[Sgchiongster]

I grab a towel, and went into the bathroom dressed only in my running shorts. I knew I should have had a shower before getting into the water but it looked so inviting, I felt hot and sweaty and there was no-one to see me. I just couldn’t resist it and stepped guiltily into the water, panting a little at its temperature then lowered myself up to my neck in its hot depths.

It felt simply wonderful as my body adjusted to the heat; the calming, soothing liquid enveloped my tired, aching muscles, its warmth making me almost dizzy with the sensations. I sat on the submerged bench, leaned back against the smooth side, spread my arms around its edge and tilted my face towards the ceiling.

Relaxation washed over me. Alone in the house, out of earshot of the phone, and feeling pleased with myself for having got the day’s exercise out of the way, I washed the salt from my face and pressed the button beneath my fingers.

The bubbles started. I could feel the powerful water jets pummelling my legs, lower spine and shoulders, easing the strain my woodland run had induced. I sipped my Diet Coke, wishing it had been a cold beer instead, closed my eyes and let myself drift into a doze.

“Pfffft!” The sound of a drink can being opened snapped me back from my reverie with a jolt.

“Hi!” Veronica's voice coming from behind me was soft and friendly. “Fancy a beer?”

“Veronica!”

I jumped with surprise, my head turning first left then right in a futile attempt to see where the voice was coming from. My awkwardness made her giggle as she walked round the tub and into my field of view.