I know what it’s like to be so far in denial you can’t see the way out. If there’s a way to help Jace, then I will.
3
JACE
Afew days later I’m back in the yoga studio, watching Kayla’s fine ass demonstrate a move called downward-facing dog. She pushes her butt into the air, and my mouth goes dry. I long to run my hands over that rump and pull it toward me, but I can’t let my fantasies get out of control here, not when I’m wearing sweatpants in a room full of men.
To my right, Grant gives a low grunt, and my gaze snaps to him.
“What you staring at?” I hiss.
Grant came to the retreat a few months back for one of the weeklong programs and never left. He’s a solid guy, and we’ve become friends, but I hate that he’s here watching Kayla. I hate that they all are.
We’re at the back of the class this time. I got here late because my appointment with the doctor ran over. They’re still not ready to discharge me, but the doc was happy I’m doing the yoga classes. Told me it would help calm my mind, whatever the fuck that means. All it’s doing is reminding me how long it’s been since I had a woman and making my blood boil that a room full of men are watching Kayla as she pushes her ass into the air.
The class has gotten popular in the week since the yoga studio opened. She runs three classes a day, and I try to be there for all of them. There’s not much else to do at the retreat, and watching Kayla is a better distraction than watching the grass grow.
“I’m watching the instructor.” Grant gives me an odd look. “I’m wondering how I’m going to get my sorry ass into that pose.”
“Well, don’t look at her.”
He raises his eyebrows at me, and a smirk spreads across his face. “You like her.”
I snort at Grant’s words. “She’s a vegan princess who’s into yoga.”
I like the curve of Kayla’s ass; I like her spicy scent, and I liked the feel of her when she was in my arms the day she bumped into me. But I don’t do liking women beyond that. It doesn’t fit with my lifestyle. I’m married to the job, and there’s no room for relationships. But that doesn’t mean I can’t spend some time with a beautiful woman when there’s an attraction between us.
My hip twinges as I move into the pose, but I ignore the ache and push onto my heels. The stretch goes all the way down my glutes and hamstrings, and it feels damn good to stretch this way.
Kayla moves around the class, checking everyone’s position. As she gets close to me, I purposefully drop my ass, making the pose incorrect.
I’m facing downward, and all I see are her legging-clad calves as she makes her way toward us. Her scent reaches me before she does, tangy and spicy, and sweet. Sandalwood. I swiped one of the candles from her class a few days ago so I could burn it in my room. When I close my eyes, I can almost imagine she’s there with me.
Her bare feet come into view as she steps behind me.
“You need to lift your hips.” She places a hand on each hip and lifts me upward. Her touch is electric, and it heats me up from the hips to the chest, spreading warmth through my body and making my cock stir to life.
I resist the urge to spin around and take her in my arms. If only we were alone and not in a room full of veterans.
She steps away, and the moment’s gone, but the ghost of her touch lingers for a long time.
The class finishes, and I take my time rolling up my mat and returning it to the basket by the door. There are spare mats on the floor, and I roll those up too, all the while watching Kayla.
She stands by the door as the class files past. She has a smile for everyone and takes the time to speak to each person as they leave.
Finally, it’s just the two of us. She closes the door and turns, and is surprised to find me hanging back. Her eyes narrow, and she folds her arms across her chest, the good feeling going out of her.
“Can I help you with something?”
She’s wary of me, and I don’t blame her. I like to tease Kayla, but this cat-and-mouse game has gone on too long. It’s time to move this forward and explore this attraction between us.
I cross the yoga studio so I’m standing before her, with only inches between us. She sucks in a breath. Her lips part and her eyes dilate. I’m trained to notice details and interpret them, and what I’m getting is that Kayla is as attracted to me as I am to her.
“I want to take you out on a date.”
She eyes me suspiciously, but she’s not displeased. “Why do you want to do that?”
“Because I want to get to know you.”
