I let it wash over me.
When a thought flits through my mind, I capture it and let it loose in the air like my guided meditations have told me to do. When I hear the shuffle of feet and the sound of people sitting, I drown them out with a mental, ummm.
I sit like that, not thinking until the instructor issues a soft, “Good morning,” in a soothing melodious voice.
I lift my lashes to take in the yoga instructor, a bronzed beauty. A gorgeous, dark-haired woman with huge melting-chocolate eyes and a fit body that could rival a Sports Illustrated model. One look at her and I instantly regret my thousands of pi?a colada calories from yesterday.
“Today we’re going to start in mountain pose.”
I stand, my gaze on her as she demonstrates the posture. I mimic her, feet together, raising my arms to the sun, before bringing them down to heart center and closing my eyes again at her instructions.
“Breathe in.” Her voice is slow and soothing. “Breathe out.”
I exhale. Feeling proud of myself for taking this first step.
“I’d like you to begin by setting an intention for class and sending it out into the universe.”
Please, universe, don’t let me run into Christopher for the rest of the trip. Lead me away from temptation. Not toward it.
“Your intention can be whatever you desire, it can be about nothing more than being present in your surroundings and in this moment. Or it can be greater, more encompassing, like world peace.”
Okay, so maybe I have a little work to do in the intention department, but hey, I’m a work in progress.
“Today, I want you to feel strong, so using your breath, move to warrior two.” I watch as she swings her arms wide, and shifts so her body is thrust out to the side, her arm straight, her gaze over her right fingers.
I follow suit, paying attention to my form, looking out over my fingers only for my eyes to collide with Christopher’s spectacular bare back, and even more magnificence ass encased in tight shorts that sit low on his hips.
Oh my god!
What the fuck, universe.
Christopher
This is a silent, beachside yoga class, Ashley may not break the rules by speaking, but her body language speaks volumes. When I’d seen her sitting there on the mat, her hair back, her face free of makeup, and her eyes closed I’d thought the gods had smiled upon me, because I certainly hadn’t planned this. How could I have?
Of course, I could have sat down behind her, so she wouldn’t notice me, but that’s not what I wanted. I want her notice. I want her aware.
I’d tried to smile at her, but instead of returning it, she looked like she might murder me. I didn’t let that faze me. I’m going after Ashley. Maybe we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe she’s older than me. Maybe I don’t have time and she doesn’t have time. Maybe she’s made some vow of celibacy. And maybe none of it makes any sense. But I don’t care about that. There is something between us that deserves exploration.
I’m not letting life stand in the way.
So I smile every time our eyes lock and she shoots back daggers, her jaw is clenched, and not at all relaxed, despite the class’s best intentions.
In all honesty, it’s not the most relaxing class I’ve ever taken.
We hadn’t spoken but tension, sexual and otherwise, hums like a live wire. Despite my years of practice, I kept losing my focus, getting distracted by Ashley’s fantastic body decked out in miniscule yoga clothes. Every bend and stretch, every flex reminds me of our night together. The things we’d done. The ways I’d taken her.
“Namaste,” the instructor says, raising her pressed hands to the middle of her forehead. “Thank you for joining me on this beautiful morning.”
Ashley jerks her head in my direction, glares at me, jumps up and stomps off, heading through the arches leading into the hotel.
I grab my discarded shirt and follow, jogging to catch up to her. Her stride is brisk as she walks down the corridor, and when I reach her, I grab her elbow and swing her around. “Hey, wait up.”
Her brows slam together. “No, I will not! Let me go.”
“Just wait one second.” I tighten my hold. “I want to talk to you.”
“Well, I don’t want to talk to you.” She jabs her finger into my chest. “Stop following me.”
“I didn’t follow you.” I flash her my most charming, most affable smile. “It’s fate, Ashley.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not fate.” She waves her free hand toward the veranda we just vacated, where the rest of the class still sits enjoying the scenery. “Do you honestly expect me to believe you take yoga?”
I laugh. “Yeah, but that class was a little tame for me. I usually take Bikram Yoga three times a week in Lakeview.”