Page 13 of Rugged Hero

I snort. “No, but his friend did. He placed in the competition.”

Maya arches an eyebrow. “Interesting. You’re meeting his friends already, huh? Isn’t that moving a bit fast?”

I pause, considering her words. It did seem rather soon to be introduced to Moses’ social circle. But at the same time...

“Maybe,” I admit. “But honestly, I had a great time. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. And seeing Moses interact with his buddies gave me a better sense of who he is, you know?”

Maya studies me for a moment, a slow smile spreading across her face. “You really like him, don’t you?”

Heat rises in my cheeks. There’s no denying my intense connection with Moses, the way he makes my heart race and my skin tingle with just a look. But the intensity of it all terrifies me. He called me earlier, but I was too scared to answer the phone. I want this to be real, but I’m so scared that he’ll change his mind or decide that I don’t measure up somehow.

A sudden buzz from my phone interrupts my thoughts. Glancing down, I see a text notification and swipe to read the message. My stomach drops as the words register.

“What the hell?” I breathe, halting in my tracks.

“Bridget? What is it?” Maya stops and turns to me, her eyes filled with concern.

“It’s...Christopher. Apparently, he just got engaged. Brandy sent me a screenshot from Insta.” I swallow hard, trying to process the unexpected news. “To a woman he’s only been dating for three months.”

I know I shouldn’t be upset. We broke up ages ago, and he’s free to move on with his life. But the suddenness of it all, the fact that he’s already taking such a big step with someone else...it stings more than I care to admit.

Maya scoffs, shaking her head in disgust. “Girl, please. That man was a complete asshole who never deserved you in the first place. You’re so much better off without him.”

I force a smile, appreciating her support. But deep down, the hurt lingers, a dull ache in my chest that refuses to fade.

Maya reaches out to squeeze my shoulder. “Hey, forget about that loser. Focus on the amazing guy who’s clearly head over heels for you. Moses seems like the real deal, Bridget. Don’t let your past ruin your chance at something truly special. You don’t love Christopher anymore, so don’t give him your energy.”

I nod, knowing she’s right. The connection I share with Moses is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The way he looks at me, the tenderness in his touch, the depth of our conversations...it’s exhilarating and terrifying in its intensity.

But even as I cling to the memory of our passionate kiss, doubt rears its head again. What if I’m reading too much into things? What if Moses doesn’t feel the same way? The last thing I want is to get my hopes up, only to have them shattered again.

Maya must sense my inner turmoil because she gently tugs my arm. “Come on, let’s go get lunch instead. I’m not seeing anything I like here. Do you have time?”

“I do. But no talk about men, okay?”

“Deal.”

The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur of downward dogs and warrior poses. I guide my students through the flow, but my mind is miles away, lost in thoughts of Moses, our electrifying kiss, and whether I should give him a chance. My heart says I should, but my mind won’t shut up about protecting myself from getting hurt again.

As I stand from my final pose, ready to walk around the studio and check my students’ form, I falter. There, leaning against the door frame, is Moses.

My heart races at the sight of him, and I can’t help but return his smile with a shy wave. He motions that he’ll be waiting for me outside, and I nod, suddenly eager for class to end.

As soon as the last student leaves the studio, I quickly gather my things, my heart racing in anticipation of seeing Moses.

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I step out of the studio and into the waiting area. Moses is there, his intense eyes locking with mine, and I feel that same magnetic pull I experienced during our kiss.

“Hey,” he says softly, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. He steps close to me and gives me a light kiss. “I hope you don’t mind me stopping by like this. I just...I couldn’t stop thinking about you, and you didn’t return my call.”

I duck my head as a blush heats my cheeks. “I’ve been thinking about you too,” I admit.

He takes a step closer, his large hand reaching out to tilt my chin up gently. “Bridget, I know we’ve only just met, but there’s something special between us. I don’t want to rush things, but I also don’t want to let this chance slip away.”

My heart swells at his words, and I find myself leaning into his touch. “I feel it too,” I breathe, my eyes searching his. Could he possibly feel as strongly as I do?

Moses smiles, a genuine smile that lights up his handsome face. “Then we should talk.”

I nod in agreement despite the butterflies in my stomach. Take the chance, Bridget. Take the chance.

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