Back Check (Aces Hockey #4)(23)

 

She began directing them in the various positions, moving on silent feet through the room, pausing here and there to adjust positions. Sweat was soon running down Katelyn's face, between her breasts, and in other unmentionable places. Luckily this class was all done on the floor, with no standing poses, so maybe she would escape unnoticed by Tanner and his teammates.

 

 

 

        

          

        

         

 

Why was she even worried about that? For God's sake, Marc was a client. She couldn't sneak around, avoiding him.

 

"Listen to your inner voice to know how far your body can go," Deesha intoned. "Breathe fluidly and smoothly." She was standing over by the four hockey guys, and Katelyn turned her head to see what was happening. Deesha was gently pushing on Tanner's legs, encouraging him to stretch further. He was surprisingly flexible. This obviously wasn't his first yoga class. "Very good," Deesha murmured and moved on to Duncan, who was clearly not as experienced with this. Katelyn smiled and refocused on her own pose.

 

As they lay on their mats at the end of the class, encouraged to take their time before leaving quietly, Katelyn cracked an eye open to see if Tanner was getting up. He remained supine, relaxed. She bit her lip, then rolled up slowly and reached for her water bottle and her smaller towel. She wiped her face and drank, then nudged Rachel. "I'm going," she whispered.

 

"Hmmm." Rachel smiled, eyes closed.

 

Katelyn rolled up her towel and mat and stood. Her shorts and tank were soaked. Her hair was in a messy knot on top of her head, secured with a headband that was also drenched. She tiptoed out of the studio and came face-to-face with Marc, also leaving.

 

Surprise lit up his eyes and he smiled. Hi, he mouthed, and held the door for her.

 

Out in the hallway, where a group had gathered waiting for the next class, they paused.

 

"Hi!" she said brightly. "Never thought I'd meet up with a hockey player at hot yoga!"

 

He grinned. "It keeps us flexible. Our trainer recommended we come to this."

 

The door opened and Tanner, Duncan, and the other fellow stepped out. Tanner's gaze immediately landed on her and his jaw tightened.

 

He hated her.

 

She swallowed but kept her smile in place. "This is definitely an awesome way to stay flexible. I love coming here on cold days like this."

 

"I fuckin' hate this class," Duncan muttered. He lifted a water bottle to his lips and drained it.

 

Tanner hooked an arm around Duncan's neck and shook him. "Give it a chance, man. It's only your second time." He released Duncan and said to Katelyn, "Come here often?"

 

She gave him a pursed-lip smile, acutely aware of the fact that she was sweaty and probably scarlet-faced. "Actually, not that often. I go to other classes-it seems like my schedule often interferes with the hot yoga classes."

 

They were then joined by Rachel, wide-eyed at seeing Katelyn standing talking to four men.

 

"Guys, this is my friend Rachel. Rachel, my client Marc Dupuis."

 

Rachel's eyes bugged out even more.  

 

"Duncan Armstrong, Lovey's brother. I'm sorry, you are … " She smiled at the fourth guy.

 

"Happy to meet you," he said, reaching for her hand, eyes fastened on her face flirtatiously. "I'm Eric but everyone calls me Dick."

 

Katelyn blinked. "How do you get Dick out of Eric?"

 

"You ask nicely."

 

It took a second, but then she burst out laughing while the guys all groaned.

 

"Rico, you are such a tool," Tanner said.

 

Eric grinned. "Okay, everyone calls me Rico."

 

"This is our wedding planner, Katelyn Medford," Marc said to Eric. "Be nice to her."

 

"That should not be a problem," Eric said, still holding her hand, smiling into her eyes.

 

She felt her hot cheeks burn even more. Extricating her hand, she said to Rachel, "And you remember Tanner."

 

Rachel had managed to compose herself and she smiled at Tanner, who was scowling at Eric. "Hi, Tanner. Long time no see."

 

"Hi, Rachel." Tanner's smile became surprisingly warm and natural. "No kidding, it's been a while. How are you?"

 

"I'm good."

 

Katelyn wanted to roll her eyes. Tanner didn't have a hate on for her best friend apparently, like he did for her. She'd always liked it that Rachel and Tanner got along so well, but now for some reason it bugged her.

 

Because Rachel and Tanner were still friends. But she and Tanner were not.