Page 5 of Rugged Hero

The thought of his intense, brooding presence makes my stomach flutter. I shake myself mentally. I need to keep things professional, no matter how much my body and heart respond to him.

“Earth to Bridget!” Maya laughs, waving to get my attention. “Where’d you go just now? Fantasizing about Mr. Perfect Contractor already?” She winks.

“No, no,” I demur, cheeks heating. “Actually... I have a new private client starting today. A guy came to one of my classes last week and asked for private lessons. He’s ex-military.”

Maya’s brows raise, an impish grin spreading. “Oooh, a sexy soldier type, huh? Maybe this is the universe sending you your soulmate!”

I roll my eyes. “Doubtful. Let’s talk about something else...”

But as Maya changes the subject, enthusiastically updating me on her newest real estate project, I can’t fully concentrate. My mind keeps drifting to Moses’s dark, piercing eyes and powerful shoulders. Anticipation tingles through me for this afternoon’s session. Even if nothing happens between us, it won’t stop me from fantasizing about him.

The wooden studio floor creaks beneath my bare feet as I pace nervously, waiting for Moses to arrive. I tie my long chestnut hair up in a messy bun, wisps escaping to tickle my neck. Breathe, Bridget. It’s just another private session.

But deep down, I know that’s a lie. I shake out my hands, willing myself to release the fluttery tension.

At the sound of a firm knock, I spin. Moses stands in the doorway, his imposing figure nearly filling the frame. My breath catches. He’s even more handsome than I remembered.

“H-hi, come on in,” I stammer, nervous about how breathy my voice is.

He enters the studio, his body moving with a powerful strength as he strides toward me. He’s wearing gray sweatpants again, and my mouth goes dry as my eyes slide down his hips. Down, girl.

Swallowing hard, I force my eyes up to meet his penetrating gaze. “Ready to get started?”

Moses nods, a ghost of a smile on his lips as if he understands what the sight of him does to me. “Lead the way.”

I guide him through a simple flow of seated and standing poses, gently adjusting his form when needed. Every time I touch him, desire sizzles through me.

“Extend your right leg back for Warrior,” I murmur.

Stepping close behind him, I rest my hands on his hips to square them forward. Unless I’m mistaken, he tenses slightly when I touch him…and I don’t think it has anything to do with being uncomfortable about yoga.

Moses sucks in a sharp breath. Could he be as affected as I am? The silence in the studio expands, heavy with…whatever this is between us. I ache to press closer, to trail my fingers higher along the ripples of his abdomen...

No. I reluctantly release my hold and step back, pulse racing. “Perfect. Now inhale, arms overhead...”

As the session continues, desire grips me, and it takes every ounce of strength and professionalism I have not to pull Moses close to me and kiss him with the desire threatening to explode inside me. What is it about this man that electrifies me so much?

By the time we finish in corpse pose, I’m a wreck, trembling with the effort of restraint. My eyes dart over his prone form, hungrily tracing the broadness of his chest, the dark hair peeking from the neck of his sweatshirt.

Moses sits up slowly, rolling his powerful shoulders. He fixes me with his intense eyes. “Thank you, Bridget. That was...enlightening. I may even be enjoying this.”

I gasp as a blush burns my cheeks and neck. It’s almost unsettling how much I react to this man. “You’re welcome. Same time next week?” I ask hopefully, struggling to keep my voice even.

Rising swiftly to his feet, he closes the distance between us. My heart pounds wildly as he looms over me, the primal heat of his nearness engulfing me. I’ve never felt such an intense, visceral reaction to a man before. To say it’s thrilling is an understatement.

“I’ll be here,” he rumbles, eyes smoldering.

I start to turn to gather my things, but Moses reaches out and touches my arm. The light touch of his hand on my arm gives me goosebumps.

“Bridget,” he says, his voice barely a whisper.

He closes the distance between us, and in a heartbeat, I’m in his arms, his mouth crashing down on mine in a passionate kiss. His tongue teases my lips, and I groan as I open my mouth for him, my knees threatening to give out. His hands roam my curves as he hauls me against his hard frame.

This may be crossing a line...but I don’t care. Is it wrong if being in his arms feels this good? I’m already in way over my head...and for once, I’m not sure I want to come up for air.

CHAPTER 4

MOSES

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