a lot of close friends meant most of her life had been more about proving herself than having a good time.
Sandy, who had her own business creating custom websites, had a client who owned a health and wellness spa in the Poconos, and that client had invited Sandy and a group of friends to experience the services firsthand. As a result, part of their girls’ day was getting pampered with facials, manicures and pedicures, and even hot-stone massages. The hot stones couldn’t compare to Doc’s highly personalized, hands-on therapy, but it was nice.
Afterward, they hit some of the nearby outlets, and Tina managed to find a dress she was happy with. It was a classic, timeless style in a shimmery shade of dark blue that Bree said brought out the blue in her eyes.
“Doc is going to flip when he sees you,” Sam said approvingly.
“I feel like Cinderella,” Tina joked, looking at herself in the trifold mirror.
“You kind of look like her, too,” Bree said with a grin. “Blonde hair, blue eyes, and an hourglass figure. Who knew you were hiding all that under jeans and flannel?”
Tina laughed. “I guess I’ve always been more of a tomboy than a girlie girl.”
“Which is why you fit in with us so well,” Kate said cheerfully. “But there’s nothing wrong with embracing our feminine side once in a while.”
“And wielding it like the strong, empowered women we are,” Sandy added. “Which reminds me ... where is that lingerie place Bree found last Christmas?”
* * *
Tina checked her hair and makeup one more time. It was probably the tenth time she’d done so since the ladies dropped her off. The woman in the mirror looked so different than the one she was used to seeing. Her skin was radiant and glowing. Her long hair, instead of being pulled up into a practical, functional ponytail, was loose and flowing around her shoulders in soft waves. The new dress clung in all the right places, accentuating her natural curves.
Those things could be attributed to a phenomenal girls’-day adventure. But the bright sparkle in her eyes was purely due to the anticipation of seeing Doc again and whatever surprises he had planned for the evening.
Those tingles of anticipation intensified when she heard Doc’s arrival. But nothing could have prepared for the sight that awaited her when she opened the door. Bespoke, classic black suit. Silk tie. Clean-shaven. Hair combed back and away from his beautiful, sculpted face.
And those gorgeous, hypnotic hazel eyes, now gazing intensely at her.
Her normally plaid-flannel-clad SEAL medic looked more like a male model who’d just come from a photo shoot.
“Wow,” they both said at the same time.
“Tina, you look stunning.”
“You look pretty good yourself. Are you sure you want to do this?”
His eyes raked down her body and back up again. “No. But let’s do it anyway.”
“Okay then. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”
Doc took the overnight bag from her hand. “Got everything you need?”
“Yep.” She hadn’t packed much, just a change of clothes for the next day, some of the new silk lingerie she’d picked up, and a fresh jar of body butter.
Tina locked up the cottage with shaking hands.
“Nervous, Miss Obermacher?”
“Excited,” she corrected. “Where did you say we are going again?”
He gave her a sly smile. “Nice try. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Her curiosity continued to grow as they drove past the Sumneyville town limits and continued southeast. When Doc pulled up in front of the Celtic Goddess and handed his keys over to a uniformed valet, she thought she was dreaming.
She’d heard of the place, of course—mostly from Giselle—but she’d never actually been there.
The restaurant-slash-resort was built into the side of the mountain just outside of Pine Ridge. Multiple levels of gleaming white stone, tinted glass, and accent lighting made her think of Greece. She’d never been there either, but she’d seen pictures.
Doc offered his arm. Once again feeling like Cinderella, she slipped her arm through his. They entered through massive Ionic columns into a fantastical, opulent lobby. Brilliant murals adorned the walls behind even more columns. Pristine white marble flooring—are those veins of actual gold? Elegant statues. A proliferation of lush greenery.
They stepped up to the ornately carved podium, where Doc spoke quietly to the tuxedoed man. The man lifted his hand, and a younger man appeared, also wearing a tuxedo. Tina wondered if it was the official uniform of the Goddess.