12. Sloan

CHAPTER 12

Sloan

W ith Daisy in the bathroom trying to hide from her, Sloan takes advantage of the quiet and unpacks her bag into a dresser on the far side of the room. While the company may not be ideal, she has to admit that the room is gorgeous. The pale blue walls are welcoming. The oversized bed is full of pillows and looks as plush as a cloud, and the white linens are crisp and inviting. She resists the urge to flop down, figuring Daisy would lose her shit over her even touching the bed. She moves to the large bay window and gazes out at the lake, watching various people walk along the shore. In the summer, this beach would be loaded with people swimming, paddle boarding, and sunbathing. But with the cooler weather of fall, the action has died down, and it's more peaceful. She watches a couple walk along the shore, skipping rocks into the water as they move along. As she watches, she wonders how they came to be together and if they ever feel lonely.

At that thought, Daisy emerges from the bathroom. "Well, let's get this over with."

"I feel so relaxed already," Sloan deadpans, following behind Daisy as she leaves the room, apparently not caring if Sloan is behind her.

"Welcome to The Dandelion Spa," another receptionist greets as they arrive at the spa area. She looks to be a vampire, and as they approach, Sloan clearly sees a set of fangs peek through the receptionist's smile.

"Thank you, Sola," Daisy replies, smiling as she reads the staff's name tag again. This is the second time Sloan has seen her make sure to catch the staff's name. Sloan can't think of a time when she has ever noticed a staff member's name or paid much attention to them at all. Her parents taught her early on that hired staff are only a means of getting what you want and not to become friendly with them. But seeing the smile on Sola's face when Daisy uses her name does something to Sloan. She tucks that thought into the back of her mind. For now, she needs to focus on getting through this massage.

"So, we have you down for a couple's massage," Sola says.

"Yes. Is it possible to have us go into separate rooms?" Daisy asks.

Sola looks confused.

Sloan steps forward. "My lady is a little shy sometimes. We'll be fine."

Sola smiles and nods. "I assure you, our staff are very professional. If you'll follow me, I can take you back to your room."

"Thank you," Sloan and Daisy respond in unison.

Following Sola down the hall, Sloan turns to ask Daisy a question, but she glares back at her, her eyes threatening hexes. Heaven forbid Daisy try to be somewhat civil and engage in normal conversation.

"Here you are. Your massage therapist, Franklin, will be here shortly. In the meantime, there are robes inside for you to change into."

"Wait? Only one massage therapist?"

"Yes, this is a couple's massage lesson. He will guide you through how to give each other massages."

"What!" Daisy exclaims. "No. No. NO! No, no, no, no!" Turning to Sloan, she nearly barks, "You said this was a couple's massage." Daisy points vehemently at her. "As in, we both get a massage. From. A. Professional."

"I thought you knew what you were signed up for. My apologies," Sola responds, backing away to give Daisy space, but Daisy only has eyes for Sloan. Of course, those eyes currently say she wants to murder Sloan.

"Did I forget to tell you that, cupcake?" Sloan replies cheekily. "I must have left out that detail when reading the itinerary." Daisy may not be her usual type, but getting this kind of reaction out of her is satisfying, sparking a bit of heat inside her chest. This is going to be fun.

Daisy huffs angrily, turning on her heel, and stalks back to the spa entrance. "Where are you going?" Sloan calls after her.

Daisy turns dramatically, eyes narrowing as her arms cross across her ample chest—which Sloan absolutely does not glance at for longer than is socially acceptable, "I am not doing this kind of couple's massage. It's not happening," Daisy says, stomping her foot.

Hmm. She's kind of cute when she's angry.

Sloan approaches her. Slowly. Cautiously. Her hands rise in front of her, a gesture hopefully signaling she comes in peace. "Daisy," she starts, only to have Daisy practically growl at her. Sloan steps forward, now dangerously in reach of the witch, who is bubbling with fury like a cauldron ignored. Sloan softens her tone. "Daisy," she tries again, "I know this is not what you had in mind. But if we are creating an opportunity for community members to connect, we need to see all that The Dandelion offers. I think this could be a great feature to list." Daisy's arms fall from across her chest, and her shoulders fall to a more reasonable level. Seeing she has an opening, Sloan continues, "Think about how exciting this could be for them to take part in. Touch is a huge way to bond and something many people are starved for, especially if they've felt excluded for so long. I think we do this, and then we have a great way to entice people to come and find new ways to connect with others. We can also suggest it as a trust exercise. It's hard to be vulnerable, and an experience like this could not only provide contact and bonding but create a base for trusting others in the community. What do you say?"

Daisy stares at her, chewing on her bottom lip. Sloan can see the shift in her eyes, suggesting that she wants to agree that it could be good but doesn't necessarily want to agree with her .

Sola steps toward them. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to interrupt, but I do want to apologize again for the miscommunication. I also need to let Franklin know if he is needed. Will you be partaking in the massage session?"

Daisy looks to Sola and then back at Sloan before releasing a soft huff of resignation. "Yes, we will do the massage," she says reluctantly.

"Wonderful!" Sola claps excitedly. She turns and nearly bounces toward the door for their massage room. "I will send Franklin along shortly. I'm positive you will have a relaxing experience, and we look forward to your feedback after your session." Sola opens the door to their massage room and promptly disappears to the reception desk, leaving them alone in the hall.

"After you, my lady," Sloan says, stepping off to the side and waving a hand forward for Daisy to go ahead of her. Daisy rolls her eyes but goes ahead anyway.

