Dangerous Pleasures by Bertrice Small Read Free Book Online Page B

welcome all peoples of goodwill. And full purses,” she added, and laughed uproariously at her own humor.
    Annie laughed with her, and then she settled back for the next hour as Janka creamed, steamed, massaged, creamed some more, slid hot stones over her face, and finally smeared a mask made from avocado over her skin. And when the mask was removed, Janka delicately drizzled fragrant rose oil over Annie’s face, gently rubbing it into her skin with a supple, light touch.
    “I’ll see you in a few days,” she said. “And when I do I will give you some tips on how to keep that beautiful skin of yours in peak condition.”
    “Thank you,” Annie said, slipping from the facial chair.
    “Perfect timing!” Devyn said brightly as he entered the room and escorted her back into the corridor toward the elevator. “I’ve had all your slacks pressed, so whatever you want to wear tonight at dinner, you’ll look perfect.”
    The elevator doors opened up, and they stepped inside.
    “Your dinner is at eight,” Devyn continued. “I’m bringing the makeup artist and hairstylist to you at seven fifteen.”
    “I don’t need a makeup artist or a hairstylist,” Annie said. “I can put on my own lipstick and brush my hair all by myself.”
    The elevator doors opened again and, slipping the key card into the lock, Devyn opened the door of the suite for her. “Every woman can put on her lipstick and brush her hair,” he agreed, “but when you see what Judi and Mr. Eugene can do for you, you’ll change your mind. You nap now, and I’ll be back later, okay? I’ve turned the bed down for you.” Then with a grin he was gone.
    Annie walked slowly into the bedroom. The elegant clock on the fireplace mantel struck once. Annie looked at the time-piece. Four thirty. She was starving, she suddenly realized. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast. And there on her bedside table was an individual serving bowl with a creamy pale peach something in it. Picking up the spoon, she took a mouthful. Yogurt. Freshly made yogurt, with generous bits of fresh apricot in it. “Devyn, I think I may take you home with me,” Annie said aloud as, sitting down on the bed, she ate the yogurt and sipped at the iced green tea in the glass next to the bowl.
    When she had finished she swung her legs up and stretched out on the bed. It was incredibly comfortable. It had been an amazing day, Annie thought. Could she stand an entire week of such pampering? Yeah, she could, she decided as she fell asleep.
    Devyn gently shook her awake at the appointed time. Together they picked a pair of fawn-colored silk slacks and a cream-colored shirt with three-quarter sleeves and a boat neckline. She dressed quickly. Mr. Eugene, the hairstylist, decided her hair would look best in a French braid. He quickly accomplished it. Judi, the makeup artist, said Annie’s beautiful skin shouldn’t be covered with too much makeup. She quickly put a light foundation on Annie, some blush, and a touch of smoky blue eye shadow to her eyelids.
    “The cornrow bracelet and some turquoise earrings,” Devyn decided, handing her the pieces. “You’re gorgeous, Annie!”
    Mr. Eugene and Judi murmured their agreement.
    Annie turned to look in the mirror over the bureau. Was that her? She looked younger. Not tired. She did have a shape. She turned her head slightly. The makeup was so subtle it didn’t look as if she were wearing any. And she loved her hair! It was casual but elegant, pulled back from her face. “Wow!” she said. “Not bad for an old broad with five kids. Not bad at all.”
    “You should look like this all the time,” Devyn told her.
    “With my brood? I’m like the old woman in the shoe, kid,” Annie said, mocking herself slightly. “But I want to look like this all week so I can remember that there is an attractive woman beneath the mother and the chief cook and bottle washer.” She turned. “Thank you,” she said to Mr. Eugene and Judi.
    “Gotta jet,” Devyn