Nocturnal Massage

Abella bounces into the kitchen, flashing Codey Steele that bright smile. She chirps a good-morning and asks how his night went. “Rough,” Codey answers, rubbing the back of his neck. “Plus, I woke up with a weird bump on my shoulder.” Abella plays it cool, shrugs, but he shoots her that puppy-dog look. “Mind if we talk about something?” “Sure,” she chirps, easy as pie. He takes a breath. Years ago he used to sleep-walk—and worse—he’d stumble around giving sleep-massages. He hadn’t mentioned it when he moved in, but the bump on his shoulder this morning makes him worry the habit’s back. Abella insists he’s never touched her, which is half-true, since inside she’s already giddy. If he ever starts again, Codey jokes, all she needs is a glass of water to the face. Abella giggles, then fishes: does he ever go for oils? Codey figures he’d reach for whatever’s on his hands. Perfect. The next few nights turn into a sleepy little massage buffet. First night she slicks Codey’s palms with coconut oil and flips on her stomach just as he lowers them. Next night she worms under his fingers for a dreamy face rub. Night after that he blindly kneads her arches. Free hands-on service—she’s in roommate heaven. Until everything flips. Codey murmurs, “You’re so pretty,” then his open hand cups right for her chest. Abella shoves him back, grabs the bedside water, and splash—the joke moves fast. Codey jerks awake, blinking water out of his eyes, mortified as hell. She lies through her teeth: first time this ever happened. He apologizes nonstop, worried she’ll evict him the way his last roommate did. Abella just grins and shakes her head. Everybody’s a little freaky; hers is early boobs in high school, his is roving hands at midnight. She’d rather a massage addict than a bank robber, so her vote’s for keeping him. They hug, linger. Codey finally lifts his head: does she think he’s any good? The couple seconds she got before splashing him, she says, felt great—he’s got strong hands. But wow, that moment he groped her? Kind of sexy. She’ll admit it, the only downside was his eyes shut. She wants the next guy touching her fully awake and looking straight at her. Codey swallows, startled. Abella grabs his damp fingers and winks—why not, they’re both wide open? Just stay alert, she cracks, nobody likes a snoozing fuck.