"The sooner we get in there, the sooner it's over," Daisy grumbles. Sloan follows closely behind, shutting the door behind her.

"Here," Daisy says, thrusting a robe into Sloan's chest, catching her off guard. Daisy's hand brushes against her breasts as she pulls it away, sending a shock down to Sloan's toes. Weird.

"Thanks."

"You can get changed in this corner. I'll go to the other one."

"Ok. Would you like me to turn around?" Sloan asks jokingly. Daisy is treating this as if they are in an elementary school gym class, which is entertaining. Of all the rules and expectations she was expected to abide by, hiding her body was never one of them. Her family didn't exactly tell her to go streaking, but she was taught to be proud of her form and all that it allows her to do.

"Yes," Daisy responds flatly, evidently not appreciating Sloan's attempt at a joke.

"Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously," Daisy shoots back, a slight blush of color beginning to creep up her neck.

"Okay," Sloan agrees, respecting Daisy's request, and turns so her back is facing her. She hears Daisy shuffle to the other corner and turns to see her back is turned as well. Sloan turns back to face forward, but not before noticing the small tattoo of a broom with a circle around it on the back of Daisy's hip. Sloan smiles to herself, putting that piece of information aside, and undresses, then slides the soft robe over her arms and ties it around her stomach.

"You can turn around now," Daisy instructs.

Turning to face Daisy, Sloan stops. The soft light coming through the window makes Daisy glow. Her purple hair sparkles, casting dancing shadows on the wall as the sun lights up her face, making her look… like a goddess. She swallows down whatever mixed bag of feelings this is causing inside. She may look like a gift from Hecate, but Daisy is more like a hound from Hades. Dangerous and unpredictable.

A soft knock sounds at the door, breaking Sloan's thoughts. "It's Franklin. Are you ready?"

"Yes," they respond in unison.

The handle turns, and Franklin steps in. He's clad in dark pants and a fitted black T-shirt that wonderfully sets off his green-toned ogre skin and white Converse. His blonde hair is tied back into a loose bun, though a few curly tendrils have escaped, creating a softness to his large, muscular, intimidating frame. Sloan looks at Daisy and is pretty sure she sees animated hearts popping out of her eyes. Possibly even a little drool. Sloan looks back to Franklin and tilts her head as she assesses. He's objectively attractive, if you're into that sort of thing.

"Good afternoon. I am Franklin, and my pronouns are he/him. It is my pleasure to guide you through this experience. Could I get your names and pronouns if you're comfortable?" His voice is soft and soothing.

"I'm Daisy, and she/her. Though they is okay as well."

"Thank you. And you?"

"Hi. I'm Sloan, and she/her."

"Well, nice to meet you both," he says. "I was informed that the setup of this session was a bit of a surprise. However, if you are willing, I think we could have a great time and learn some techniques to take into your regular life."

"That sounds great," Sloan responds.

"Wonderful. Who would like to be massaged first?"

Sloan waits, giving Daisy the choice. She looks at her and sees Daisy chewing on her bottom lip again. "I can be massaged first if you're comfortable with that, Daisy," Sloan offers.

Daisy nods in agreement, her face saying she's happy to have the decision made for her.

"Thank you for volunteering," Franklin says as he moves to the side of the table, pulling the covering back and holding it up before him. He turns his head and closes his eyes as he says, "Sloan, if you are comfortable, kindly disrobe and lay face down on the table, placing your face in the hole and arms along your sides; we can get started."

Sloan steps up to the side of the table, her back facing Daisy, and undoes her robe, letting it fall to her feet. She hears a slight intake of breath behind her and smiles. She climbs onto the table and lies down as instructed, then feels the covering laid over the top of her. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath to help calm her nerves. It's been so long since she's been touched by anyone in any kind of intimate way that she's a little concerned she may combust upon contact. She inhales deeply, reminding herself that this is all for the event. The touch is clinical. It means nothing.

"Miss Daisy, if you could step up here to her head, we can begin the instructional session," he says. She hears Daisy's soft steps move toward her and feels her presence settle above her head.

"So, we are going to start with a basic back massage motion," he says, rubbing a lavender-scented oil on her back. "Place the palms of your hands here and here," he instructs, pointing to spots on her back. Daisy's hands land on her back, soft and warm. "Now, using equal pressure, you can check in with Sloan to make sure it's not too much. You want to slide your hands down her back, making sure the pressure is in the base of your palm rather than your fingers."

Daisy takes a deep breath above her; Sloan can hear the shakiness in it. She's nervous. Interesting .

A nest of butterflies bursts in her stomach as Daisy's hands slide down her back. Fluttering, dancing butterflies ignite her magic inside, pooling in her core and flooding her senses. She sucks in a short breath as the rush makes her head spin, calming her powerful response to Daisy's touch on her exposed skin.

"Oh god! Sorry, was that too much?" Daisy asks, lifting her hands abruptly and breaking contact.

Breathing out, Sloan responds, "No. It's okay. It was just a little surprising." A little surprising, my ass. That was heaven.

Daisy returns her hands to Sloan's back and makes the motion a few more times before Franklin guides her through a few more maneuvers and then has her piece them all together. By the end, Sloan's insides are a liquid mess, and she doesn't know what to do with it. She's relaxed yet incredibly turned on. As Franklin continues talking, Sloan's mind is mentally preparing to switch roles and do all of this to Daisy.

Maybe Daisy was right, and they shouldn't have gone forward with the session after all.