Christmas in Pine Ridge: Clean Contemporary Romance (A Pine Ridge Romance)

by Holly Stevenson

  Timing her moves to the music, she slowly brought the class out of the last Chaturanga, thrilling to see that most of them were doing well. “Great job, guys,” she said. “Take a few more deep breaths here, and then we’ll move into the Warrior Poses.”

  She guided them through the breathing and then slowly stretched into the first Warrior Pose. She looked out to see how the class was doing and almost lost her footing. Owen stood in a strong pose, his posture soldier-straight as his muscular arms stretched toward the ceiling. He caught her gaze and gave her a half smile.

  Her heart thumped against her ribcage. She blinked and moved her attention to an older woman in the front row. “Beautiful,” she said, adding a smile to hide her fluttering heart. “Now let’s slowly lower the hands and settle into Warrior II. Remember to listen to your body. Take it at your own pace. Keep your arms strong, and on the next exhale, allow them to glide down into position.”

  Hope pulled in a deep breath of her own, forcing away the urge to look at Owen again. She was a professional. She was here to help these people learn yoga, and Warrior or no, she was not about to let a handsome face and Southern accent get in the way of that goal.

  Hope could always tell by the end of class how well it had gone by how long her students stayed in Corpse Pose after relaxation. She brought the lights to dim and encouraged everyone to begin wiggling their fingers and toes to come back to a state of consciousness.

  She was startled by how quickly Owen sat up. They stared at each other for a second before she regained focus and talked her students into coming into a seated Easy Pose. Once everyone faced her cross-legged, she placed her palms together at her heart and bowed her head slightly to give the traditional yoga parting. “Namaste.”

  “Namaste,” the class repeated.

  She smiled as the students came up to thank her, noting with a pit of dread that Kurt was among them. She glanced to the back of the room and saw that Owen noticed too. He gave her a head nod and then gestured to Kurt. She smiled her thanks, feeling her muscles relax before turning her attention back to her fans.

  “That class was absolutely wonderful,” a woman said. “I can’t wait for the hot yoga class you’re offering tomorrow night—I’ve always wanted to try that.”

  “Thank you. It’s going to be a lot of fun; just be sure to drink plenty of water before you come, alright?” Hope said, her eyes flicking to Owen as Kurt edged closer. She could feel his dark eyes on her and it made her skin crawl.

  “Will you be wearing your turquoise top tomorrow?” he asked. “I love that one.”

  Hope cringed, feeling sick. He was really starting to freak her out. The others in the group turned to stare at Kurt, and she was at a loss for what to say.

  “I don’t think Miss Sullivan’s wardrobe is any of your concern,” Owen growled, coming to stand beside her. “Let’s keep the questions yoga-related, please.” He clenched his jaw, his blue eyes turning steely in a warning look. Kurt scowled and backed up a step.

  Hope bit her lip and turned to the others, her pulse pounding in her ears as she attempted to neutralize the tension. “Thanks so much for coming to class, guys. It’s been a long day, so I’d better close up shop. But I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” She avoided looking at Kurt as she touched Owen’s chiseled arm—which was a mistake. Sparks flew up her fingers where she touched him. “Will you help me?” Her mouth went dry as his eyes met hers.

  “Of course.” He straightened, making his posture even more upright, which only emphasized his broad shoulders.

  Hope swallowed, distracting herself by waving at her students as they left class. Kurt was one of the last to leave, casting her a dark look before exiting the room. She shivered and moved a little closer to Owen, grateful for his presence. Now the only one who remained was Beverly. She gathered up her mat and approached them with smile.

  “Hope, that was a fabulous class,” she said.

  Hope blew out a breath, allowing her shoulders to relax. “I’m glad the two of you could make it. I’m so used to teaching to a camera, I’d forgotten how fun it is to have a classroom full of people. And you did really well,” she added, looking mostly at Beverly. If she looked at Owen she would blush, and that would make her attraction embarrassingly obvious.

