Tempted by the Tycoon's Proposal

The bedroom was furnished with a king-size bed framed by a redwood headboard and posts, made up with plush green plaid bedding and a dozen pillows. A small sofa and coffee table faced the wood-burning fireplace as well as a second wall-mounted TV, giving the bedroom options for more than sleeping.

An extravagant bathroom was anchored by a claw-foot bathtub. There was a walk-in shower with glass walls. Shelves held stacks of fluffy towels and baskets of toiletries. Kento unbuttoned his shirt and threw it onto a vanity table. He quickly stripped off all his clothes, ready for a shower to reinvigorate him after a long journey and the grating encounter with the grinning bridesmaids.

Before stepping into the shower, though, he had a change of heart. The weather had cleared and there was even some end-of-the-afternoon sun, so he decided to make use of the outdoor shower.

Knowing the area was fully secluded thanks to its own cluster of trees, he grabbed a couple of towels and strode naked out the door to the side deck. The shower wasn’t enclosed in any way. Its wide rain-forest faucet was embedded in a stone wall, leaving everything around it open. He turned the knobs until the spray produced a strong flow. When he stepped under the showerhead, the hot water pouring down onto him in conjunction with the soft breeze across his skin was a sublime combination. He let the water slide down his body, swirling to the drain at his feet. Breathing in, he took his time and allowed the sensations to envelop him. It was truly relaxing.

His nakedness outdoors felt so primal. As if an ancient drum was beating somewhere low within him, marching him toward something unseen. A hunger and virility inside him woke up, breaking out of hibernation. Spreading his arms wide-open like an eagle’s wings, he presented his manhood to the blue skies. The water cascaded over his head, down his neck, his shoulders, his chest, his erection. Receiving the downpour, he stood like that, arms outstretched for the longest time. The only thing that kept him from roaring out loud was not knowing how far his voice might carry.

Eventually reaching for the bar of sandalwood-scented soap that had been provided, he began lathering his entire body, scrubbing it into his skin with his hands. Erin was somewhere on the lodge’s property, and he’d be seeing her soon. Had she come into his mind so often over the years because she’d wounded him so badly with her betrayal? Was it because he was torn up by regret for running away, never even confronting her about what she’d been part of? Or was it because no woman had ever compared to her and until he saw her again she’d always have a hold on him? That was what he intended to settle this weekend. He’d return to Japan with no more unanswered questions.

In any case, Kento could smell change in the crisp Washington air.