Page 19 of For the Win

God.

I let them all hold the pose on that side, then the other, then softly tell them to lower their arms, their foot, and shake out their legs.

We move into Triangle Pose.“Feel like there’s a wall behind you, and lean into it.Nice, Stella.Find your strength.”

The only reason I’m paying more attention to Harrison is because he needs it, so I make myself move around to be sure I’m getting to everyone who needs assistance, but I return to him to adjust his hips.I grab a yoga block for Harrison as I instruct further.

“Thanks,” he murmurs, placing his hand on the block.

“You’re welcome.Lift your right leg...stack your hips and your shoulders...”

They’re balanced on one foot and one hand.Harrison wobbles a bit again.“Reach your right arm to the sky.It’s fine if you fall, don’t worry.”I pause.Nobody falls.“Energize your fingers...flex your toes...and keep breathing.”

We end the class with Happy Baby, which is not a pretty pose.I drag my eyes away from Harrison’s rounded butt and massive thighs.Wow.

We then move into savasana.The song playing is another Alina Baraz song, “Down for You,” again with a chill vibe.I like to leave people relaxed but energized.I guide them through relaxing, then I quietly leave the studio, allowing them to rest as long as they want.

In the empty teachers’ lounge, I drop onto a chair and blow out a long breath.

I was definitely distracted by Harrison’s presence, but I don’t think anyone else in the class noticed anything.

I’m done teaching for the day, so I grab my backpack.I check my cellphone for any messages.A Snapchat from Janey, a text from Taj telling me he won’t be home for dinner.So I can do whatever I want.It’s only five o’clock.I’ll jump on my bike and head to the beach.

I run down the stairs to the retail area.Hazel and Willow are working there, a few customers looking at clothing and accessories.

And Harrison is there.

He lifts his head and spots me.A smile breaks across his face.“Hi.”

I walk toward him, my heart doing a jitterbug in my chest.“Hi.”

He holds up a pair of men’s shorts.“Do you think I need these?”

I have to smile.“You have shorts.”

“Yeah, but, uh, things move around.”

I bite my lip and take the shorts from him, trying not to think about things moving around in his shorts.Gah.“These have a special liner.”

“Yeah.I think that would be good.”

“These also have flat seams, so no chafing.And they were designed by a man.”

“Good.I’ll take them.”

“We also sell underwear.”Oh God.Why did I say that?He’s not just another customer.

He grins.“I can always use more.”

I lead him over to the table with the performance boxer briefs.The image of his legs and his ass floats through my mind as I show him the garments.“The fabric is breathable and sweat wicking.”

“It’s really soft.I’ll take a three pack.”He grabs a size large.

I swallow.

The model on the front of the package is lean and muscled, but what I wouldn’t give to see Harrison wearing these briefs.Heat sweeps from my hairline down to my chest.I’m probably turning fire-engine red.

Then he says, “Oh, sorry.It looks like you’re on your way out.”

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