Truth or Dare: A Sweet Romantic Comedy Collection by Laura Burton (i read a book TXT) 📕

“A little privacy?” I say, lifting a brow. I figure if I drop my towel without giving her a heads up, she might pass out. Then we’d definitely be late for lunch. Michelle spins around and keeps her back to me and I get dressed. A little squeak prompts me to look up again, and for a brief moment, I catch the reflection of Michelle’s wide eyes on the glossy walls.

“Are you checking me out?” I ask, humored. Michelle gives a fake laugh and shakes her head so violently, her hair swishes from side to side.

“Okay, you can relax now, I’m ready,” I announce, fully dressed again. Michelle turns and holds her right arm like an awkward teenager, chewing her bottom lip.

“Good, I’m hungry, aren’t you?” she asks. I approach and her face pales. I look her up and down again, hold out my arm for her to take, and hum to myself.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I’m starving.”

We walk into the dining hall, playing the part of a couple so easily, I’m almost convinced we’re the real deal. I rest my hand on the small of Michelle’s back and her silky soft dress almost drives my senses crazy. I want to stroke her all night.

We round a corner and spring apart in shock. There's a row of familiar faces at the large dining table. Debbie and Mark wave at us, while Holly and Cameron beam like kids that were caught doing something naughty.

“What are you doing here?” Michelle exclaims as we approach the table. Debbie smiles sheepishly.

“You’re not the only one who’s got Malcolm on speed dial. Besides, he wanted to fill up the retreat and your call inspired him to talk to me. So, thanks!”

“Besides,” Holly adds, flicking her hair back. “Somebody needs to keep an eye on you two, and make sure you’re actually going through with the dare.”

Michelle raises her brows with a wry smile. “Right, so this is all in the name of science.”

I take my seat next to Mark, who claps me on the shoulder. “Have you two…?” he begins to murmur but I give him a hard look. “No.”

I’m not one to kiss and tell, but even if I am, this is not the time nor place to do it. Thankfully, Mark gets the hint and drops it. And before he can ask any more questions, the last of the vacant seats are filled by a group of couples.

Before we can make formal introductions though, a short man appears at the head of the table.

“Welcome, welcome to the couples’ retreat. My name is Malcolm,” I glance at Michelle, who nods at me. She smiles and waves at the short man and he winks back. So, this is Malcolm from college? He’s the guy I have to thank for being here.

“I'm in charge of making this experience enlightening for you all. Some of you will reconnect, some will stir up burning passions of desire––” Malcolm continues his well-rehearsed opening speech, while Mark snorts and leans in.

“What Debbie and I have got going on is explosive as it is,” he mutters into my ear. I force a smile.

“––Now please, enjoy the food. Get to know each other and ask questions. This is your time together, make every second count. After lunch, we will go to the beach to meet Wallace, your Tai Chi instructor...” Malcolm begins to list off the rest of the activities for the day.

I’m half disappointed that we can’t just go and chill out on the beach, but at least some of our friends are here. Doing yoga with a straight face will be hard with Mark and Cameron around though.

After several hours of activities, we trudge to the spa.

“I’m looking forward to this,” I think aloud. I may have gotten too competitive during couples’ volleyball and thrown my back out. I twist and turn against the dull ache in my spine.

“Tell me about it,” Holly moans, rubbing her neck. We reach the main lobby, and each couple is directed to separate rooms. I follow Michelle into ours and look around.

“Are we in the right place?” Michelle asks, looking puzzled.

I was expecting to see two massage beds, but this room has soft cushions on the floor, lit candles, and a lamp diffusing essential oils in the corner. But before I can answer, the door opens, and a young woman enters the room. She shifts her hazel eyes from Michelle to me and smiles serenely, apparently unperturbed by the look of confusion on our faces.

“Please, take a seat,” she says softly. I’m guessing by seat she means cushion. Michelle and I each grab one and plop down, sitting cross-legged on the floor, facing each other. I shift to stop a sharp feather poking me in the butt.

“I’m sorry, I thought this was a couples’ massage?” Michelle says hesitantly as the woman sits with us. She nods slowly and waves sage smoke in our direction. The strong scent stings the back of my nose with every inhale.

“You are correct. You are going to learn the art of couples’ massage... on each other.”

The revelation does something funny to my stomach. My eyes flit down to meet Michelle’s surprised stare. “Did you know about this?” I whisper. She shakes her head, eyes wide and glassy.

“Physical intimacy is a beautiful and sacred experience between couples. I will show you how a massage can strengthen your bond and keep you close,” the woman continues. I glance down at her name tag. Jameela.

“Please remove your outer clothes, and we will begin. Who wants to be massaged first?” she says softly.

I pull my shirt over my head and drop it on the ground next to me without another thought, but when I look up, Michelle hasn’t moved. She's staring at me like a deer in headlights.

“You okay?” I ask. The question jolts her. She blinks a few times and forces a laugh.

“Sure, I’ll just erm…” she says. Then she starts to fiddle with the ties