Veronica stared at her reflection, uncertain about the crimson lingerie set that clung to her curves like a second skin. The fabric was bold, provocative, designed to tempt and tease. Despite her reservations, she found herself drawn to how it made her feel. She slipped it on beneath her terry cloth robe.
Walking toward the private hot spring area, Veronica caught Cullen's piercing gaze and suddenly became acutely aware of what lay beneath her robe. Her steps faltered for just a heartbeat before she forced herself to continue with practiced composure.
She set down the towels and amenities at the spring's edge, then let the robe fall from her shoulders in one fluid motion. The red fabric left little to the imagination, accentuating every curve of her body as steam rose around them.
Cullen's breath caught audibly.
Veronica knew he understood Cook had selected this particular set for her. He might assume she wore it as some kind of invitation, some silent plea for intimacy between them. But that assumption would be entirely wrong.
Let him think whatever he wanted. She refused to deny herself something she genuinely liked simply because he might read too much into it. This resolve steadied her nerves as she revealed herself, and she deliberately avoided seeking his reaction.
The hot water embraced her as she lowered herself into the spring, positioning herself close enough to acknowledge his presence but far enough to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Cullen averted his eyes, and silence stretched between them like a taut wire.
From her peripheral vision, Veronica could make out the defined muscles of his torso, the way water droplets traced paths down his chest. She quickly looked elsewhere.
She expected they would maintain this awkward quiet until one of them left, but Cullen broke the tension unexpectedly.
"Hungry?" His voice was rougher than usual.
The resort staff had arranged an elegant spread of delicacies on floating trays. He nudged one toward her side of the spring.
"Thank you." Her response was barely above a whisper. He offered no reply.
Veronica selected a cluster of grapes, though her appetite had completely vanished. After managing just one piece of fruit, she pushed the tray back across the clear water.
The spring's crystal clarity meant nothing remained hidden. As she moved the refreshments, her gaze inadvertently swept across Cullen's form beneath the water's surface.
He appeared completely unaffected by their proximity, by her state of undress, by the intimacy of their shared space. Another woman might wonder if he was physically incapable of arousal. But Veronica knew better. She had experienced firsthand just how passionate he could be, how his body could respond with fierce intensity.
His indifference now had nothing to do with capability and everything to do with desire. Or rather, his complete lack of it where she was concerned.
She could have worn the most seductive garment ever created, and Cullen would remain unmoved. This truth had crystallized long ago, though it still stung to witness.
Their divorce papers would be finalized soon. Veronica had no intention of attempting anything intimate with Cullen again. That knowledge had made wearing Cook's selection easier. There was no risk of misunderstanding when attraction simply did not exist.
She redirected her attention to the soothing warmth surrounding them.
The heated water worked its magic on her tense muscles, and the steam created a dreamlike atmosphere that made her eyelids heavy. Veronica did not quite drift off, but she felt herself relaxing in ways she had not experienced in months.
Eventually, fatigue won over comfort. She rose gracefully from the spring, water cascading from her body as she reached for her robe.
"I should go rest now."
"Of course." Cullen's response was neutral, professional.
As Veronica secured the robe around herself, she noticed him beginning to exit the spring as well, water streaming from his powerful frame.
The elevator doors were just closing when Cook appeared in the hallway, slightly out of breath.
"Finished already? That seemed quick."
"We had a nice soak." Veronica kept her tone light.
Cook glanced between them, clearly hoping to detect some change in their dynamic, some sign that her matchmaking efforts had succeeded. The careful distance they maintained told her everything she needed to know. Another failed attempt.
Her shoulders sagged with disappointment. "I just received a call from an old friend. She is in the city for medical treatment and needs my support. I hate to cut our weekend short, but I really should return to help her."
Cook squeezed Veronica's hand affectionately, then fixed Cullen with a stern look. "You better treat Ver with respect while I am gone. No nonsense from you."
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Understood."