Author's Notes:
'A Shepherd Afield' is a continuation of 'A Shepherd in France' which continued the story of 'The Shepherd of Ashburn Court'. Minimal effort is made in this tale to explain the backstory so please read the other stories first.
All characters engaging in sexual relationships or activities are 18 years old or older.
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Chapter 8
Ben stood in the open lobby of the Costa Rican resort and enjoyed the ocean breezes passing through the access way. The fresh air carried the scents of the lush greenery and beautiful flowers from the gardens on the grounds. He smiled serenely at Rochelle and Trish who smiled happily back at him.
"It's the rainy season and I've been told that this means we'll get thunderstorms in the afternoon for a few hours. We'll get sun and cloud earlier in the day. Afternoons would be a good time to spend a little time in the spa," Ben suggested and got grins from the ladies. "Do you want to see what's available for this afternoon? It looks like today's storm is about to get underway," Ben said peering up at the dark clouds passing over the countryside.
With a smile and a twinkle in her eyes Rochelle walked briskly back to speak with the woman at the reception desk.
Their luggage had been taken to their rooms and Ben was assured the two adjoining rooms had a lovely view overlooking the pool.
Trish leaned against his chest and grinned up at him. "Thank you so much for this Ben. I'd never be able to afford to come to a place as nice as this."
"Thank
you
so much for joining me! I'm just getting used to travelling and I'd never do this on my own," he said as he gave her a hug.
She got a mischievous look in her eyes. "So who are you going to have in your bed tonight?"
He felt his face pink up as she made him sound like some kind of playboy. "I leave that decision up to you and Rochelle. Neither of you
has
to sleep with me you know!"
"Aw Ben, I'm just teasing you. I know you aren't like that. You are such a sweet man... with the body of a sex god!" she purred a little too loudly. A group of older ladies passing by looked back at them in shock.
"Could we try to maintain a low profile on this trip?" he whispered to her.
"Sorry Ben," she said contritely.
"Are you already causing trouble?" Rochelle said to Trish as she rejoined them.
"What can I say, Ben brings out my inner imp!" Trish grinned.
Rochelle just shook her head at the redhead. "Ok, here is what I got us so far. In about an hour we all get a full body massage in the spa with the steam room beforehand. Tomorrow at 2pm we all go back to the spa for mud wraps then the steam room followed by another full body massage. Then Trish and I are booked for manicures, pedicures, and facials finishing off with having our hair done. You will have to find something to do with yourself while we are made all pretty. I've booked us a nice table at their fine dining restaurant tomorrow night." Trish was looking at her in surprise. Rochelle suddenly realized she was spending Ben's money for him and she looked at him nervously. "Is that ok?" she squeaked.
Ben laughed and pulled her into a hug. "Of course it's ok! That's what we are here for! Relaxing, being pampered, and enjoying ourselves! That and keeping me from using my finger so it can heal."
Rochelle hugged him back and looked up at him. "We should go check out our rooms and get into our swimsuits to prepare for our massages."
Ben nodded and released her so they could make their way up the stairs to the second floor. Their rooms were half way down the hall. Just as they were getting close the door to the room next to theirs opened and a man stepped out quickly without looking. He collided with Ben's chest and bounced back. Ben managed to catch him before he fell.
"Unhand me you big oaf!"
Ben released the man once he was sure he wouldn't fall. He looked like he was in his sixties, maybe. He looked fit but his hair was shockingly white and his skin showed the damage of too much time in the sun. From his attire that exposure might have been from golf courses. The man had sharp features with small dark eyes set just a little too close together. Ben found his angry expression to be almost comical but managed not to smile.
"Please be careful when stepping out into the hall, sir," Ben said.
Now the man looked really angry. "You bump into me and I'm to blame for it? You just keep track of where your big feet are carrying that meat on your shoulders and maybe you wouldn't be such a hazard in the hallways!"
Ben sighed and looked past the angry man to his pretty wife who was standing in the entrance of their room. She also had white hair in a stylish pixie cut but she obviously took much better care of her skin. She had an old school wholesome beauty and class that immediately put Ben at ease. She gave him an apologetic smile.
"Good day," Ben said as he moved aside.
The man sputtered in irritation then stormed off with his wife in tow.
Trish watched the man head down the stairs and turned to Ben. "Who put the pickle up his ass?"
"The man seriously needs to learn how to relax!" Rochelle agreed.
Ben used his keycard to open his door and stepped inside. A large modern bathroom was to his immediate right. Walking further into the room he saw it was pretty standard as hotel rooms went. Queen size bed and a large dresser with a TV on top for watching movie's in bed. Sofa sitting area beyond the bed. Next was the large sliding glass doors leading to the balcony. He walked through and stood on the wide terrace looking down at the pool. Only a few people were currently swimming though there was a group of young people hanging out by the pool bar.
He felt arms wrapping around him from behind and from the feel of her body pressing up against his back he knew it was Trish. He gave her arms a squeeze.
"Come on Ben, we've been commanded to get into our swimsuits and robes to report to the spa," she teased.
They went back inside and Ben opened his suitcase to pull out his board shorts and sandals. He stepped into the bathroom to change. Once ready he tried to put on the robe he found on the back of the bathroom door but discovered it was too small.
He draped it over his shoulders and stepped out into the room. Trish and Rochelle grinned at his cape and they headed down to the spa.
Ben followed the ladies down through the lobby to the spa entrance where they were met by a lovely, tall blonde woman in a white sarong.
"Good afternoon! My name is Greta. Am I addressing the Shepherd party?"
Ben looked at Rochelle and smiled. "Yes, that's us."
Greta's eyes were drawn to the scars on his chest which were clearly visible due to his open robe. Her eyes flicked up to his and he saw a dawning recognition in them. However, she was a professional who had met her share of celebrities in the spa so she simply nodded with a smile. "It's an honor to have you visit us. The steam room is just this way."
Ben breathed a sigh of relief and gestured for Rochelle and Trish to proceed him. They stopped before the entrances to the change rooms.
"You will find lockers inside and towels to wrap yourself in once you remove the bathing suits." Greta instructed.
