Page 85 of Saltwater Cowboy

“This isn’t yoga, this is a test of my dignity.”

I burst out laughing. “You’re doing great! Just breathe and let it go.”

He inhaled deeply, then exhaled with a groan. “I think I just pulled something.”

“That’s called progress,” I teased, straightening up. “You’ve just unlocked your first yoga injury.”

Wells rolled his eyes, but I could tell he was loosening up a bit, his shoulders less tense. “I’m going to tell everyone I was tortured in the name of Zen.”

“Fine by me,” I grinned. “Go ahead and tell people you’re a yoga guru. But hey, don’t forget the shorts. You’re clearly a natural in the athleisure department.”

Wells raised an eyebrow but couldn’t suppress the smirk creeping up his face. “I’ll take the shorts win for today.”

“Good, because that’s as close as you’re getting to a win.” I stretched my arms above me, trying to hide my smile. “Next time, you might even surprise me and show up in proper yoga pants.”

Wells raised both brows, looking horrified. “You really think I’m gonna trade in my jeans for stretchy pants?”

“C’mon, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.”

“I’m good with my denim, thanks,” he shot back, wiping sweat from his forehead. “I’ll leave the spandex to you.”

I laughed. “You’re more predictable than a weather forecast.”

He shrugged, his smile never fading. “That’s why you keep coming back for more, isn’t it?”

I smirked. “I just enjoy torturing you.”

I would never tell Wells, but doing yoga with me this morning has helped heal a part of my heart he didn’t break.

We rolled up our mats and headed back inside.

“You want breakfast?” Wells called from the sink.

I yawned, stretching my arms above my head. “I’m not hungry.” I patted my stomach. “I’m still full from last night.”

I couldn’t help but smile thinking about the dinner Wells cooked up. He went from ‘there’s nothing to eat’ to Michelin-star level in what felt like no time. The man could work some serious magic in the kitchen.

“What time is Wren coming over?”

Wells pulled his phone out of his pocket, scanning the screen. “Charlie texted me a little while ago. They’re on the road, so I’d say about thirty minutes or so.”

“Cool. What’s the plan for your W Squared Day?”

Wells grinned. “Wren mentioned wanting to head to the nursing home. Her and Mrs. Turner are like this,” he said, crossing his fingers with a wide grin.

“That sounds fun.”

“You’re welcome to join us, if you want.”

I shook my head, leaning against the kitchen counter. “Nah, I’ve got a date.”

Wells raised an eyebrow. “With who?”

I shot him a playful look. “Jealous much? My book.” I smiled as I tapped my fingers on the counter. “Since you were kind enough to let me off the hook for work today, I’m going to find a quiet spot and dive into it.”

Wells looked at me, eyes widening. “A date with your book?”

I smirked. “Yep. No interruptions, no yoga, just me and my next chapter.”