  “Thank you.” Beverly beamed. “You know, this was Owen’s first class, and I was impressed with how well he did.”

  “Definitely.” Hope braved a glance at him, and he shrugged.

  “I don’t know about that, but having a great teacher doesn’t hurt.”

  There was no stopping her blush now. She thanked him for the compliment and busied herself with cleaning her mat, willing the heat to leave her cheeks.

  “Mom, I’m going to help Hope clean up. Is that alright?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  Hope bit back a smile at the enthusiasm in Beverly’s answer. She looked up to see her facing Owen.

  “You should stay with her as long as possible, in case that one fellow is around. You know, to make the whole boyfriend bodyguard thing believable.” She winked and turned her attention to Hope. “Thanks again for the class, honey. I can’t wait for the next one.”

  Hope straightened, still holding the rag and cleaner. “Thanks for coming.”

  Beverly nodded, her eyes sparkling as she looked between them.

  Owen shifted. “See you in a bit.”

  “No rush.” She grinned and hoisted her mat over her shoulder before leaving the room.

  Owen shook his head. “Sorry about that. She’s just ... a really big fan of yours.”

  Hope laughed. “The feeling is mutual. I like your mom. Her energy is infectious.”

  He folded his arms. “We call her the Energizer bunny. She runs circles around all of us.”

  “I bet.” She forced her attention away from his biceps and glanced up at him, grateful they were alone so she could express what she’d been wanting to say. “Thank you so much for coming to my rescue—with Kurt, I mean. I didn’t expect to have such a ...” She wrinkled her brow, searching for the right word. “Devoted fan.”

  His mouth twisted. “That’s one way to put it. We’ll need to have a word with hotel security. His comments were getting out of line.”

  The protective look in his eyes warmed her. He was going out of his way to look out for her when she was practically a stranger. Maybe chivalry wasn’t dead after all. She tilted her head to the side. “Good thing for me I have a boyfriend who doubles as my bodyguard,” she teased, loving the way his face flushed beneath his scruff. He ran a hand along the back of his neck.

  “Yeah, about that. I didn’t mean to overstep my bounds ...”

  She laughed and almost reached for his arm again before checking herself. Touching him made it hard to think straight. “No, it was perfect. I didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to make things awkward for the rest of the class. Thanks for pretending.”

  “Anytime.” He dropped his hand and met her eyes.

  Her heart skipped in her chest. She’d never seen eyes like Owen’s. They were deep blue pools that held kindness—but beneath that there was something else. Pain? Even if Beverly hadn’t told Hope about his PTSD, she would have wanted to know more about him because of those eyes.

  She blinked, realizing she was staring. Again. “How did you like class?” she asked, stooping to roll up her mat.

  “It was interesting.”

  She smiled. “How so?”

  “Uh.” He scratched the back of his head and shrugged.

  She followed the movement and had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from gawking at his toned shoulders.

  “I liked some of the poses,” he said. “And I really liked the music.”

  “I’m glad.” She’d found Christmas yoga music to use specifically for this week, but she still wasn’t satisfied with his answers. “So, what were the parts you found interesting?” She picked up her mat and propped it against her hip as she faced him.

  He shi
fted his weight and looked to the window. “All that breathing—I’ve never done anything like that before. I felt like a bellows.”

  She laughed. “It takes some getting used to, but proper breathing is essential to yoga. It calms and aids in relaxation.” She gave him a side-eye, wondering if he would open up to her about his PTSD, but he only nodded, turning his attention to the room.

  “Anything else you need help with in here?”

  She scanned the area and saw that everything had been put back where it belonged, except a lone water bottle near the back wall. “I think that’s it. I’ll just grab that water bottle and we’re good to go.”

  “Oh, that’s mine.” He jogged toward the bottle, making the motion look effortless, and she pictured him training for the Marines.

  “You mom told me you served in Afghanistan,” she said. “Thank you for your service.”

