Page 14

CHAPTER SIX

TANNER

I make it all the way out to the parking lot before the adrenaline wears off and my legs start to shake. I’m not a “shake with emotion” kind of guy. Not even after three-alarm barn fires or seeing my oldest brother drive a skid-steer through the side of the calving barn. But standing there in the soft afterglow of that yoga class, I’m feeling like I got hit over the head with a two-by-four. I lean against my truck, breathing hard, and try to process what the hell just happened. My entire body’s still vibrating, every nerve ending lit up and buzzing, and I know I’ll never be the same.

Star, the yoga instructor, is my mystery blonde, the woman I’ve been obsessing over for days, the one who ruined my concentration and invaded my dreams? I finally fucking found her.

Holy. Shit. How did I get so goddamn lucky?

She isn’t just gorgeous; she’s smart and funny, and her hands on my body felt like some kind of blessing. Like every fantasy I’ve had since I spotted her walking down Main just got cranked to eleven.

Fuck, I’m lucky.

I climb into my truck and just sit there, hands on the steering wheel, feeling the ghost of her touch still burning through my shirt. Star Wilder. Jesus. That woman is a force of nature.

I jab the ignition button, and my truck comes to life with a low growl. The A/C is set to Arctic Blast, which feels like heaven. My back is already looser than it’s been in weeks. I crank the radio, hoping a little southern rock will drown out the endless playback in my head, but no dice. I’m rewinding every second of that class like it’s a crime scene, and I’m looking for clues as to how Star managed to get under my skin.

I’m halfway home before I realize I’ve missed my turn three times. My phone vibrates in the cupholder, the screen lighting up with Maggie’s name and, of course, the Hey Soul Sister ringtone she programmed in as a joke. I consider letting it go to voicemail. I try to focus on the road, but every time I blink, all I see are Star’s green eyes staring into mine.

I run a hand through my hair and laugh out loud at myself. Jesus, get a grip, Carrington. You’ve known her for an hour, and you’re already planning out your entire life together. Pathetic.

The phone keeps ringing. My sister won’t be denied. I curse and tap the answer button, prepping my best nonchalant voice.

“Yeah?” I say, trying for casual and failing miserably.

“How are you doing?” Maggie’s voice is half-worried, half-gleeful.

I grunt, “Barely survived. You owe me hazard pay.”

There’s a pause. “You didn’t look like you hated it.”

I didn’t. Not even a little. But I’m not giving her that satisfaction. “My dignity may never recover.” And I know for sure my heart will never be the same again.

She snorts. “What are you talking about? You were the main attraction.”

I grip the steering wheel, knuckles white. “I’m almost home. My back feels…” I stop, because I don’t want to admit it, but finish with, “Fine. It feels fine.”

She laughs, high and sharp. “Admit it. You liked it. I knew you would.”

If I weren’t so rattled, I’d have a snappier comeback. “It was great.”

She’s quiet for a second, and I can feel her thinking. My sister is annoying, relentless, and she’s also freakishly perceptive. “You okay?” she asks, but it’s not about the class anymore. “You sound weird.”

I almost say, “I’m fine,” and hang up. Instead, what comes out is, “Tell me about Star.”

There’s a delighted gasp, like I’ve handed her the plot twist of the year. “You like her!” Maggie crows.

“Don’t start with me,” I groan, but I’m smiling despite myself. “And I never said I like her.”

She giggles. “You are so screwed, Tannie Poo. What do you want to know about her?”

I pull into my driveway and shut off the engine, needing a second to reset before facing reality again. “Everything.”

Maggie laughs so loud the sound echoes around my truck. “Oh my God, you are already obsessed. I knew it.”

I don’t bother denying it. No point.

She just keeps going, voice practically vibrating. “She moved here a few months ago. Used to teach yoga in Austin, but she wanted to start her own studio. She’s amazing. The class regulars swear she’s the best teacher around.”