"Our Massages are strictly non-sexual. Please report any misconduct to the supervisor." That's what the sign said as I entered the room for my monthly massage. My treat to myself, my one luxury. I had never noticed the sign before, just the small room, well heated with one brick wall...tasteful travel posters of exotic places on the walls. Soft Celtic music played in the background. Her name was Sarah, she had introduced herself in the lobby before leading me back to our "therapy" room. She was young, maybe 20, petite, cherry red hair, a pierced eyebrow. Her hands were nearly hot when she shook mine and I immediately wondered how that would feel on my skin. Hot hands...slick with oil.
"Is there anything bothering you that we can address specifically?" she asked. I commented that I just enjoy a full body massage...but I like to concentrate on my hands and arms and shoulders...because that is how most of my work is done. "Great," she said enthusiastically "Undress to your comfort level and we'll start face down." Well, my comfort level is naked..but I will leave a thong on for appearances. A light tap on the door signaled her readiness to begin the massage.
I closed my eyes..enjoying the soft music and quiet. I could hear her soft footsteps as she got her oil..her rubbing it into her hands. Slowly she began to knead the muscles in my legs, stretching and loosening the muscles, working her way down to my tired feet. Cares and worries evaporating as my muscles reveled in the pressure of her hands and arms. She was small but strong. Her hand ran firmly up the muscle in my thigh...making my body clench involuntarily. "You're a bit strained there," she said as she began to work on that tender spot. Nearly painful but not quite, I could feel the tension ease. Methodically making her way around my anatomy, she brushed past my hand with her thigh. There was an almost electric charge.
She worked her magic on my back, hands and arms, and began to pay the sweetest of attention to my neck and shoulders. She loosened the clip that held my unruly hair...strong fingers massaging my head and holding it, feeling the pulse between the healer and healed. I could feel her presence directly above my head, could smell her perfume although it had no discernible scent. She leaned closed to my ear and softly said "turn over." Who was I not to oblige?
Again she began to manipulate my neck, shoulders and head...stroking my hair and face. Sarah paid attention to my breathing, making sure I was relaxed and comfortable. She took both her hands and ran them firmly down my arms to my hands. I could feel her breath soft upon my face, lips close enough to kiss. I wanted to taste that sweet breath mixed with mine, to feel those tender young lips. A quiver ran through me as she continued winding down our hour stretching and caressing me..."Thank you, that's all for us today" she said. "I'll be waiting for you outside."
As I got dressed the sign struck me again "Our Massages are strictly non-sexual. Please report any misconduct to the supervisor." I suppose the fine art of massage is to leave having felt like you've been with a tender lover. I guess I'll have to report myself.

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Elizabeth Galvez
©2002 Elizabeth Galvez
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