“Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?” By the tone of his voice, I say he almost sounds as if he’s worried about me, making me look up and see worry written all over his face.
I pull away with reluctance on his part, and I'm trying not to read too much into his worry for me. “I’m fine, really. Luckily for me, that’s not the most embarrassing thing I’ve done in this class.” I mumble out.
“I’m glad to hear that. I can’t have my future wife and mother of my children hurting herself, now can I?”
I close my eyes and groan. Of course, he can’t be normal; I always seem to attract the crazies. I tilt my head and really look at him. I mean, what he said has me wanting to fan my face, but who says that to someone when they don’t even know their name. “Did you escape from the mental facility? If you did, I promise I won’t tell anyone. I’ll just leave and be on my way.” He bends his head so only I can hear him, though that thought is futile since everyone has come so close that I know they’re eating this all up.
“I can assure you, Lily, that I didn’t escape from anywhere. Make no mistake, Tink. You will be mine. You know it, and I sure as hell know it.” Simon growls out as if his word is law, and I’m just going to follow him. I mean, I would be stupid not to because he’s making me feel all kinds of crazy thoughts. But does my ass do that? Nope, not me. I watch in wonder as I haul off and kick him in the leg like the total spaz I am. My eyes bug out, and the smile on his face gets impossibly bigger as if what I just did was totally normal. He throws his head back, laughing as I gather what dignity I have left, racing out the yoga studio. Before the door closes, I hear Simons’s growled words, “Don’t forget Tink. I’m coming for you, so you better be ready.”
Chapter Two
Sometimes in yoga, I feel like a graceful swan. Other times I feel like a baby giraffe trying to use its legs.
Holy fuck do I ever owe Fallon at Pink Collar Temp Agency a case of beer for sending me this job. And to think I almost ignored the damn email that could have had me missing out on my future wife. Make no mistake, what I said to Lily was all true. Hell, I even have her Nana now on my side, giving me pointers on how to win her over. After Lily left racing out the door yesterday like her ass was on fire, her Nana told me all about my little Tink. As soon as they walked into the studio yesterday, it was as if my whole world stopped and started, and it was just us two alone. I was looking at my future: the person I was going to marry, have kids with, and have an undying love that will stand up to anything life throws at us.
My Tink may be beautiful, but graceful she is not. But that’s okay. She’s so tiny that I just want to hide her away from the world so no harm can come to her. Hell, from what I heard, she needs the help. I love her just the way she is regardless. Yes, I said love. I knew as soon as I saw her and the moment my hand touched hers. It was like a live wire directed straight for my dick. Do you know how hard it is teaching a yoga class to a bunch of old ladies with a hard-on? Let me tell you. Fucking hard, pun intended. She hardly reaches my chest, she’s so little. Hazel eyes that I want to get lost in and long blond hair that I want to see wrapped around my hands as I’m pounding into her from behind. Her curves are enough to bring me to my knees. They were enough to make me spill precum in my pants, watching her do Downward Dog.
I am thanking anyone that will listen for bringing her into my life. My mama is the one who taught me everything there is to know about yoga but seeing that no amount of breathing would help me get in control. When she asked if I escaped from a mental facility, I lost it from laughing so much. Then she upped and kicked me for what I said to her. I could see why she would ask that in her defense, but I couldn’t help myself. The shit just came out. But I don’t regret one thing I said she left me all tongue-tied. Nana came walking over with a smirk on her face and mischief in her eyes. I knew we would get along great. She patted my chest and told me I would do nicely for her Lily. So we came up with a plan to get Lily on my side. According to Nana, and yes, she told me to call her that. She said Lily just needed a little push and had just the idea.
So here I am, picking up a chocolate fudge cake at her favorite bakery and a case of beer. Because and I quote, “My Lily never could handle the fruity shit.” As I head to her house to see her, I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my life. Not even when I got caught by the police making out in the back seat of my mom’s car in high school. The closer I get to her house, the sweatier my palms become and the faster my heart races. This is a make it or break it moment. There is no failing; I need to make Lily mine, and before the weekend is up, that will be happening. Hopefully, my ring on her finger soon after that.
