We’ve avoided each other as much as we can, passing like ships in the night. The old cliché is the only way I can think of to describe the last few days.
Jax’s confession had me almost running for the hills. But as hard as it is to admit, I can’t deny the fact I’m starting to feel things too. Things I hadn’t expected to feel.
I mean,hello, what did I expect to happen? I read romance. Hell, my best friend, who warned me this would happen, writes it for a living. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew we could end up in this scenario. But what did I do? I chose to ignore it. And now I have to live with it.
I arrive at Summit an hour early, jittery with nervous energy. My nipples are still tender, a constant reminder of Jax’s hands on me, his dick in my mou?—
Nope. I shake my head, forcing myself to focus. Today is about Summit, not my complicated whatever they are for my neighbor-slash-former FWB-slash-now just a roommate.
The new Summit looks perfect.
Morning light filters through the large windows, casting a warm glow over gleaming light hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and state-of-the-art equipment.
After all the drama lately, I needed this win.
“What do you think?” I ask Noia when she comes in, carrying two cups of coffee.
“It’s amazing,” she says, handing me a cup. “You did it again, Sash.”
“We did it,” I correct her, taking a sip. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
She squeezes my arm. “Any news from Dylan?”
“Nothing yet.”
“Morning!” Reyna bustles in looking fresh and energetic in pale blue yoga pants and a white tank top. “It looks incredible. I can’t believe today’s finally here.”
Grateful for her enthusiasm, I return her hug. “Me too. People should start arriving in about half an hour. You ready to do this thing?”
“Born ready,” she grins. “Just tell me where you need me.”
We spend the next twenty minutes going through last-minute preparations. I show Reyna how to use the sound system and walk her through the check-in process for new clients.
“So we’ll have them fill out these waivers,” I explain, pointing to the stack of forms on the front desk. “And then they can set up wherever they’d like in the room.”
She nods. “Got it. And what about props? Should we put blocks and straps out?”
“Already done,” I say, pointing to the neatly arranged shelves at the back of the room. “There is enough for everyone who signed up, but if we need more, there’s extra in the storage closet.”
As we go over a few more details, people start filtering in.It begins with a trickle, but soon grows to a steady stream of excited faces. Most are women, though there are a few men in the mix, all clutching yoga mats and water bottles.
My heart swells with pride as I watch them find spots on the floor, chatting excitedly among themselves.
“Sasha?” A familiar voice redirects my attention. Turning, I find myself face to face with Lizzy, dressed in black leggings and a purple tank top.
“You came!” I exclaim, genuinely surprised to see her. Knowing she’s not a big fan of yoga—she’s more of a gym rat—the fact that my new friend is here to support me means the world.
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it,” she grins. She jerks her chin. “I’m gonna grab a spot before all the good ones are gone.”
Before I have a chance to refocus on the task at hand, the door to the studio opens again, and my heart does a funny little skip.
I wasn’t expecting Jax to show up, not after how things have been between us the past few days.
Wearing a sleeveless T-shirt and a pair of his favorite basketball shorts, he surveys the room before his eyes lock onto mine. Then, his gaze shifts, traveling slowly down my body and back up, taking in my fitted black leggings before pausing on my breasts, hidden behind a tight green sports bra.
When I got dressed this morning, my piercings were more than obvious, even beneath the tight fabric, so I found a couple of round makeup remover pads and tucked them inside, shielding them from view.
Heat floods my cheeks at his perusal, and when our eyes lock again, there’s something soft in his expression that I can’t quite read.
