by Tara Wyatt
“It’s a waste of money,” she said to herself. “You don’t need it.” She’d lost count of how many times she’d said those exact words to herself over the past few years as she struggled to save up enough money to make her dreams come to fruition.
You could use the hit of caffeine, said the little devil on her shoulder. It was the same devil who told her she should get her nails done at a salon instead of doing them at home herself. The same devil who whispered that she didn’t always need to buy her groceries at Aldi. That not every piece of furniture in her apartment had to come from Craigslist or a secondhand store. That it was okay to buy something unnecessary without a coupon, or if it wasn’t on sale.
But that little devil was a liar, because none of that was true. Every penny mattered. Every single one. Wasting a dollar could spiral into wasting ten dollars and then a hundred, and then she’d be farther away from having the money needed to take her business to the next level.
Unless that loan came through. Then maybe there’d be a little more wiggle room for things like Starbucks and manicures and fresh organic produce. But it was a big if. A huge one.
She sighed as she coasted by the green awning, jealous of the customers coming out of the store, cups in hand. And while the little devil was a liar, it was true that she could’ve used the caffeine. She’d been up since five that morning—like most mornings—to fit in her own workout before heading to the swanky gym where she worked with private clients for individual training sessions. She hadn’t had time for a proper lunch, squeezing in a protein bar and bites of a salad she’d brought from home while driving downtown from the ritzy University Park neighborhood where the gym was located.
She inched down Elm and then hung a left onto North Lamar, Dell Park rising up in front of her. She’d been working with the Longhorns since the start of their season a couple of months ago, and while she’d been slightly intimidated at the prospect of giving yoga and conditioning classes to a group of professional athletes, she’d come to look forward to the sessions. The guys were a fun group, and the benefits of her sessions seemed to be paying off in reduced injuries and quicker recoveries. So many athletes—especially men—neglected their flexibility, and she’d been brought on by the team’s brass to help everyone on the team make improvements.
As she pulled into the stadium’s parking garage, grateful she had a guest pass and wouldn’t have to shell out for street parking, a little boost of confidence flickered through her. The team had heard about her because of her online presence and growing audience. She had over 30,000 followers on Instagram, almost 400,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, and her new podcast was growing by leaps and bounds every week. She was building the fitness empire she’d dreamed of for almost a decade. Now, she just needed the cash flow to implement the next steps in her business plan.
She pulled into an empty parking spot in the guest area and hung the little Dallas Longhorns staff badge from her rearview mirror before collecting the large duffel bag with her mat, towel, BlueTooth speaker and a few other essentials stashed inside. Thankfully, the team provided the players with all of the necessary equipment, so she didn’t need to haul too much with her.
As she walked down the circular hallway that led to the clubhouse and training area, her mind busied itself creating a to-do list for the rest of the day. She didn’t have any more clients booked, so she’d be able to go home after this yoga session, which was a relief, because she was behind on the new videos she’d planned to film for her YouTube channel, and she needed to record this week’s podcast as well. Then try to go to bed at a decent time because she had clients starting at 6:30 tomorrow morning.
Phew. They didn’t call it a grind for nothing, did they?
Adjusting the waistband of her lavender-colored leggings and then the straps of her matching sports bra, she stepped into the empty clubhouse, her high ponytail swinging behind her, and quickly made her way to the right and down a hall, in the direction of the training facilities. She always felt like a bit of an intruder when she first stepped into the clubhouse, especially if there were players around. As though she were treading on private, sacred ground or something.
The door to the makeshift yoga studio swung open, and Abby Gossman-Landon stepped out, chatting with the team’s manager, Javier Flores.
“Hey, Piper,” called Abby with a wave, her hand pressed to the small of her back. At seven months pregnant, she was getting to the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. “We’re just about ready for you.”
“Great,” she said, shooting Abby a smile. “I’ll just get set up.” She headed toward the door, but Javi called out to her.
“Piper, hang on a sec.”
She turned back, her duffel bag smacking into her leg. “What’s up?”
He took a step closer and smiled warmly. He was so handsome, with such a kind face. She’d liked him from the moment they’d met. “Just wanted to say that I think you’re doing a great job with them. These sessions are paying off, and I know they grumble about having to do yoga and flexibility training, but having you aboard has been an asset.”
Her face warmed slightly and she ducked her head, feeling a little embarrassed at his praise. “Oh, well. Thank you, Mr. Flores. I really appreciate the opportunity.”
“As do we,” he said with a nod. “I’ve seen your online presence. You’re a local celebrity.”
Her blush deepened, excitement and pride rushing through her. She managed a self-effacing laugh. “I wouldn’t really say that.”
“I would. Keep up the good work. And if any of them give you a hard time, you let me know and I’ll take care of it.”
She waved her hand, batting away his offer. “I know it’s all light-hearted teasing. They’re a good group.” And it was true. While some of the guys did flirt with her or make little teasing comments, there was nothing malicious or mean-spirited about any of it.
He nodded and held the door open for her, letting her pass. Abby followed her back inside.
“How are you feeling?” Piper asked as she set her bag down in the corner and crouched to unzip it. Several players lounged at the back of the room, joking around and chatting as they waited for the session to start in ten minutes.
