Page 2 of Rugged Hero

Students trickle out with smiles and waves. Their praise barely registers as I watch the man in gray sweats hovering near the cubbies, one hand stroking his long, dark beard.

My stomach flutters wildly. I busy myself adjusting blocks and straps, stealing furtive glances his way. Finally, he approaches, stopping a respectful distance from my mat.

“Hey, uh, thanks for the help earlier,” he says, clearing his throat. “I’m Moses. Moses Butcher.” He extends a large, calloused palm.

“Bridget.” I slide my hand into his, hoping he can’t feel my racing pulse. “I’m glad you enjoyed the class.”

He chuckles and shakes his head slightly. “I’m not sure ‘enjoyed’ is the right word. But I made it through.” He holds my hand a moment longer than necessary before dropping away, which does nothing to stop the heat flooding into my core.

“That’s an accomplishment in itself, especially for your first time.” My smile is so wide it aches. “What made you decide to try yoga?”

I immediately want to kick myself for prying. But Moses shrugs, his eyes tightening. “A guy over at the VA suggested it – to help with stress.”

I nod encouragingly. “Well, I’m impressed that you came. Yoga can feel awkward at first, but you stuck with it. If it’s not too forward, it’s obvious that this is a very different experience for you.”

“Yeah, well.” He scuffs the mat with his sneaker. “It was this or pills, and I don’t want the pills.”

Moses quiets as if he thinks he’s said too much. There are a lot of reasons people come here, and if he’s here because of someone at the VA, that means he’s a vet. He’s not the first vet to try one of my classes or another yoga class. I admire that the VA Center suggests more than pills for vets who need stress relief. Meds have their place, but yoga or other exercise can provide better relief and coping mechanisms.

“That makes perfect sense,” I say, heat flaming up my neck at the thought of discovering what it would be like to be the focus of this man’s intensity.

Moses clears his throat, drawing my focus back to him. “So, uh, do you offer private lessons?”

My pulse races as I look at him. “I do, yes. Is that something you’d be interested in?”

“Maybe.” His fingers comb through his beard, his discomfort showing again. “This group thing... I think it would be easier if I didn’t feel like I was making an ass of myself in a room full of strangers.”

Sympathy softens my expression. “Of course. The rest of the class, they wouldn’t judge,” I assure him. “Yet I’m happy to accommodate whatever makes you feel most at ease. I want you to succeed.”

Relief flickers across his rugged features. “I’d appreciate that.”

After we finalize the details for a private session next week, Moses offers a parting smile that turns my insides to jelly. “See you then, Bridget.”

“See you then,” I echo and watch as he strides out the door, those loose sweatpants doing nothing to hide the powerful muscles flexing beneath.

Whew. I press a hand to my fluttering stomach as I slide the lock into place.

As I step out into the warm evening air, my mind wanders, lingering on the memory of Moses’s intensity, the weight of his stare, and the raw masculinity radiating from his every pore.

He’s so different from the men I’ve dated. All the men who ultimately said I was too much. Too curvy, too emotional, too...everything.

Maybe it’s time I broadened my dating horizons.

CHAPTER 2

MOSES

So you haven’t seen anything to be concerned about up there?” Waylon asks me, leaning back in his chair at the head of the table. It’s early Tuesday evening, and not many people are in King Tap yet, so it’s still quiet.

I shake my head. “Nah, been quiet so far. Just the usual critters and campers.”

Waylon nods. “Good, good. We gotta stay vigilant, though, especially with the season coming up. They’re forecasting another hot and dry summer.”

“Yeah, been warmer than usual already,” I agree.

The other guys groan. I’ve heard about the group that nearly started a forest fire last year. Most fires start because of lazy or careless humans, not from Mother Nature. I glance around the table at Lucas, Dane, Nathan, and Reggie. I’m still getting used to being part of a team, but I’ve always been a team man. After losing my team when I was deployed, it’s taken a long time to feel comfortable joining a new one. But it’s been nearly a year, and I’m starting to feel like King Mountain is where I’m supposed to be. There are days when I’m unsure about these guys, though that says more about me than them.

“Think you’ll be alright manning the lookout solo?” Waylon’s keen eyes search mine. “Or you need some backup?”

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