofen. Be right back. Addison should be here soon.” I gave her a quick peck before heading down the hallway.

The master bathroom had a huge soaking tub that had never been used by me or my company. If I had to guess, one of my sisters might have used it when I’d been out of town, since bath salts magically appeared under my sink. After I sprinkled the girly stuff into the tub, I grabbed a bottle of anti-inflammatories and headed into the living room to Alexa.

“The tub will take a few minutes to fill. Take a few of these.” I shook three pills into her palm. “You’ve got to be starving. Want to order some pizza? I can call in a few pies, and Addison can join us.”

“That would be great. Will you help me get to the bathroom?”

“I’ll even help you out of your clothes, babe. That’s just the kind of guy I am. Full service boyfriend.” I winked at her while I hoisted her into my arms and headed down the hall.

“Settle down, tiger. Thank you for everything you’re doing for me. I probably should have thought about all of this before.”

“No need to thank me. I’m happy to be able to help.” I looked up at her bright smile, and couldn’t keep the words in any longer. “I love you, Lex. I’d do anything for you.”

Alexa’s mouth created an adorable O as she gazed up at me. “Oh, Luke, I love you, too.”

Gently standing her on her feet, I kissed her with everything I had. My tongue explored every corner of her mouth. When I couldn’t get enough of her, I grabbed onto the back of her head, and pulled her even closer to me. I needed more.

When I broke away, her hair was disheveled, her lips plumped and bruised, and her eyes shone brighter than the Hancock Building. I yanked her tank top and sports bra over her head, and placed a kiss on each of her nipples. As I pushed down her shorts and thong, I softly teased along her stomach and a little lower.

“Luke,” Alexa whispered.

“I want to make love to you so bad, Lex. I want to worship you until you know, with every inch of your body, that I love you. But I know that can’t happen today, and probably not tomorrow. I’ll wait as long as possible for you to heal. Till then, I’ll cherish every touch we share.”

I lifted Alexa into the bath, helping her steady her weight before she slunk down under the cold water.

“Oh, shit! This is freezing.”

“I know. I’m sorry, but it’s what’s best for your muscles right now.” Just as I went to sit on the edge of the tub, my house phone rang. “I’ll be right back.” I jogged to the kitchen to answer.

“Hello.”

“Yes, Luke, I have Ms. Addison Bradford here for you. Can I send her up?” Stacey, the concierge, asked.

“Yes, please. She doesn’t know my unit number, so please, tell her. Thank you.” I hung up and walked back to the bathroom.

“Addison’s on her way up. Do you want me to send her in?”

“Yes, please. She can keep me company.”

“What do you want on your pizza? I’ll call as soon as Addison gives me her order,” I said.

“Ummm, I want pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese. Can we order wings, too? I’m starving. I ran a lot today, tiger.” Alexa gave me a pouty face, which on most women, I found horribly annoying, but on Alexa, it was adorable.

“Yes, you did, my love.” I bent down and gave her another kiss. “I can’t seem to keep my lips off you today.”

“You won’t hear me complain,” Alexa added as the doorbell rang.

“Enjoy your time with Addison. I’ll let you know when the pizza arrives. Love you.” With one last parting kiss, I went to let Addison in.

*****

Alexa

The rest of the evening was great, if I didn’t take into account my throbbing knee. Soaking in the tub was freezing, but helpful. I got to have girl talk with Addison while I relaxed. She let out a loud screech when I told her Luke and I professed our love right before she arrived. Luke came running to see if we were okay. He sounded like a herd of elephants. The tone of his voice was straight panic. To ease his worry, I screamed we were fine.

After my bath, Addison, Luke, and I sat around his living room, eating wings and pizza. I had four pieces, and more wings than I cared to count. Two of my favorite people taking care of me was exactly what I needed after such a long, hard day.

I was proud of myself for running a full marathon, and in doing so, beating my fears and memories. Once my knee gave out, I worried I wasn’t going to make it to the finish line, but I pushed through. Mind over matter. I had a goal and I reached it.

By nine o’clock, while snuggled under Luke’s shoulder and talking with Addison, I started to doze off.

“Okay, sleepy head, you’ve had enough excitement for one day. I’m going to take off.” Addison stood and came over to me to give me a hug. “Please take care of our girl, and call me if you need anything.” Addison turned and gave Luke a kiss on his cheek, as well.

“Thank you for being here, Addie. And for the clothes. I’ll call you in the morning. I think a doctor visit is in my future tomorrow,” I said.

