Inara stretched her arms up over her head and sighed. As irritated as she had been lately that Serenity hadn't visited any planets where she could find clients, sometimes it was nice to wake up in her own bed alone and with no responsibilities for the day. Mal had said that it would be another day at least before they made it back to Persephone, so she had the day to simply relax.
Getting up and drawing a shallow basin of warm water, Inara set out to pamper herself just a little. She mixed jasmine essential oil into the water and breathed in the sweet smell. It was a luxury that she generally reserved for when she had a special client, but today she felt like indulging herself. She sank into the plush, low seat and slipped her bare feet into the basin of warm, soothing water.
For a few minutes she simply sat with her eyes closed letting the sweet-smelling water soak her feet. She almost purred at the warmth that worked its way up her body, cocooning her legs in soothing comfort. Stretching down, she began to gently massage her left foot with a soft cloth she had dipped into the warm water. It felt so relaxing. She wondered why she didn't treat herself like this more often!
A harsh rasp snapped Inara out of her reverie as the shuttle door slid open with a loud crash. The captain poked his head into the room.
"'Nara, Kaylee said to tell you that River made you breakfast in the mess …"
Mal sort of trailed off and swallowed audibly, his eyes wide at the scene before him.
"I'm fairly certain that I told you to knock," Inara snapped, tossing the cloth back into the water in irritation.
Mal nodded, but seemed unable to say anything. His eyes never left her.
"Tell Kaylee and River that I will be up in a minute," Inara said in a slightly calmer voice. Her glare was no less harsh, but Mal hardly seemed to notice. "Now go away so that I can change."
Mal backed away, closing the shuttle door carefully, his eyes staying on her until the door blocked his view. Inara sighed. So much for her relaxing day.