Page 27 of Unbound Boxset

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ariel watched him go and fought through a raw mix of emotions she didn’t want to name. Since the night she’d told him about Chicago, she remained distant. She slept in his bed every night and went to class, but struggled to keep the deepest part of herself separate. Because she knew he could destroy her. He already had with those cleverly thought-out words. She loved his honesty, but realized he may not feel as deeply about her; at least not enough to want to make their relationship permanent.

She swore she’d never ask him to wait for her. If he wanted a clean break, she’d honor his wishes. She wouldn’t tell him she was madly in love with him. She wouldn’t confess having him in her life may be more important than the promotion of her dreams.

Because he didn’t want her.

At least, not enough to ask her to stay. Or to remain in the relationship. She needed to try to use the practices he taught her to accept his decision, and make as many memories as possible. She’d cling to them during the long, cold nights in Chicago.

Ariel had no other choices right now.

A shadow fell over her, interrupting her thoughts.

Missy and another student, Hannah, stood before her, smiling. “Hi, Ariel,” Missy greeted. “Who is this cutie pie?”

Unease danced down her spine, but she answered casually. “This is Cloud. How are you guys? Did you get a pet of your own yet?”

Missy and Hannah didn’t wait for an invitation but plopped down on the grass beside her as if they were close friends. “We have cats for the day. I may keep mine, my apartment is pretty conductive to animals. How about you?”

“We’ll see.”

“You work a lot, though, don’t you? Long hours. Advertising, isn’t it?”

Ariel held back a groan at Missy’s pretend interest. This was going to be bad. Ariel prayed for yoga strength to hold her temper. Or at least not curse. “Yes, I work in advertising. You’re still taking classes to be something, right?”

Direct hit. Missy liked to flaunt her youthful body, but not her mind. At least, not until it settled on a career. “I’ve actually decided I may be branching out to teaching.” White teeth gleamed like pearls caught in the nasty grip of an oyster. “In fact, Grant has agreed to bump me into the teaching classes as soon as I get certified. I could be his assistant.”

Ariel steered clear of that one and decided to exit. “That’s nice. Well, I better get going.”

Hannah jumped in as her role of wing woman. “Ariel, don’t go yet. We wanted to ask you a few questions. How’d you do it?”

She blinked. “Do what?”

Hannah leaned in. “You know, finally get to Grant. Missy has been trying forever, and he has a really strict code about dating his students. He told both of us that and always seemed to live by the code. Until you.” Hannah licked her lips in lusty anticipation of a story. “So, what did you do?”

Ariel knew the conversation was taking a nosedive. Soon Missy would be eating concrete if she didn’t get out. “Nothing mysterious. Just had dinner one night and decided to continue. I really better head out.”

Missy leaned in. “But he never goes out with students,” she insisted. “All of the other girls in class are shocked. Why did he break the rules for you? I mean, I’m glad you guys have something nice, but it’s thrown the class off a bit. No one feels comfortable anymore.”

Temper bit her like a pissed-off snake. Ariel straightened and decided to take them out. Her voice rivaled an ice cube. “I’m sorry you feel uncomfortable, but it’s no one’s business. Students should be concentrating on the class and learning yoga. Not getting the instructor into bed.”

Hannah and Missy gasped in unison.

“Furthermore, Grant Madison does not date young girls in college who don’t know who they are yet. He respects you too much. I would advise you take advantage of his teaching skills and friendship, and stop gossiping about his personal life. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to take Cloud for a walk. After all, that’s what we’re here for today, right?”

Ariel took her dog and left the couple sitting under the tree.

She was so fucked.

And not in a good way.

* * *

The studio fell silent.

Ariel waited until the slam of the door stopped echoing and made her way to Grant’s office. He sat at his desk, staring sightlessly at the piles of paper. His hair fell loose around his shoulders, the ebony strands gleaming in the low light. The official school T-shirt in black and gold molded to his carved chest muscles, accenting the endless inky depths of his eyes and his craggy features. She stood framed in the doorway and waited.

His casual tone contradicted his face. “She quit the school.”