Page 31 of Catch a Wave

“Guard your heart, Kah.”

“I will. Thanks. And enjoy your run with Rip.”

“Now all I’ll be thinking of is that tattoo!”

“Ask him to flex for you!” I giggle. It feels so good to laugh—like a reprieve from reality.

“I won’t dare.”

“I bet you will. And he’ll gladly strut that thing for you.”

Leilani makes a pfft sound and then she says, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

We each say “I love you,” and then I hang up and throw my shirt on.

Despite what might be my better judgment, I hobble out the door to meet Bodhi for yoga.

11

BODHI

How you spend your morning can often tell you

what kind of day you are going to have.

~ Lemony Snicket

Mavs steps around the corner of the house, and I feel my chest tighten. I’m like a tightrope walker: thrilled, focused, and aware of how fatal any misstep with her could be.

“Well, this should be interesting.” Her tone is more snarky these days than it used to be.

I can’t help but think back to my own accident and what I was like two months out.

“You’re so brave.” The compliment leaves my mouth before I think better of it.

“Brave to do yoga?”

“Brave to even get out of bed.”

She nods. Our eyes catch, and it’s nearly too much.

The urge to hold her sweeps over me. I told her the truth. Living together is awkward. But Kalaine doesn’t even know thehalf of what I’m battling. Every day I’m pushing down the irrational urge to rekindle our relationship. I told her I wanted to be friends. I know I can’t ask for more. My attraction to her has always been nearly overwhelming. She’s like no other woman. Being separated for two years—which was my own fault—has only heightened my awareness of the connection between us, the way she affects me, and the reality that she’s the only woman I will ever want like I want my next breath.

“I laid out a mat for you there.” I point.

She makes her way to the mat.

“I start with simple poses and then move to the more complex.”

“Are you going to lead us?”

“Is that okay?”

“Someone better.” She smiles a shy smile.

“Well, let’s get to it.”

Mavs watches me with an expectant, but hesitant look. I thought being so near to her in the kitchen would be my undoing. I was wrong. This. This moment is testing everything in me.

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