It shouldn’t bother me and yet, somehow it does. I shake my head and release an exaggerated sigh. I move into downward dog, and my pulse jolts. The heat from his hands is searing through my yoga pants faster than the sun. His fingers barely graze my waist before settling on my hips as he guides me into more centered position.
Suddenly, every single cell in my body is hyperaware of how he’s gliding with me. He keeps reciting the sequence for the rest of the class, but it’s almost as if he’s trying to meld his body into mine.
“You need to loosen up, Sunshine,” he whispers into my ear as I expand into warrior one. “You’re holding so much tension in your shoulders. Want me to help, or do you prefer suffering in silence?”
“I’m only suffering from you ruining my focus,” I say as I flex back into warrior two.
His rough hands skim my shoulders as I straighten, and the softest whimper escapes me.
No.
Oh no.
My body is not cooperating, and I decide that I’m done with this particular spiritual journey. I drop my arms and gather my things.
“We still have forty minutes left in class,” Duke says, and judging by his expression, I swear he seems disappointed.
“There’s plenty of other women who would love for you to loosen them up. If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
Duke continues to guide the class as I bolt back into the lobby. The air outside feels too thin, my skin too warm, and I know one thing for sure—whatever just happened out there had nothing to do with yoga.
pig and goats and burros, oh my!
DUKE
What the hellwas I thinking, touching that woman during yoga?
Now, my fingers are itching for more of her toned, soft skin. At first, I thought it was silly that Roxanne showed up to sunrise yoga in a mock neck cropped sweatshirt, but as she moved, I caught delightful glimpses of her slender waist.
I pause as I disinfect the last yoga mat. The class has been over for ten minutes, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Roxanne. She had no right looking as good as she did stretching in the morning light. She was stunning with her long, lean body, stretching into those poses, her muscles flexing, and her hair slipping over one shoulder.
Nope.
Not going to waste thoughts on her. I’m especially not going to think about the whimper that escaped her … mercy. I loved hearing her make that sound, and the way her skin bloomed pink after she caught herself falling apart from my touch.
The worst part is that when Roxanne stormed off in a huff, instead of being relieved she was gone, I missedhaving the fight.
You’re in deep shit, Faraday.
I clench my jaw, forcing myself to move, to do something other than stand there like an idiot, obsessing over a woman who has the warmth of a winter squall.
After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I hustle back to the lodge so we can go on a tour of the animal areas before we sign our paperwork and officially start the contest.
I hear Allie giggling while Leo chats in his signature baritone. Before my eyes can sweep the room for Little Miss Sunshine, both Topper and Rusty grab each of my arms and pull me to the side.
“Boy, I’m warning you,” Rusty growls.
“I’m begging you to be nice,” Topper insists.
“I haven’t done anything!” I say, wrenching my arms out from their grasp.
“You will,” Rusty says.
Topper leans in. “You’ve got that look in your eyes.”
“Whoa, are we on a date?” I push Topper back. “Back up, brother.”
Rusty puts his hand up. “He’s serious, Duke. You need to be on your best behavior, starting now.”
