Page 22 of Friends With Benefits

Kerri tried to keep her mind off what had happened between her and Mitch. A huge desire to talk about it burned inside her. She couldn’t talk to Sela, and she considered phoning Hailey, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. The whole thing was just too weird, too personal. Every time she thought about it, heat slid over her body and she wanted to squirm.

She needed to meditate.

She went into her new office to the corner where she had now arranged cushions and scented candles. She turned on the soft music, dimmed the lights, lit a candle and sat down, folding her legs gracefully into the lotus position. She took a deep breath.

People took breathing for granted. Sure, it was a simple thing, but it was life-giving. The primary source of prana. It affected mind, body and spirit. Every inhalation brought oxygen into the body and began the transformation of nutrients into fuel; every exhalation purged the body of toxic waste, carbon dioxide.

She inhaled, allowing her belly to fill with air, drawing air deep into her lower lungs, then exhaled, allowing her belly to deflate. She smoothly repeated the breathing several times. Then she breathed air into her belly and expanded her chest, allowing her rib cage to open outward…and…exhaled.

Breathing affected a person’s state of mind, excited or calm, tense or relaxed, confused or clear. She drew in another long, slow exhalation, felt her heart rate slowing.

“Feeling relaxed?” a voice asked from her office door.

She opened her eyes and saw Mitch standing there. Immediately her body tensed again. Damn.

“Not really.” She blew out her breath and rose reluctantly to her feet. “What are you doing here?”

He grinned, but with a hint of uncertainty. “I was going to call but I thought I’d swing by and check things out.”

“What do you think?” She couldn’t help it, she was anxious for Mitch’s approval.

“It looks great. How are things going? Everyone showing up for class?”

She nodded, excitement rippling through her. “Yes. It’s been wonderful. Everyone loves the new space. Reaction has been very positive so far. They also like all the parking nearby. That was another problem at the old place.”

He smiled. “Maybe I should come check out a class.”

“Yes, you should! I keep telling you, you need to come to class. Yoga would be good for you. It would help with all your stress.”

“What stress?”

She snorted. “Okay, it would increase your flexibility.”

“Are you talking physically or mentally?”

“Both,” she snapped. “It would also make you feel more at peace in your life.”

“Hey, I’m peaceful.”

She sighed. “How many hours did you work last week?”

“Uh…I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Okay, it was about fifty, fifty-five.”

“Mitch! That’s insane!” She shook her head

“Anyway,” he said, changing the subject, “I was just going to let you know that I talked to Liam, and we’re going to get together on Friday. I said you might come too. He remembers you from college.”

She frowned. “I know him?”

He shrugged. “You didn’t know him very well. He was in a few classes with me. He’s a journalist and he’s been working in the Middle East. Liam Moffatt.”

“Oh. Cool.” She shook her head. “The name doesn’t ring a bell.”

“That’s okay. We’re going to go for a drink after work on Friday.”

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