Parker nodded. “In the community visiting, and I need a break.” Thank God the prices for classes were listed in clear sight on the wall behind her. He slipped a couple bills onto the counter, avoiding hitting any of the candles.
The small woman tucked the money away before bowing slightly. “We’re happy to accommodate drop-in guests. Sign the waiver form here—” she tapped the countertop, “—then make yourself at home. Class begins in ten minutes.”
He moved to the bench, settling beside Lynn. He was still examining her on the sly when she turned and he caught the first glimpse of her face close-up. Smooth olive-toned skin. Full lips that were both perfectly bitable and a lickable licorice-red that seemed to be her natural coloring. Cheekbones he wanted to stroke with his fingers, but her eyes were what trapped him. Long lashes fluttered open to reveal pupils of an icy pale blue, like the inner core of a glacier. Unique and glorious.
She straightened, and those delectable lips twitched into a full smile. “Hi.”
Parker couldn’t look away. “Hi.”
My God, he had seen his share of beautiful women, in and out of their clothes, but he’d never before had a gut-punch reaction like falling into Lynn Elizabeth Davidson’s eyes. They were mesmerizing. He was damn near holding his breath, hoping she would blink so he could see her lashes sweep up and down again.
Her smile faded slightly. She cleared her throat. “Are you okay?”
A rapidly rising obsession shouted in his brain, commanding he wrap his fingers around her neck and pull her firmly against him so he could prove he was far better than okay, especially for someone like her.
Dean’s softly spoken words slapped him. “I’m in the café across the street. Meet me there when you’re done.”
Parker snapped back to reality. Jeez, what the hell was wrong with him? He was going to fuck up a mission for the first time in his career, all because of a pretty pair of eyes.
Instead, he took off his shoes and looked around as if wondering what to do next. “I’ve never been here before, and I’m feeling a little lost.”
“Don’t worry, sugar, we’ll be happy to let you tag along with us,” a new voice reassured him. Lynn’s friend stepped in front of him and eyed him appreciatively. She stuck out her hand. “Susanna. Or Suz. I’m easy.”
He shook her hand and didn’t bother to fight the enormous smile that burst free as she waggled her brows suggestively. “Parker.” He turned to Lynn. “And you are?”
“Not as easy as her.”
Suz smacked her friend on the shoulder, her good-natured grin staying firmly in place. “Don’t knock it ’til you try it, baby.”
Lynn rose off the bench, settling the straps of her gym bag over her shoulder. “I’m Lynn. Sorry about my friend. Her medication wore off about half an hour ago.”
He accepted her handshake as well. “Thanks for offering to show me the ropes.”
“No problem. Drop your shoes over there, and we’ll point you to the men’s changing room.” She looked him over, her gaze lingering on his shoulders and biceps before she jerked her head away.
Parker followed the women down a narrow hall, a tight fit for three people walking side by side. When his arm gently brushed Lynn’s, he could’ve sworn she sucked in a gasp of air.
Huh. Maybe he wasn’t the only one feeling something here, which only made the fact that he was on a job more awkward.
A flash of white caught his peripheral vision, and inspiration struck. He stopped in front of the little ledge at the end of the corridor, admiring a bright yellow vase overflowing with white roses.
“Something wrong?” Lynn asked.
“No, nothing. I just like these.” He traced one of the delicate petals with his finger. “White roses are my favorite.”
The two women exchanged a look, and then Lynn said, “Oh.”
He cocked a brow. “What, you don’t like them?”
She shrugged. “I’m not a fan of roses in general. I’m more of a cornflower girl.”
Jackpot.
Looking like she was fighting a grin, Suz pointed to the left. “Change there, and the hot room is at the end of the hall on the right.”
“Hot room?” Parker paused with his hand on the locker room door.
Lynn’s eyes narrowed. “Did you not know it’s a hot yoga class?”
He’d never heard of such a thing. Still, it couldn’t be any worse than a typical session of calisthenics during Hell Week.
“No,” he confessed. “But I’m game to try new things.”
“Oh, sugar. You are in for a treat,” Suz promised.
His target looked concerned. “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s a little more intense than a typical class.”
Parker resisted the urge to smooth the frown from her forehead. “I’ll be fine.”
“You are fine.” Suz gave him a wink. “Just so you’re prepared, dress like you’re heading into a sauna. And take a water bottle.”
By the time they were fully into the class, however, Parker was ready to reevaluate his definition of torture.