When Jacob stumbled upon the massage parlour tucked away in a quiet corner of Inkpen Common, something stirred in him. After months of a mundane routine, nights spent sleeping restlessly, nothing but the distant roar of urban sprawl to lull his mind, this seemed like an escape.
Kneading his palm against the worn brickwork, Jacob spotted the three terracotta red lampshades hanging from the eaves – a soft neon sign that seemed to beckon him in from the chill of his autumn night.
He shivered, the chill mixing with anticipation as he knocked on the door.
The door sprang open, spilling a warm and inviting light out onto the street. The woman behind the threshold was tall and slender, but Jacob felt a strange sense of familiarity in her eyes.
She welcomed him warmly and, without asking, led him into the massage parlour.
The air smelled of patchouli and lavender, a calming scent that wrapped itself around Jacob and lent him a sense of comfort. Shelves filled with oils and lotions lined one wall, and mats, blankets, and sheets were neatly tucked away in a corner. Candles burned in sconces, providing a gentle ambiance to the otherwise dimly-lit room.
Jacob took a deep breath and felt some of the tension ebb from his body before he realized what he was doing.
The woman stood in front of him, a soothing smile on her face, and silently indicated a massage table. Jacob’s heart skipped a beat as he realized what was about to happen. He felt both excited and scared, unsure of what exactly he was in for.
The woman put her hands on his shoulders, her gaze never leaving his as she gestured toward the table. Hesitantly, Jacob stepped forward and lay down.
The woman’s hands were soft and warm against his skin. She moved over him with steady, firm pressure, a technique that Jacob had experienced before. He exhaled slowly as her fingers kneaded away the knots in his back.
He felt the tension leaving his body and his mind slowly began to wander. It felt so good; he felt himself sliding deeper and deeper into a state of relaxation as she worked her way down his neck and shoulders.
Suddenly, the massage changed. Her hands now moved with more erotic intent, her fingers skimming across his skin and sending sparks of pleasure through his body. Jacob felt his breathing quicken and his heart beat faster as she moved down his body.
The massage came to an abrupt end, leaving Jacob feeling both satisfied and longing for more. He could feel the warmth from her hands long after she had left the room.
Jacob thanked the woman, who had left without saying a word, but he felt a strange connection as she walked away.
The experience had left him feeling more relaxed and content than ever before. Jacob was no longer a stranger in this little massage parlour tucked away in Inkpen Common. From now on, it was his refuge.