CRUISE TO ROMANCE Read Free

curved bench
beneath the surface of the water.  I could get used to this, she thought, as
jets of warm mineral water flowed over her naked body, leaving her skin
tingling with wickedly delicious sensations.
    A few years ago, she
only toyed with the idea of indulging in such sensuous luxury and becoming a
woman that men desired.  Over time though, her own desires took on an energy of
their own.  More and more she craved the love and admiration of a special man. 
One who would find her irresistible and funny.  Delightful and sexy.  She
wanted change, but wasn’t sure how to accomplish it without appearing
ridiculous.  After reading the cruise ship’s brochures, she knew she could,
with a little effort and polish, become the sophisticated woman she dreamed of
being.  Maybe not overnight, but with a little practice, she too could learn
the art of romance.
    Romance!  It was here
in spades.  What a feeling!  Thoughts of Mr. Gorgeous surfaced as she relaxed
against the smooth marble bench.  What was it about him that she found so
attractive?  At embarkation, he was with a small tour group of men.  They all
had athletic builds; they all radiated vital energy that caught the notice of
the women around them.  Attention from any one of them would have flattered her
at one time.  But not now.  Mr. Gorgeous was special.  She knew it to the very
depths of her soul.  Never would she have believed it, had she not experienced
the incredible attraction.  There was no way she was going to let Sheila have
him.  At least, not without trying.
    The main problem was
that she wasn’t quite sure how to try.  First she had to meet the man and find
out his name.  Short of throwing herself at him, how did she get his
attention?  Then keep it?  What would Sheila do?  With a sigh, Jennifer decided
to swallow her pride and ask a pro.  If anyone knew, Helga would.
     
    *    
*     *
     
    For at least thirty
minutes, Helga’s artful massage had stolen her ability to think.  Now Jennifer
lay covered in mud while Helga finished up with her feet, carefully covering
each toe with the sticky substance.  Relaxed and luxuriating in the feel of the
warm mud, Jennifer sighed and wiggled her toes.  This was truly heaven.  “Just
what is the mud going to do for me?  As wonderful as it feels, I can’t imagine
how it could be helping me.”
    “The mud is a
specially formulated blend of exfoliating botanicals including lavender,
chamomile and rose petals.  It includes ingredients gathered from the depths of
the rain forest and mixed with French seaweed.”  Helga covered her with warm
sheets and tucked them around her body.  “This holistic mud wrap helps
eliminate toxins and smooth cellulite as well as moisturize your delicate
skin.  Once you rinse off, you will be impressed with the contouring of your
lovely body.”  Helga’s voice soothed over Jennifer as easily as her hands had.
    Helga had her
thinking she was a beautiful femme fatale.  The woman was a genius—pure and
simple.  But how long could it possibly last?  This was a make-believe world of
sensual pleasure.  Could it withstand the gaze of Mr. Gorgeous?  Would her
fragile self-confidence melt the minute she saw him?
    “Remember,” Helga
continued, “beauty is an attitude.  It comes from within.  It is an inner
knowing that a woman projects.  Men find the attitude irresistible, just as
your lucky man will find you.”
    “Helga,” a woman’s
voice from the door called.  “You have an important call.  Sorry to interrupt.”
    Helga smiled at
Jennifer and wiped the mud from her hands on a small towel.  “Relax for about
twenty minutes.  Our little timer, the one that looks like a strawberry, there
on the sideboard, will go off when you are ready.  There’s a shower in the
second massage room down the corridor.  You’ll find your bag and bathing suit
waiting for you there.  Your hair appointment is scheduled for an hour from
now.  I’ve