Fake by Francine Pascal Page B

chest.
    This was new. She’d never really been shy of nudity before. It wasn’t that she loved her body—in fact, she’d always thought her long limbs and muscular build didn’t suit a girl her age, making her seem more like a hard plastic action figure than a real live human. But before now—before fear—she’d just never seen what the big deal was all about.
    And just as Gaia only understood nightmares and tickling since the onset of fear, only now did she understand why nudity was an issue. Sitting half naked under the yellow fluorescent lights, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being on display. Was he judging her body? Did he think her breasts were too small? Too big? Did he think her bodybuilder arms were gross?
    Get over it, she scolded herself. He’s only trying to help.
    Skyler didn’t even seem to be watching her. He wasbusy opening up bottles and little packets of cotton balls. Soon Gaia felt the cold bite of alcohol being swabbed against her scrapes. She flinched reflexively.
    â€œSorry,” his voice murmured in her ear. “It’ll sting a little.”
    After cleaning her cuts Skyler began rubbing a thick, warm cream into her wounds. His touch was deliberate yet gentle, and Gaia slowly relaxed into his care.
    â€œIs that better?” he asked after a while, resting his hands on her shoulders.
    â€œYeah,” she whispered. “Thanks.”
    â€œNo problem.” His fingers began gently kneading her muscles. “I bet you’re sore all over, huh?”
    â€œMm-hmm,” she agreed, leaning backward and surrendering into his soothing touch.
    â€œI know just the thing.” He gave her muscles one final prod with his thumbs and moved around to face her. “Come on,” he said, gesturing toward the back rooms. “I’m giving you a bath.”
    Opposite of Smart
    â€œTHIS WILL BE THE BEST THING for you.” Skyler sat on the edge of his tub, shouting over the running water. “I always take one of these after a workout.”
    â€œUh-huh?” Gaia said, fiddling as long as she could with her watch clasp. Finally she felt it was too obvious she was stalling. She slid it off her wrist and placed it on the counter.
    Okay, she could easily convince herself that taking off her shirt was not a big deal. But completely undressing? That was a big deal. Yet for some reason, she didn’t want to offend him by letting him see how uncomfortable she was. After all, he was only trying to take care of her. And he’d done nothing to make her distrust him.
    As casually as she could manage, Gaia unbuttoned the front of her Levi’s and pulled them down over her hips.
    â€œYou’re going to love this,” Skyler was saying, pouring a variety of oils into the tub. “You’re being treated to the best Rodke-Simon bath products on the market”
    â€œReally?” Gaia tried to sound casual as she yanked off her jeans, folded them neatly, and set them on the white tile counter.
    â€œThis one has lavender and juniper berries, which will help you heal,” he said, holding up a small glass bottle before pouring in a thick teaspoonful. A glistening green oil slick formed on the surface of the water.
    â€œUh-huh. Good.” She carefully pulled her sock off her left foot and folded it, too.
    â€œAnd this one has sage, which is great for sore muscles.”
    â€œRight. Great.” She couldn’t put it off any longer. Just do it, she told herself. It’s only Skyler, for chrissake. Quit being such a prude.
    Gaia reached back, unhooked her bra, and quickly pulled it off. Okay. That wasn’t so bad, she told herself as she placed it on the rest of her clothes. She took a quick peek toward Skyler. He was busy adding a salty substance to the bathwater. Now for the big finish. She took a deep breath of air and courage and slid off her underwear. There, she thought, adding it to the teetering clothing