  Owen dipped his head in acknowledgement as he made his way back to her, his eyes guarded. “What else did she say about me?”

  Hope lifted a shoulder, her pulse quickening under his gaze. “That’s basically it.”

  One side of his mouth twitched. “If I know my mom, that’s not it. The woman could talk the ears off a mule.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “I like that about her. She’s really sweet.” She didn’t want to admit what she knew about his PTSD. He would tell her on his own if he chose to.

  They walked to the door and she turned the lights off, suddenly hyper-aware of his nearness. “Thanks again for coming to my rescue the way you did.” He took a step closer and her pulse stuttered. Standing close to him like this was definitely going to be a problem.

  “About that,” he said. “I’d feel better if you’d let me walk you to your room. You know ... in case he’s hanging around somewhere. Maybe we should keep up the act until you can get some security.”

  She swallowed, unsure whether it was the thought of running into Kurt again or the prospect of spending more time with Owen that made her feel so quivery. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked. “I hate to intrude on your vacation.”

  He gave her a slow smile that made her insides melt. “I don’t mind. After all, you are my girlfriend.”

  Her breath caught at the roguish look in his eyes and she blinked, forcing a playful smile in return. “True. And since we’re dating, maybe we should get to know each other better. Are you in the mood for hot chocolate?”

  “Always.”

  Her stomach flipped and she tried to steady her pulse. Get a hold of yourself, Hope, she silently reprimanded. They were only pretending. He was just being chivalrous. But as much as she wanted to deny it, the way her heart leapt when he called her his girlfriend was anything but pretend.

  Chapter 6

  “Can I carry your mat for you?” Owen offered as they made their way to the elevators. The gentleman in him wouldn’t allow a lady carry something without offering to help. Especially when he was empty handed.

  “Actually, if you wouldn’t mind while I get my sweater on, that would be great,” Hope said.

  “Sure.” He took the yoga mat and helped her with the dark purple sweater.

  She wrapped it over her white tank and tied it at her waist before looking up at him through her lashes. “Thanks.”

  His mouth went dry. “No problem.” He glanced at his own clothes, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Maybe I should go change.”

  She shook her head, causing her blonde ponytail to swing side to side. “No, you look great.” She blushed and ducked her head. “I mean—you’re totally fine if you want to stay in that. I thought we might get the cocoa at the lodge café. Does that sound good?”

  Owen bit back a smile. Within two sentences she’d just said he looked great and he was “fine,” which he wanted to tease her about, but resisted. She was pretty when she was flustered. And if her blush was any indication, he was grateful that he’d kept up his military workouts since coming home. “Sounds good to me. Is that the one near the lobby?”

  She nodded and pressed the elevator button. “Yeah, and according to Olivia, they serve the best hot chocolate in Pine Ridge.”

  “Olivia?”

  “She’s the resort event planner. She emailed me a few months ago asking if I would be a guest instructor. It’s happened from time to time now that my yoga channel is gaining traction.”

  He nodded. “That’s great. My mom is sure a fan. Tell me how it got started.”

  The elevator dinged and they stepped inside. Owen pressed the button for the lobby, a little jolt running through him when the doors closed and they were alone in the small space.

  Hope clasped her hands and shrugged. “I’ve been passionate about yoga since taking my first class in college. I was always a dancer, but then I needed an extra elective one semester and gave yoga a try. I loved it—and it got me through some rough times.”

  He glanced at her, waiting to see if she would expound. The doors opened and he gestured for her to go first. Once they stepped into the lobby, she pointed at the yoga mat he was still holding for her. “Want me to take that back now?”

  He shook his head, the gentleman in him insistent. “I’ve got it.”

  She smiled her thanks and they walked toward the café. He didn’t want to pry, but he knew people didn’t usually bring up hardship unless they were willing to talk about it. He looked at Hope sideways and decided to broach the topic. “Those tough times you mentioned—is it anything you want to talk about?”

