Page 14 of Moonshot

But the best part of yoga for me is the steady release of feel-good hormones. The delivery of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin brings happiness. A sensation of joyfulness that’s hard to describe. However, today feels different than the last few visits.

I’m feeling proud of myself for keeping up with the complicated poses until I turn and catch sight of the man candy behind me and realize I’ve been bent forward much of the time I’m here, with my ass as his primary view.Ugh.Well, it’s yoga, and he chose to sit there. Hmm, is that why he’s here? No. Certainly, he wouldn’t have signed up for an advanced class with poses of this intensity in a sweltering room just to pick up women. Hell, that guy could get lucky while standing in the drug store aisle buying cream for jock itch.

“And relax,” Jade instructs. Her voice makes me suddenly aware I’ve been stuck in my own head. Wow. This class went by faster than expected. I try to sit still, taking some cleansing breaths before I gather my things and head to the showers. As I stand, I can’t help but look over my shoulder. But the class’s star pupil is no longer behind me. Turning my head, I notice he’s at the front of the room, surrounded by women.Go figure.Our eyes lock briefly, and he gives me a saucy wink, again confirming he’s caught me looking. I no longer have to worry with the color of my face giving my embarrassment away, as the heat and the constant exertion have caused my entire body to look like a walking Twizzler. I’ll probably be red from head to toe until hours after I shower.

I intentionally wait until the surprise hottie and his harem have departed before exiting the space. Between his antics and the conversation with Carson last night, I’m questioning why I’d want to even consider entering into a relationship with a hot traveling salesman. The scenario is ripe for constant apprehension unless I decide to trust him. But what’s the alternative? Begin a relationship with someone you aren’t attracted to? Have no chemistry with? Or take a chance and hope for something electric?

I don’t want to be a doormat, but I’m tired of living in fear. Carson’s right. I just need to be aware of the possibility, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t put myself out there. All men aren’t unabashed hot yoga playboys or single police officers looking to pick up their next sweet treat.

I stand in the cool shower, trying to bring down my body’s temperature as well as let go of the images of attractive men only looking to score. The yoga and the heat have caused me to feel electric. You’d think I’d be exhausted by what I just put my body through. Yet, I feel the opposite. I’m wound up. As the water trickles over my skin, there’s a buzz. It’s as if I’m hyperstimulated. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the hot guy in class and everything to do with the hormones my body’s releasing.

My hands drift down my hot skin, spreading body wash over my sensitive flesh. I suddenly picture Michael’s hands doing the same. Running down my arms, gliding sudsy soap over my supercharged body. Stopping to tease my responsive nipples and caress my hypersensitive breasts, I imagine him applying shampoo to my hair and massaging my scalp before turning me to face him and devouring my neck, my mouth, my collarbone. As I can feel the thrumming between my legs, I have to get myself together. I can’t believe I’ve let these images taunt me in a public place. But I want him. I’ve never been so attracted to anyone. I’ve never felt the chemistry I experience with Mick.

Turning the temperature a bit cooler, I need to get myself together. As I stand under the now frigid water as it strikes my hair and skin, I suddenly feel a renewed sense of power. If I really want this guy, I need to put myself out there. The next time he’s scheduled to visit the office, I’m going to be ready. I’m not going to mince words. He’s going to know how much I enjoyed our date. That I’m interested in more. Then I’ll leave it up to him where we go from there.

I’m not going to beg. And if he’s not interested, I’ll walk away with my head held high. But I refuse to end up all alone like my mother. All because I was too afraid to take a chance.

CHAPTEREIGHT

Ava

It’s been a month. A solid freaking month since I last saw Mick. I can’t believe how much I’ve missed him. The day I arrived late to work following my migraine had been a bear. Every day since had been more of the same. Busy days with the constant looming of Dr. Stark around me like a pesky fly at a spring picnic. Continually imparting his uninvited opinion and pressing for me to perform additional work. I’ve enjoyed working with this practice, but if his behavior keeps up, I’m going to have to look for something else.

My thoughts are immediately brought back to the here and now as my phone dances across the desk. Momentarily, my heart speeds up, thinking it could be him. Then I remember he doesn’t have my cell number. Looking at the screen, my face brightens at the sight of Eve’s pretty face on my screen.

“Hey, girl. What’re you doing calling me mid-day? Did they actually give you guys a break today?”

“Ha! We’ve had a little downtime today. The professor for my last class was out sick, and they couldn’t find a replacement in time. You’d think someone told us we all won the lottery. I’d never seen so many grown-ass people try not to hoot and holler!” She almost squeals at her unexpected delight. “I called to tell you my news. I got it!”

“What? The ER rotation you wanted here at St. Luke’s?”

“Yes. I’m so excited, Ava. I know it’s just a six-week clinical rotation and with it only being my second clinical, I won’t have the ability to impress anyone. But this feels like a game-changer for me. Like all of the hopes for this to happen one day are finally coming true.”

“Oh, Eve. You’re going to impress them just fine. You’re a hard worker, and you’ll jump right in and be willing to do whatever procedures they have available. If you can just manage to keep that sassy mouth shut until you land the job, you’re all set.” I giggle.

“You’re not wrong.” She chuckles. “I know I won’t get to see much of you, being so busy there. But I hope if I’m ever doing a day shift, we can meet after work for dinner. I’m so excited about this, Ava.”

I can practically feel her exuberance through the phone line. I’m so tickled for her. “Oh, Eve, we’ll make sure it happens. If not, we’ll plan it on our day off so I can hear all about how it’s going.”

“Okay. I have to go. There are a bunch of us going to lunch to celebrate our short-lived freedom from our orthopedic lecture.”

“Hey. I resemble that remark.”

“Oh, sorry. There goes my mouth again. I’m sure it’s completely different there, Ava. It’s just sitting in this class all day-”

“Oh, honey. I’m teasing. I completely get it.” And some days, it’snotcompletely different here. But it all seems so much more exciting when you’re still in school. “Go enjoy your lunch. And thanks for sharing your news. I can’t wait to see you in scrubs and a lab coat. I’ll be so proud.”

“Thanks, Ava. Bye.”

Hanging up the call, I make a mental note to text her regarding her graduation date and ask off for the Friday before. Wouldn’t want to wait until the last minute, and suddenly Dr. Stark says it’s too late to have the day off because he’s already claimed it for himself.

Knock, knock.

My head flies up immediately, wondering if somehow I’d lost all track of time. I barely catch sight of Joanie at my door before I’m looking down at my watch.

“Oh, it’s not time yet, dear.”

Busted. “Oh. Yeah, sorry.”

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