Simple, but practical, the studio is suitable for all kinds of classes and small gatherings. Room hire alone should provide Sam with a small, but steady, income. Before we’re done, I intend to make sure that’s the case.
Having run out of distractions, my gaze pulls in the direction it’s wanted to go all along. Sam.
He’s perfectly positioned on his cushion at the front of the room, dressed in navy cotton pants and a loose white button-up shirt. The sleeves are rolled to expose strong forearms. His back is straight, chin tucked, stillness poised but gentle. I try not to stare, but it’s hopeless. The blond hair flopping over his forehead is in such perfect disarray my fingers itch to tunnel through it. And his lips… I shouldn’t think about what I want to do to those lips.
His eyes open and his gaze shifts around the room, from student to student. I should close my eyes again, before he reaches me, so he doesn’t know I’ve been cheating.
“Sit. Close your eyes. Pretend.”
Those were the instructions he gave me before class, when I’d sidled up long enough to remind him I never agreed to meditate. I’ve managed the sitting part. I could even claim my pretence is adequately convincing. My eyes, on the other hand, remain stubbornly open—waiting.
His gaze finds mine. There’s a flash of surprise in the blue, before it settles into something like acceptance. I expect him to move on, but he doesn’t break the contact. Neither do I.
I may be reluctant to delve into the mess inside my head. But when it comes to being around Sam, there isn’t a reluctant bone in my body.
My breath deepens as we continue staring at each other. My lips part. His gaze flicks down to them for a brief second and, holy fuck, I want to eye-fuck this man into oblivion. I don’t care who else is in the room. His own lips fall open, just far enough I’d be able to slide my tongue—
His eyelids slam shut. Dropping his head forwards, he takes a deep, shuddery breath.
The corners of my mouth lift. Right there with you, Sam.
A few minutes later, he begins to speak, his speech a touch on the husky side now. He directs the class to start becoming aware of the room around them, signalling the end of the class. Good. I’m done sitting here like a big, horny lump.
After everyone starts to move, Alice approaches me with a smile. “Did you enjoy the class?”
I enjoyed getting the teacher all hot and bothered from a distance. Does that count? “It was interesting. What about you?”
“Yes,” she sighs. “I needed this tonight. It’s like taking a sedative, all the stress flows right out of me.”
“That’s great.” Can’t say I agree. If anything, I’m more keyed up than I was when I got here, and it’s entirely Sam’s fault. “Do you have a big weekend planned?” I ask, hoping to change the subject.
“My parents are visiting,” she grumbles. “We can look forward to two days of non-stop talk about my sister’s kids and hints about us adding to the brood.”
I grimace as we collect our belongings from the shelves and return the cushions. “Sounds like fun.”
“Not exactly.” She huffs a laugh. “George and I may have fun racing each other to the bottom of a wine bottle.”
“You’ll win,” I tease. “George is a lightweight.”
“True,” she agrees. “Will you be back next week?”
“That’s the deal.” Unless I can find a way to get out of it. I may be unsure how to get what I need from Sam, but sitting here pretending to meditate week after week isn’t going to get me any closer to my goal.
“Thanks for agreeing to help Sam. I don’t know what I’d do if he stopped teaching.”
“I won’t let that happen.” Concern filters through me as I watch Alice put on her shoes. I know her job is stressful, but she’s always seemed to thrive on the challenge. The way she’s suddenly attached herself to these classes, as if they’re her saving grace, is unlike the woman I’ve known for the past year and a half.
Granted, I totally get the attraction to Sam. When I look up, he’s on the other side of the room speaking to another student. His body is relaxed, his face open and smiling. He’s like a different person here. There’s a calm confidence about him I haven’t seen before. Like he knows this is the place where he fits into the world.
He casts a sidelong glance my way and blushes when he catches me watching him. How far does the warmth extend? Could I make him blush all over? Tearing my gaze away, I give myself a mental shake. Don’t go there, Tristan.
“Are you heading out?” Alice asks, edging towards the door.
“I need to talk to Sam,” I tell her, “about business stuff.”
Eyes narrowing, she looks at me, and then over at Sam—who’s looking at me. “I see.” Her grin widens. “I’ll leave you to your… business.”
I give her a pointed look. “Good night, Alice.”