“Oh, you know,” said Abby, her hand resting on her stomach. “Like a bloated whale with a ninja for a parasite.”
Piper shot her a sympathetic smile. “Hang in there, babe. You’re doing great, and you look amazing.”
Abby reached out and gave her arm a squeeze. “I look like shit, but you’re sweet. Keep it coming.”
Piper rolled her eyes. “You do not look like shit and I won’t hear you talk smack about my friend, okay?” Then she leaned in closer. “Give yourself some grace. Pregnancy isn’t easy in the best of circumstances, never mind all of the travel and everything you have to do.”
Abby sighed, rubbing her hand in circles over her belly. “I know. I’m probably going to have to stop traveling soon. It’s just getting to be too much, and I’d hate to go into labor away from home. Jake would freak.”
“I’m honestly surprised he hasn’t made you cut out the travel yet.”
Abby laughed. “That’s cute that you think Jake has the power to make me do anything I don’t want to do.” Piper laughed, too, especially because she knew Abby was joking. She’d seen Abby and her sexy husband together, and she knew what a great team they made. What would it be like to have a man look at her the way Jake looked at Abby? Like he’d do absolutely anything to make her happy and keep her safe? Like he’d found the meaning of true happiness? Like he was going to rip her clothes off and toss her onto the nearest available bed as soon as they were alone?
Suddenly, Abby grabbed her hand and pressed it to the swell of her stomach. “She’s kicking. Feel that?”
Piper felt a gentle thump against her palm, followed by a rolling sensation, like the mechanism of a massage chair pushing against Abby’s stomach from the inside. Her eyes widened in surprise and she pulled her hand awa
y.
“Oh my God! Does that hurt?”
Abby shook her head. “Not usually, unless she gets me right in the ribs. It’s more like the rest of me that hurts. My back. My ribs. My hips. My feet.” Abby shot her a rueful smile. “Anyway, enough complaining from me. How are you? Did you hear back about that loan yet?”
Piper rummaged around in her bag, pulling out her mat, towel, and BlueTooth speaker. “Nope. Not yet.” The response was taking longer to come than she’d anticipated, and it was making her assume the worst. Just thinking about the loan made her feel as though she’d swallowed a pound of concrete.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.”
“Thanks, Abby.” She frowned as she continued to rummage through her bag, looking for the power cable for the speaker. The battery on it didn’t hold a charge very long anymore, but she’d put off replacing it since she could always get by with the power cord. Except that today, she’d apparently forgotten to put it in the bag.
Not missing a beat, Abby tilted her head in the direction of the door. “I’ve got a power cable in my desk, top right drawer. I’d go grab it for you, but…” She shrugged and gestured at her belly. “You can do it in half the time it’d take me.”
Piper sent her a grateful smile and headed out of the room and back down the hallway toward the clubhouse. The head coaches each had a small office just off of the main area, all clearly marked with name placards on the doors. When she stepped back into the clubhouse, she expected it to be empty, just as it had been a few minutes ago, so she came up short when she nearly collided with a shirtless Beau Beckett.
It should be illegal for a man to be this good looking, she thought to herself as she nearly swallowed her tongue, taking in his broad shoulders, thick arms roped with muscle, defined pecs and taut stomach lined with abs. His torso was droolworthy, like something you’d see on a billboard advertising underwear or cologne. Except it was right there, in the flesh, close enough that she could reach out and touch it.
Her eyes bounced to his face, and he grinned, then popped a peanut M&M in his mouth. The grin was deep enough that little lines fanned out around his light green eyes. His short, thick brown hair was slightly mussed, as though he’d just been running a hand through it. And as for the rest of his face…there were models who’d kill for his bone structure. Those perfectly sculpted cheekbones, square jaw with a subtle dimple in the chin, and perfect, full lips were all a sight to behold. He was almost startling to look at, as though someone standing just a couple of feet away couldn’t possibly look like that without the help of Photoshop.
When the silence stretched between them, her eyes still bouncing between his face, his bare chest, and the floor, his grin grew, and he held up the bright yellow bag, giving it a shake. “Little game day ritual. Peanut M&Ms at 1:11 PM.” He held the bag out to her. “Want one?”
She shook her head, sucking in a deep breath, trying to get her hammering heart under control. She was around good looking guys all the time, and sure, Beau was on another level when it came to looks, but still. He was just a guy. Just one of the players on the team. The only reason her palms felt sweaty, the only reason her stomach was a riot of butterflies and her legs were all tingly was because he’d surprised her. This was surprise she was feeling.
Just surprise.
“No, thanks,” she said with a small smile, wondering if her face was as red as it felt.
He nodded slowly and popped another M&M into his mouth, drawing her attention to his lips. “Right. Look at you. You probably don’t even eat sugar.” Her face warmed even more as his emerald gaze took a slow walk down her body, trailing heat and tingling awareness in its wake.
“No, that’s not true. I do.” Just not much of it, and usually only on special occasions.
He snorted, one eyebrow raised, all flirty confidence. “I bet you had a kale smoothie for breakfast. You probably go jogging for fun. Come on. Live a little.” He shook the package again, rattling the last few candies together.