  Her eyes tightened. “My mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer my second year at college. She died three months later.”

  Owen felt the air rush from his lungs. He knew what it was like to lose someone close and his heart ached for her. “I’m so sorry.”

  She gave a small nod and looked down. “It was a hard time. And still is—especially watching my dad miss her like he does.” She fell silent for a moment and then straightened. “But yoga has played a big role in helping me cope. To allow myself to grieve. It came into my life at exactly the right time.”

  “Funny how that happens.”

  “Too funny to be coincidence,” she agreed. They took a few steps in silence before she continued, “But to answer your question about the channel, I loved my yoga classes so much that I certified to become a teacher and decided to make some videos to post. Things sort of took off from there.”

  He met her eyes, unable to keep the admiration from his voice. “It’s great you’re able to do something that you’re passionate about.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “I know. I still can’t believe it’s been so successful. We film a new episode every week. My sister Emily is my videographer and basically the brains behind the whole operation.”

  “Is she the one I saw you with this morning?” he asked as they headed toward the café.

  “Yes, she’s here with me, but she’s in her first trimester of pregnancy and really tired, so I told her not to worry about coming to class.” She snapped her fingers. “Which reminds me, I should send her a text that I’m here so she doesn’t worry. Do you mind?”

  “Not at all.”

  She retrieved the phone from her sweater pocket and sent the text. Owen waited until she was finished, noticing some people who’d been in the class lingering in the lobby, but he was relieved when he didn’t see Kurt. He knew he had no right to be protective of Hope when they’d barely met, but something about that guy was off.

  “All done. Sorry about that.” She smiled and put her phone away.

  “No worries.” He liked her smile. Maybe a little too much. “Looks like we’re almost to the café.”

  Hope turned and breathed in deeply. “Mmm. If their pastries are as good as they smell, I think I’m going to have to try one.”

  “Me too. I’m a sucker for baked goods.”

  She glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. “Really? It doesn’t show.”

  I could say the same. He kept the comment to himself, but was glad she wasn’t finick
y about health food. He had a Texas-sized appetite and liked to share a good meal with someone. He cleared his throat. “So, where’s home for you?”

  “Oceanside, California.”

  “That explains the tan in December,” he said. “I’ve never been, but it sounds nice. Do you like it there?”

  She nodded. “I love being close to the ocean, but sometimes the California traffic gets to me, you know? I love the peace and quiet of this place.”

  “Yeah, I’m not much of one for crowds,” he agreed.

  A hostess sat them at a table near a bank of windows. It was dark out, but Christmas lights twinkled in the trees. Hope gave a small gasp. “This is gorgeous!”

  “It is.” He couldn’t pull his eyes from her. Her entire face lit up with joy, causing a stirring deep in his gut.

  “It’s like a winter fairy tale,” she breathed, gazing outside for several more seconds. Owen forced his attention to the window so she wouldn’t catch him staring.

  “Can I get you started with anything?” the waitress asked.

  They turned to her and Hope seemed to shake herself back to reality. “I’d love a hot chocolate.” She glanced at the menu. “And one of your éclairs to go with it.”

  Owen gaped as the waitress jotted down the order. He’d never known a date to order that fast. Hope was a woman who knew what she wanted and went for it. He liked that. The waitress turned to him, holding her pen expectantly.

  “I’ll, uh, have the same, please.”

  “Do you want to take a second to look things over?” Hope asked. “I didn’t mean to rush you.”

  He shook his head and handed the menu to the waitress. “No, that actually sounds great.”

  “Would you like to make those gourmet hot chocolates, or just regular?” the waitress asked.

  Hope raised her eyebrows at Owen and then turned back to her. “What kind of ‘gourmet’ are we talking?”

  “We have candy cane, salted caramel, rocky road, gingerbread, peanut butter marshmallow ...” She ticked the flavors off on her fingers. “Just to name a few.”