Page 29 of Off Limits
Jane shook her head. “You’re too much.”
Her gaze swept across the studio. She builtSerenity Nowfrom the ground up, every calming neutral paint color, every strip of bamboo flooring, handpicked. She’d chosen her instructors carefully, collaborated with them on class styles. She cultivated something people loved. And she loved it too.
Business was good. Thriving, even. Some people had asked if she’d ever expand or franchise. The idea intrigued her, though she hadn’t mapped that far ahead. For now, she enjoyed being small, rooted and connected to her community.
“You know you can reach out toYogi’s Delightif you need someone to fill in for a class, right? Diana said she could send over an instructor to help out. Also Rex is available if you need anything. Other than teaching a class. Please don’t have him teach a class.” The idea of her brother teaching a class made her want to laugh and grimace equally.
“Ugh! Get out of here, please.” Kerri mock-groaned. “Though I wouldn’t mind Rex taking our hot yoga class. Slick with sweat. Rock hard abs.”
“Ew.” She squinched her face. She loved her brother and knew plenty of women found him attractive. But justew!
“Go!” Kerri pointed to the front door.
“Okay, okay.” Jane hugged her. “Thank you for taking lead while I’m gone.”
“Of course.” Kerri shooed her out.
She meandered out the door and through the parking lot to her Jeep. She turned to wave to the girls, but they were already busying themselves with miscellaneous work. The studio was in good hands. The next few weeks were for her.
****
The flight to Mexicowas uneventful but the car ride over unpaved winding roads had her stomach lurched in her throat. The sun-creased dark-skinned man drove his old Nissan Versa like Mario Andretti drove in his Formula 1 races.
Her breath evened and her belly settled as they pulled through the gate ofPlaya Tranquillidad. The car stopped in front of a bamboo thatched structure. The driver hopped out of the car and opened her door. She climbed out, grabbing her small suitcase.
“Gracias,” she said, handing him some money.
He nodded at her, then jumped back in the driver’s seat and tore out of the driveway leaving a plume of dust. She half coughed, half laughed. The resort was nestled in the middle of nowhere, so she assumed the driver had to speed around to get the most customers.
“Bienvenida a Playa Tranquillidad.” A soft voice greeted her as she opened the door to the bamboo structure. The scent of eucalyptus permeated the air and the notes of a flute floated from the speakers.
“Gracias. Hablo minimo español.”
The dark-haired woman stood behind a counter and tittered. Her unruly hair curled in all directions. “No problem. We do speak English. My name is Rosa. How can I help you?”
“I need to check in. I’m here for the yoga retreat.”
“Oh, you are going to love Domenico Negret. He’s a fabulous instructor. People who have taken his classes have returned every time he brings a retreat here. Can I get your name?”
She gave Rosa her information, signed the paperwork, and accepted a property map with a highlighted route to her hut. After thanking Rosa, she followed the winding pathway.
The sound of crashing waves beckoned her, growing louder with each step. The huts perched on cement pilings several feet above the grassy, sandy terrain. She climbed the wooden steps and stepped inside. There was no door—only a rolled screen above the entrance she could lower for privacy. The bamboo walls allowed the ocean breeze to drift in and held up the thatched roof. The wall facing the water didn’t exist at all—just a wide, open expanse revealing the endless sea and rhythmic waves.
She set her suitcase on the floor and spun around, taking it all in. This was her home for the next three weeks. Nature. The scent of salt and sun. Birds singing in the distance. A wide-open view to sunsets.
With a deep breath, she stretched out her arms and let herself fall back onto the soft, queen-sized bed. She hadn’t realized how much she needed this—needed to be away and breathe.
The last few weeks with Brady had been the biggest emotional rollercoaster ride unlike anything she’d experienced. For a moment, she thought she’d get what she wanted, what she’d dreamed of since she was fifteen years old—a shot at a relationship with the only man she’d ever loved. Instead, she received fleeting bliss followed by heartbreak.
She knew he cared. Maybe even loved her. The anguish in his eyes the last time she saw him nearly broke her. But the choice had been his. His loyalty to her brother, while noble, had cost them everything.
“Knock, knock.” A male voice called from the doorway.
She sat up with a jolt. “Uh, oh. Hi.”
“Didn’t mean to startle you or disturb you.” He motioned toward the bamboo entry. “No doors. Hard to knock.” The man leaned against the doorway, offering a friendly smile. “I’m Patrick. I’m in the cabin across the walkway.” He signaled behind him at the wooden bridge that connected their huts. “Just wanted to introduce myself since we’re neighbors.”
Patrick looked to be around six feet tall, with tousled light brown hair and a dusting of stubble along a strong jawline. Lean, defined muscles filled out his gray t-shirt. He had the easy presence of someone comfortable in his own skin.
