As the class neared its end, Rafe’s muscles relaxed for the first time in months. Amazingly, the exercises had helped his leg. His muscles seemed considerably looser. The group was attempting one last stretch when Kelly put her hand on his ankle to turn his foot the right way.
“You want to keep it perpendicular so that you don’t pull on those hip tendons too much.” She gave him one of her dazzling smiles, and he was lost. Her gentle touch sent heat through his body.
“Thanks,” he said roughly, using every bit of his control to keep himself in check.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as if she were trying to figure something out, but she returned to the front of the class to do the last bit where they lay down on the mat to rest.
Rafe now equated yoga to sexual gymnastics. Sure it worked, but he was exhausted. A shower and a nap were next on his agenda.
“Close your eyes, and listen to the waves,” her gentle voice directed. “Feel the movement of the water as it caresses your body and sends you to your happy place...that Zen only you can find.
“Namaste.”
The sound of the waves filled Rafe’s head, and his body became so light that it seemed to float out over the ocean. He hadn’t been this calm in years.
“Rafe?” Kelly’s voice penetrated his thoughts. “Are you okay?”
He didn’t want anyone interrupting this peaceful feeling. Gesturing toward her, he hoped she’d get the message.
Kelly giggled, and his eyes popped open. She was biting her lip to keep from laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“You,” she replied sweetly. “I bet you were riding those waves like a Zen pro.”
Rafe chuckled. “I don’t know about that, but I have to stop making fun of froufrou yoga crap. I feel better than I have in months, maybe years. You’re a great teacher.”
“Thanks.” She extended a hand to help him up.
Rafe was shocked to find they were the only ones in the studio. “Where did everyone go?”
“You’ve been like that for about fifteen minutes. I let you rest while I cleaned up. I would have just left you there, but I worried your hip might stiffen on the hard floor.”
“Right. Well, I guess I’d better hit the shower. We didn’t move that much, although I did sweat.”
“Yes, it’s funny what happens when you are really working those muscles. Why don’t you take your shower, and I’ll put you down for a massage later this afternoon. Mason, one of our top masseurs, has terrific hands, and it will be good to get in there and work those muscles while they’re relaxed.”
“Great idea. See you later,” he said as he rushed out. The woman affected him like no other.
Walking straight into the ocean, Rafe used the cold water to rein in his libido again. This might be the longest two weeks of his life if he didn’t find a way to manage his attraction to Mimi’s sister.
* * *
RAFE WANTED HER. Kelly put her hand over her heart. The very impressive bulge in those loose shorts was impossible to miss.
She stared after him while he all but ran into the waves. His broad back, muscular shoulders and that tattoo of the rising phoenix across his back didn’t help the runaway train her emotions had become. The man was too hot for words.
Was that really in response to her? He’d avoided eye contact with her for most of the class and watched Clifton during the exercises instead. At first, she thought it was because he wanted to see the male version of the moves, but now she wasn’t so sure. Did she have that kind of sexual sway over him? She had to know.
“Rafe,” she called as she jogged out onto the beach.
“Yes?” He didn’t turn around.
“Your massage appointment is set for noon, and I’ve ordered some special oils that soothe aches and pains.”
“Okay.” His voice sounded strained.
She cleared her throat, stifling the urge to smile. Yes, she definitely had an effect on him.
Last night, she’d promised herself she would be a good friend to the marine and get him back into tip-top shape.
But knowing he wanted her as much as she did him—at least she hoped—changed the game entirely.
* * *
AN HOUR LATER, Rafe showed up at the spa wearing a crisp white T-shirt and royal-blue board shorts.
The man could have been a model the way he wore clothes.
Kelly ushered him into one of the Zen rooms, as they called them. She lit a candle and switched on some soothing music.
“Strip down, okay? That way the therapist can work on your hip.”
“Got it,” he said.
“We always ask if you would like a silent massage. Some people like to have only music without any talking so they can relax. Other people need the chatter because they may not be comfortable with someone touching them so—intimately. The choice is yours.”
He nodded. “I like the idea of the quiet one,” he said, his face a mask.
Oh, yes, this would work out perfectly.
“Excellent, so the masseur will be in shortly. When you are undressed and on the table facedown, you can push the button to the right.” She pointed to a small panel next to the massage table.
Then she left.
While he stripped, she changed into a white T-shirt, which she knotted under her breasts, and a pair of short gray workout shorts.
Once the light flipped on above the door, she entered.
Rafe was facedown on the table, a sheet covering his lower half.
Coating her hands in oil and eucalyptus, Kelly smoothed one hand down his back. Two small scars peppered his shoulder and there were three more on the right hip.
Poor Rafe. Most people had no idea how much these guys suffered for their country. Heart swelling with pride, it was all she could do not to lean down and kiss each scar. She moved on to his shoulders, his body relaxed and his breathing slowed. Her fingers dug into the tendons between his neck and right shoulder and she heard him groan slightly as the tension gave way.
When she reached his scalp, he let out a deep breath.
Kelly grinned. That she could bring him such relief was a balm for her soul. Massaging his temples, she felt him jerk suddenly.
“Kelly,” his deep voice rasped.
How had he known it was her?
“Is something wrong?” she asked lightly. “Is the pressure too much?”
“No, I was—uh—just surprised that you were the one doing the massage. I thought you said someone named Mason was doing it.”
“His current client requested an extra thirty minutes. Would you rather have a male? I’m sorry. I would’ve asked if I thought it would be a problem.”
Liar.
“No. That’s fine.” Rafe coughed. “Could I have some water?”
“Sure,” she said as she wiped her hands on a towel. She handed him a bottle of water she’d brought in just in case he needed it.
He lifted his head so that he could drink, and his gaze met her face.
“Hi,” he said. That one word was filled with so much desire that she felt it in her bones.
“Hi,” she said back. “In case you’re