She held out her palm, biting back a smile. “You’re a bad influence.”
He winked at her as a brown M&M landed in her hand. “The worst. Don’t worry. I know you’re gonna go home and have baked salmon and steamed veggies for dinner. What’s for dessert? Fruit? Or do you even eat dessert?” His tone was light and playful, teasing.
She crunched down on the candy and smiled at him, unable to stop herself from flirting back. He just had this easy charm that made it almost impossible not to. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He bit his lip, heat flaring in his gaze. “Are you asking me to dinner?” Then he took a step closer, his eyes bright with mischief. “Piper, you really gotta stop hitting on me.” He dropped his voice to a scandalized whisper. “It’s unprofessional.” Before she could respond, a T-shirt came flying at him from somewhere to the left, landing on his head.
“Stop flirting with Piper and get to class, Beckett,” called Javi as he strode by, shaking his head. She pressed her fingers to her lips, stifling her giggle.
Beau pulled the T-shirt off his head and threw it over his shoulder, tossed the last M&M in his mouth and let his gaze wander up and down her body again as he chewed. “See you in there,” he said, turning and dropping his empty candy wrapper in the trash. And then he was gone, disappearing down the hallway toward the training room.
Piper hurried into Abby’s office, closing the door behind her and pressing her back against it. Eyes closed, she sucked in a few deep breaths, trying to regain control of her body, which had gone absolutely haywire during her little interaction with Beau, just as it always did. She’d been coming in for months now, and every single time, he’d make a little flirty comment, or deliberately get caught checking her out. Truth be told, she looked forward to flirting with him, but it never went farther than that, even though he’d made his interest very clear. Then again, he’d made his interest in about half of Dallas’ population very clear.
At first, she’d thrilled at his attention, and she’d assumed that the thrill would fade with time. But it hadn’t. No, every single time he flirted with her, it felt more intense. As though ever since he’d planted the seed in her brain that he was interested in her, it had grown, blossoming into something bordering on teenage crush levels of giddiness. Which was totally unprofessional, she knew, but she couldn’t help how her body responded to him.
Taking another deep breath, she pushed away from the door and strode to Abby’s desk, opening the top right drawer and finding the promised power cable. She knew she had to get back to the training room to start the class, but she allowed herself the luxury of a few more seconds of quiet before heading in there, where she’d have to pretend she wasn’t checking Beau out the entire time. She wondered if he’d bother putting a shirt on for yoga today. She sort of hoped he didn’t, as distracting as that would be.
Oh, God. This little crush was in danger of spiraling out of control, wasn’t it?
“Fact,” she said quietly in the darkened office, striving to anchor herself with the truth, “Beau Beckett is a manwhore, and everyone in Dallas knows it. Fact: it’s only flirting, and nothing more. Fact: you do not have time to date. Fact: even if you did, Beau would be a horrible choice, given his reputation and lifestyle.” And it was all true. Beau’s reputation was famous—or maybe infamous was a better word—among the women of Dallas. He flirted with everyone, and the fact that he flirted with her meant nothing. And even if it did, she didn’t have room in her jam-packed life for a boyfriend. Truth be told, she didn’t date much at all, mostly because of her intense work schedule, but partly because she didn’t want to repeat her mother’s mistakes and get caught in a life-changing (or rather, life-ruining) situation.
Nodding once, power cord in hand, she exited Abby’s office and headed back toward her class.
“Exhale and lower your hands down,” said Piper from the front of the classroom, “turn your toes forward, then step your left foot way back into a wide lunge.” Beau glanced u
p from his mat, sweat prickling along his hairline as he followed her instructions, along with the rest of the guys in the room. Piper’s lithe, toned body dropped gracefully into the lunge, making it look effortless. “Push your hands into the mat and make sure your right knee is tucked tightly against your right elbow. Stay here for a moment to really open up the hips.”
Beau bit his lip and forced his attention to the pose, feeling the stretch through his hips and hamstrings. Now was not the time to be thinking dirty thoughts about how he’d like to open up Piper’s hips. The last thing he needed was an erection in the middle of a freaking yoga class when he was wearing nothing but a pair of loose-fitting athletic shorts. But apparently he was living dangerously today, because he couldn’t seem to stop his mind from bouncing back to that little interaction earlier. He’d been half hard watching her eat that damn M&M. Half hard flirting with her, making her blush. God, she was so damn cute. Cute and sexy and sweet and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d had an actual fucking crush on someone, like a silly teenager.
But he couldn’t deny it. Every single time he saw her, they flirted and he looked forward to it more and more. But she was hard to read. She flirted back and seemed to enjoy it, but never gave any indication that she was interested in anything more. She didn’t strike him as shy, so the only logical explanation was that she wasn’t interested.
Maybe she has a boyfriend, added a helpful little voice inside him. For some reason, the thought made his stomach tighten and his throat close up, as though he’d just had a swig of sour milk.
Or maybe he was just baffled because she was the first woman in a long time who hadn’t fallen into his bed after just a day or two of flirting. But they’d been doing this for months now. Months. So. That was that.