“Do you need me to take you?” she asked, looking between Luke and me.

“I’ll take her. I’ve already texted Danny to find coverage for my clients tomorrow. We’re all set, but thank you.” I had no idea when he spoke with Danny, but I was grateful he did. “Addison, ask the doorman to hail you a cab. There are usually a few lined up at the hotel this time of night.” Luke stood and walked Addison to the door.

When Luke came back, he swooped me up in his arms.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and laid my head on his shoulder. “A girl could get used to this treatment. I may never walk again.”

“I love you in my arms, so we’re both happy. Let’s get you some more pain meds, wrap your knee, and tuck you in.” Luke sat me down on the toilet while he grabbed more pills. After I swallowed them, he passed me my toothbrush loaded with toothpaste.

After the bathroom routine, Luke turned down the covers on his bed and laid me down like I was a precious heirloom.

“You are stunning, even after running a marathon.”

I didn’t think I would ever grow tired of hearing his sweet words.

Luke crawled into bed, snuggled right up to my body, and brought me closer to him. I drifted off to sleep, happier than I had ever been.

Alexa

It was dark, yet lights shone all around us. Luke was sweating and breathing heavy in my ear.

“Give me all you got, tiger. Don’t stop. Please, whatever you do, don’t stop,” I cried out through my own gasps.

“Baby, you’re wearing me out. Can we please slow down?” Luke panted.

“Focus, Luke. You can do this. Once we finish, you’ll be thanking me. Promise.”

“My legs are starting to cramp.” Luke looked at me, pleading with me to slow down our pace. But we were so close to finishing. There would be fireworks at the end. I could almost see them behind my eyes.

My nipples were tight, my stomach clenched, my hair a hot mess, and I was sweatier than a whore in church. But I was with the love of my life, and nothing was going to top this moment between the two of us. We had practiced for months, and talked ad nauseam about it. Luke was on board, but now that it was time, he was reneging on our deal.

As we chased our finish, I reached for his hand and laced our fingers together. We were going together if it was the last thing we did.

I looked over at him and said, “I love you. Now let’s do this.”

Luke nodded his head, and we sprinted toward the finish line where thousands before us had already crossed in the Rock and Roll Marathon in Las Vegas.

*****

After the Boston Marathon, I saw a doctor about my knee. Thankfully, it was just inflammation of my iliotibial band. I spent a few weeks on crutches, worked out with a physical therapist for about a month, and then I was good as new. While I was on crutches, I stayed with Luke at his place. A few days after the diagnosis, while Luke was at work, I went home to my apartment and attempted to climb the stairs. I made it past the first floor, but the spiral staircase to get to my bedroom was impossible for me. I ended up calling Luke and having him carry me to get more clothes, once he finished at work.

During my stay, we fell more and more in love. Luke was everything I dreamed of as a little girl. He treated me with respect, appreciated my independence, and loved me enough to call me out on my bullshit when I made stupid mistakes. Yeah, like trying to climb stairs on crutches with no one around. We laughed a lot together. His playful nature was sexy as hell.

We made love each night before we fell asleep, and woke up in each other’s arms. Luke wasn’t pleased when I was able to throw the crutches away and go home to live with Addison again. He asked me daily to move in with him, but I declined. Even though I loved him hard, and knew we would spend the rest of our lives together, we were still new. I wanted us to date, not fall into the comfortable habits of an old couple after a long day’s work. Our relationship was worth the investment and hard work, even though being together was easy.

With the dust settled from the marathon, my injury healed, and Luke’s temper tantrum about me moving home, I suggested we train for the Las Vegas Marathon in November. The race was an evening run with all the Vegas flair a mind could conjure. Rock bands on the sidelines. Women running in costumes only fit for the strip. Luke worried about my knee blowing out again, but once the doctor gave me the go ahead to run, Luke was on board. We called Jeff, and he agreed to train us. The summer was long and hot, but we trained every day.

Since I had muscle issues again, a few times a week, Luke set up a massage table in the office of his apartment to help with my aches. During training, we had sex on that table as much as we did in a bed. Needless to say, I always got a happy ending.

*****

Luke

The weeks after the marathon were some of my best and worst. Taking care of Alexa was wonderful. I loved having her in my space with me. Making love to her every night and falling asleep with her in my arms was better than I dreamt. It crushed me when she moved home. Alexa made me work for our relationship, and I loved every second of it. She kept me on my toes, and never let me take her love for me for granted.