Pulling into her driveway, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in anticipation of seeing her again. It may have only been a day, but the thought of not being near her daily sends anxiety through me. I get out and grab my things and make my way towards the front door, knocking once. I come face to face with a smiling Nana, clearly happy to see that I showed up.
“Come in, dear. I’m so happy that you came. Lily is just in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on dinner, and she’s going to be excited to see you.” The mischief in her eyes tells me she’s lying, and Tink actually has no idea I’m here.
As we walk towards the kitchen, the smell is incredible. Whatever Lily is cooking, I can’t wait to eat. I haven’t had a home-cooked meal since my mama died.
“Who’s here, Nana?” It comes from Lily right before we step into the kitchen. She’s taking a sip of her water and promptly chokes, seeing me standing in her kitchen. I place my stuff on the counter and race towards her, patting her back. She takes a step back and swats at my hands, clearing her throat to get herself under control.
“Simon, what are you doing here?” She whispers breathlessly, then she turns her head and narrows her eyes at her Nana. “The better question I should be asking is, what did you do, Nana?”
“Who me? All I did was invite a nice lonely young man to dinner. What’s the harm in that Lily?” Nana says in the most innocent voice, even I’m not buying, making my lips twitch at the exchange.
“I have two words for you. Nursing home.” Lily’s giving her a smug look as if she won this round, yet for some reason, I don’t think she has.
“And I have two words for you, my darling granddaughter, social media. Now, will you look at the time? Well, I’m off, you crazy kids. I have a fun-filled weekend planned with the girls that I can’t miss. Don’t wait up, Lily. Have a nice time, you two. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She sends us a wink while walking out the door in a whirlwind, leaving the two of us alone. I’m dying to ask what she meant by the social media comment, but looking at Lily and seeing how red her face is, I don’t think it would be appreciated right now.
I walk towards her slowly as if she’s a scared little animal, and she tracks my every move. I stand in front of her and grab her face in my hands, feeling the same electrical zap from the last time, so I know I didn’t imagine it. I watch as she swallows hard and licks her lips, making me groan.
“You doing okay with my being here Tink?” I never want her to feel uncomfortable, so as hard as it would be, I wouldn’t be selfish. “If you want me to go, I’ll understand.”
I watch as she really looks at me and when she finds what she is looking for, she blows out a breath steeling her spine and gracing me with her beautiful smile. “I would love it if you could join me, Simon. Now I know why Nana told me to make extras.” She shakes her head with a laugh, used to her spitfire Nana.
I place a kiss on her forehead, letting my lips linger, never wanting this moment to end. When I pull back, I see the wonder on her face. It’s almost like she can’t believe I’m standing here with her and that this is real. She has no idea how fucking real this is. She clears her throat a few times and pulls back.
“Well, if you’re hungry, dinner is ready and set on the table. I hope you like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and homemade rolls with gravy. Is there anything I can get you to drink?”
Fuck, she can cook; I’m definitely keeping her. “I brought beer with me plus a chocolate fudge cake for dessert.” She gives me a blinding smile that lights up the whole room. Grabbing two beers out of the fridge, she walks towards the dining room, and you bet your sweet ass I was following. Hell, if she told me to jump, I’d ask how high. She takes a seat, and I take mine sitting across from her to keep my eyes on her.
“This looks amazing, Tink, thank you.”
“You're welcome. Dig in.” We both pile our plates high, and the taste of the food explodes on my tongue. I leave nothing left, going back for seconds and thirds because it’s that good. I push my plate back, my belly feeling full and content.
“That was amazing Tink, thank you for dinner. I haven’t had a home-cooked meal since my mama passed away a few years ago.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it. I’m sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to lose your family; I lost mine when I was a child. Let me just clean up these dishes, and maybe we can watch a movie.” She has a vulnerable look on her face as if I would ever tell her no. I know me being here is throwing her off, but she will soon realize I’m not going anywhere.
“I would love to.”
