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

a low ponytail. “You don’t have to…” she begins, but stops when I give her a frank look.

“You’re tense. Turn around,” I say, firmer this time. Michelle does as I say, and I settle down behind her. “Now, relax. This isn’t my first time,” I murmur in her ear, my face breaking into a devilish grin.

Michelle

Jonah White is flirting with me. I’ve dreamed about this day for so long, I can’t believe it’s finally here. Sure, it’s probably an act. We’re alone now, but there's the risk that Jameela will come back at any moment. So maybe he’s just keeping up the show.

I don't care what his motivations are though. I clamp my teeth together to stop myself from moaning as Jonah massages me. Who knew a neck and shoulder massage could be so sensual? He breathes soft and slow, running his thumbs down my back, then back up again, stopping at the base of my skull. He grips my neck, digging into the knotted muscles with so much force, it’s almost impossible to keep myself from crying out with pleasure. His touch makes me open up like a flower, sighing with every touch and straightening my posture. He grazes my shoulders and squeezes me until my body succumbs to his will. He’s good at this.

Clearly, this isn’t Jonah’s first time giving a massage. But I don’t want to think about that. As far as I’m concerned, I'm the only human being he has ever touched. Ever.

I release my jaw and relax, my breath following his rhythm. “That’s better,” he whispers into my ear. He grips my upper arms and digs his thumbs in-between my shoulder blades, rubbing in small circular motions. The sensation makes my back arch involuntarily and I lose my resolve, letting a deep guttural moan escape my lips. It’s not a sexy moan though, more primal. Like a woman in labor.

My eyes fly open at the sound and a rush of heat rises to my face, surprised by my lack of willpower. I crane my neck and lock eyes with Jonah. He grins smugly at me. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Yes. But I don’t want him to know just how much. I snort softly and turn away again, worried he might see the truth in my eyes.

The door opens again just as Jonah prompts another moan from me. Jameela walks in and hums her approval. “You’re a natural, Jonah. She looks much more relaxed now.”

Jonah’s hands drop from my shoulders and a part of my soul aches at the sudden deprivation.

“That’s all we have time for, I’m afraid. I hope you both learned something today. Nurture your relationship by serving each other, it’ll keep you connected.” Jameela waves her hands in the air, speaking whimsically. “Human touch is so powerful; it releases all those love hormones that keep you close and feeling happy. So, keep it up.”

She launches into a rant about modern-day technology breaking up marriages, as couples spend more time in front of screens and less time looking into each other’s eyes. Then she claps her hands. “I’ll leave you two to get dressed. We shall meet again tomorrow for your next session, yes?”

The thought of having another intimate couple’s massage with Jonah makes me want to punch the air victoriously. But I successfully resist the urge and keep myself composed. Holly would be so proud of my acting skills.

With Jameela gone, we quietly get dressed and avoid eye contact. But just as Jonah makes for the door, I grab his arm.

“Wait,” I say. I'm surprised by my courage. I’m not sure if it’s the essential oils, the stifling heat messing with my head, or the fact that we’ve just been massaging each other for the last hour, but I feel like doing something bold. Like jumping out of a plane. Or zip lining over a zoo. Or…

“What is it?” Jonah asks me, his brow cocked. I snap out of my thoughts, reach up and place a hand on his cheek. My fingers graze over his stubble.

“I need to thank you,” I whisper, rising to my tiptoes. Jonah’s startled expression zooms in as I make the move without letting my brain think of all the reasons not to.

His lips are clammy and hot, and our kiss has a salty taste to it. Jonah flinches at first but settles down as I rest my hand on his shoulder and lightly suck on his upper lip.

The kiss lasts less than three seconds. But it’s enough. As we break apart, my heartbeat pounds my eardrums and throbs against my ribcage. Jonah grins at me, his eyes twinkling.

“Thanks for the massage, I feel great now,” I whisper, grinning back.

Jonah hums in thought, his expression turning wicked. “Anytime.”

After the couple’s massage, we are given free time to do whatever we want before dinner. Holly and Cameron make a beeline for the pool, while Debbie and Mark make their excuses and go back to their room. Part of me wonders if they're really here to keep an eye on me and Jonah. But the more logical side of my brain figures they would jump on the opportunity to have a weekend away and enjoy some alone time.

I’m just glad they’re not hovering around us like bees. The more time I get to spend with Jonah alone, the faster he’ll fall for me.

Jonah and I decide to lay on the beach, listening to the tide roll in and out. The fresh air is a huge relief after the stuffy massage room. And the salty sea air reminds me of Jonah’s lips. I lay on the beach towel with my eyes closed, smiling at the sun. The plan is going better than I could have imagined.

Jonah and I really connected today, and my suspicions are confirmed. My feelings for him are beyond a silly crush. They’re real and we’ve totally got chemistry. Now, he looks at me like I’m more than just a friend. Maybe, just maybe we will...

“Honey, will you rub some lotion on my