But during those weeks, Theresa threatened The Rub Down and me with a scandal. She called the spa, demanding to speak with me. Every time Jessica told her I wasn’t available, she spouted off how she was going to the press, and how she would bring The Rub Down down for messing with the wrong person. Even though she had no proof of inappropriate behavior, she did have a few friends willing to help her.

Little did we know, Tiffany, the esthetician Elle fired weeks ago, was Theresa’s roommate. Since Tiffany was pissed she’d lost her job and a reference, she had no problem helping her twisted roommate with her revenge scheme on The Rub Down. We also found out how Theresa got into the Boston Strong Gala. She had been on a cheerleading team with a wannabe anchor for the local news who had a press pass. The girl was desperate to advance her career and what better way to do it than report on a sex scandal at the hottest spa in Boston.

Theresa’s threats were shot down when she showed up for an appointment with me. As soon as she walked through the doors of The Rub Down, our lawyer, Danny, and I were waiting for her. We asked her to join us at the coffee shop next door to the spa. The look of complete shock blanketed her face when my lawyer introduced herself.

“Hi, Ms. Morgan, my name is Dina Cogley, and I am the council for The Rub Down. Mr. Stratton and Mr. Torelli have brought me up to speed on the threats you’ve been making. I’m here to tell you that, if you decide to bring those ludicrous allegations to the press, or anyone else for that matter, we will slap you with a defamation suit so fast your head will spin.”

Our lawyer had boobs of steel, which is why we hired her in the first place. She was cutthroat and knew her shit. By the end of her speech, Theresa was in tears.

“Fuck you, Luke. You’re an asshole. You think you’re so great, but you’re a nobody. Your girlfriend is an ugly bitch. I hope you two live miserably ever after together. And karma will come back to bite you in the ass for rejecting me. You’ll see,” Theresa spat at us before scrambling out of her seat and leaving the café.

We never heard from Theresa after that day, and she was banned from all spas in Boston, thanks to us spreading the word about her threats. No one else wanted to even run the risk of a scandal because she was delusional.

With the potential trouble behind me, life was perfect. The Philadelphia store construction was final. Jessica was there, doing all the hiring and everything else needed to get us ready for its opening after the New Year.

Most importantly, I had the most amazing woman as my girlfriend. Somehow, she convinced me to run a marathon with her. I couldn’t tell her no when she looked at me with her bright blue eyes and a big smile on her face. It wasn’t fair that she asked me while I was buried deep inside her, and the word no was nowhere in my vocabulary. We trained together every day. I loved our running time. The experience brought us even closer, and I was grateful for every moment.

When we arrived in Vegas, I had one more goal besides finishing twenty-six point two miles.

*****

With less than a mile left in the race, my body was shot. My calves cramped, my feet hurt like hell, and the anti-chafing ointment on my nipples didn’t do anything. But Alexa refused to let me give up.

She reached for my hand and laced our fingers together. Her touch gave me the last burst of energy I needed to cross the finish line.

She let go and said, “I love you. Now let’s do this.”

That was my cue to turn up the heat and sprint toward the finish line. As soon as we crossed, we slowed down, and I bent at the waist with my hands on my knees. Alexa walked over and rubbed my back. I straightened and looked at her. She was dripping with sweat, and her smile was brighter than the Vegas lights. I held her face in my hands and kissed her with all the energy I had left.

When we split apart, I dropped to one knee and looked up at my gorgeous girl. Her face registered what I was doing, and tears started to well up in her eyes. I pulled out the diamond ring from the tiny key pocket in my shorts. For the last four hours, I prayed and checked every mile that it stayed put.

“Alexa, you mean the world to me. You were my rule changer. The person I wasn’t even looking for, but always dreamt of. I want to spend the rest of our lives loving you. I want to hold hands with you every day, and kiss you every night before bed and every morning when we wake up. I want to make babies together, or at least practice a lot. Will you marry me?”

Tears streamed down her face, and she dropped down to her knees. “YES, I’ll marry you.”

I slid the two-carat diamond solitaire on her long finger before grabbing her face and kissing her. Applause brought us out of our little bubble. Addison and Danny led part of the crowd in hollering their congratulations, while others screamed for us to get a room.

With our best friends by our sides, we headed to the hotel to shower and a night of celebrating. Maybe I could convince Alexa to elope while we were in Vegas!

THE END