Page 34 of Baby Maker

I grab him into a hug, dropping a kiss on his head. “Thanks for watching out for me. I promise I’ll consider all my options before making any decisions.”

The trouble is, I realize as I leave the restaurant, that the more options available, the less certain I am of what I want.

Simon is right. I have some serious soul searching to do.

* * *

I enter my yoga studio,feeling a warm energy pervade every cell. A fellow instructor, Ally, looks up from the desk, a smile crossing her face.

“I thought it was a joke when I saw you on the schedule to teach. Welcome back, Calli!” She sprints over, pulling me into a bear hug.

“It’s good to be back. Let’s hope I haven’t forgotten the flow.” I wipe my palms against my thighs, feeling like I did a decade earlier when I first began instruction.

Remember, it’s like riding a bicycle, Calliope. You’ve got this.

“You? Never. They’re in for a treat today.” Ally motions to the main studio, with a dozen students preparing for the class. The bell above the entry door jingles and she glances over my shoulder. “Hi, there. Can I help you?”

“I wanted to check out a yoga class.”

My face flushes. I know that voice. I turn, grinning at Keegan. “You came.”

I invited my new friend to my inaugural run, but I never thought he’d show. Already, I’m feeling better about this class. Whenever Keegan is close, my mind is calm. Even if my body is alight with sparks.

“You said you needed a cheerleader, although judging by the excited looks on everyone’s face, you already have a cheering section.”

“One more never hurt, especially when his presence was specifically requested.”

Ally watches my exchange with Keegan, her eyes shimmering with interest. I’m uncertain if it’s because she hasn’t seen me this animated in years or due to the dashing man by my side. My money is on the Baby Maker.

“Ally, this is my friend, Dr. Keegan Russo.”

She extends a slender hand, a new sort of smile playing about her face. I should have placed money on that bet. No surprise that the sexy as hell doctor has piqued her interest. “Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Russo. First time at yoga?”

“First time at a class.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be gentle.” She moves her hand to his chest, offering a playful pat.

Keegan grins, arching a brow in her direction. “Is that a promise, Ally?”

It’s bad enough watching Ally’s flirtatious banter with Keegan. I know she’s not malicious, just taking advantage of a golden opportunity. But watching Keegan respond to her advances makes my teeth clench.

Let’s just say I was never the girl who liked to share. Even when the toy didn’t belong to me.

A bad habit, indeed, but after thirty-seven years, one I’m unlikely to break.

“I’d better get ready for class,” I state, but might as well be speaking to the wall, as their gazes remain locked on one another.

“We need to get you ready, too. Come with me, Dr. Russo, and I’ll get you all signed up.” Much more of their coy exchanges, and I’m going to lose my breakfast.

Distance. Distance is the safest bet against the little green monster rooting around in my emotions. That and a roll of my eyes as I march toward the changing room.

Keegan and I are friends. That’s the agreement. Friends aren’t supposed to behave like jealous lunatics when beautiful, svelte yoga instructors show interest. We’re supposed to be supportive.

So why do I want to rip Ally’s ponytail out by the root?

This is definitely not the right mindset for a vinyasa flow. Taking a few deep breaths, I find my center. Find my calm.

For now, the Keegan situation needs to be pushed from my mind. My focus is on a return to the mat as the instructor and owner of this studio. My students require all my attention. They deserve it.

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