It had started so innocently. Julie had been sitting in the hot tub, the cool night air brushing against her skin as the steam rose around her. Her shoulders ached from the stress of the day, and the silence of the empty house had been both comforting and lonely. Joe was at work, just like he always was these days. The kids were grown, the house was quiet, and she was... alone.
She'd poured herself a glass of wine, letting the warmth of the water and the alcohol loosen her muscles. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over the backyard. It was peaceful. Until she heard the gate creak open.
Julie froze, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn't expecting anyone. " hello" she said.
"Julie? It's me,...Scott," a familiar voice called out softly.
She relaxed, with a sigh of relief. Scott was their neighbor, a friendly face she'd known for years. He and his wife, Mary, were great neighbors. Always kind, and helpful.
"Hey Scott you scared me," she called back, her voice carrying through the quiet night. "what's up is everything ok?"
He stepped into the moonlight, his hands shoved into the pockets of his robe. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just... I couldn't sleep, and I remembered you and Joe said we could use the hot tub whenever. I didn't think anyone would be out here this late, sorry I scared you.. I'll get outta here."
Julie chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. " that's ok, come on in."
Scott hesitated, his eyes flickering to the house. "Are you sure? I don't want to bother you."
"You're not bothering me," she assured him. " is Mary coming too" she asked as she watched him take his robe off.
He shook his head no, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "No she's visiting her sister with the kids."
"oh..ok," she said, a little embarrassed. "Ok well come on in, would you like a glass of wine or a beer." "Beer... would beer great thanks" he helped her as she stepped out of the tub.
---
The water was warm as Scott slipped in, the steam rising around him as he settled into the tub. She handed him his beer, their fingers brushing briefly as he took it from her, she climbed and sat across from him.
"Cheers," she said, clinking her glass against his.
"Cheers," he replied, taking a sip.
They talked for a while, the conversation light and easy. Scott was charming, his laughter warm and genuine. Julie found herself relaxing in his company, the tension in her shoulders still nagging at her but she was enjoying the evening.
But then his leg brushed against hers under the water, and something shifted.
They both pulled away quickly, an awkward silence hanging between them. Scott cleared his throat, taking another drink of beer. Julie looked away, her cheeks flushing.
"Sorry," he said, his voice soft.
"Thats okay," she replied, her own voice barely above a whisper.
The silence stretched on, the air was beginning to fill with a slight tension, Julie started to think of Joe and how he probably wouldn't like her alone in the tub with Scott, she better wrap this quickly up she thought.
---
"Your shoulders still bothering you?" Scott asked after a while, his voice breaking the silence.
Julie nodded, rolling them experimentally. "Yeah. I've been under a lot of stress lately."
