Page 160 of Goaltender Interference

Dakota continued, his voice soft and soothing. “Take a moment to settle your mind, focusing on slow, steady breathing and let go of as much tension as you can.”

After a few heartbeats, Dakota said, “Now, on your next inhale, root firmly into your palms to lift the weight of your torso and walk your hands back until they are ahead of your shoulders. Yes, just like that.”

Connor watched Jesse and Dakota settle on their hands and knees again. “Now, spread your fingers wide and grip the mat gently with your fingers. Tuck all ten toes underneath, activate your core, check to make sure you’re not collapsing in on your shoulders, then lift up into downward facing dog.”

Shit.

At the sight of two incredibly well-sculpted asses in snug leggings pointed high in the air, Gavin let out a soft strangled noise and Connor drew in a sharp breath. He glanced over at Gavin to see him staring wide-eyed at the guys. Thankfully, his gaze seemed locked on Dakota, not Jesse.

Connor would really hate having to duke it out with his GM.

Talk about getting traded …

After a moment, Gavin shook his head, glancing over at Connor with a rueful smile and shrug, as if to say he was only human and the sight in front of them was impossible to ignore.

At least Connor wasn’t the only one.

“Great form, huh?” someone purred and Connor looked over to see Thad Racine leaning against the wall next to the door, staring intently at the guys doing yoga.

Connor tried not to bristle when Thad looked them up and down appreciatively.

“What areyoudoing down here?” Gavin asked.

“Getting to know the team and staff, of course. I want to make a personal connection with everyone here before my job officially starts next week.”

The corners of Gavin's mouth tightened briefly before he nodded. “Right.”

“Gentlemen.” Dakota’s voice rose over the soft music in the background, though it never lost its smooth, rich tone. “This is a space for quiet, meditative focus with minimal distractions.Please, either join us as we finish this vinyasa flow or step outside the room to finish your conversation.”

Under his arm, Jesse winked at Connor.

“Apologies,” Gavin said, jerking his head toward the door. “We’ll step outside.”

When they were out in the hall, Gavin shut the door firmly behind him. He leaned against the wall, rubbing his temple.

“You okay?” Connor asked.

Gavin nodded. “Long day is all. And I still have a shitload more on my plate.”

“You take life so seriously, brother dearest,” Thad said. “It’s not healthy for you.”

“And you don’t take it seriously enough,” Gavin snapped.

Connor cleared his throat. “So, Thad, before I forget, I wanna let you know my family is hosting a big Thanksgiving open house next week.”

He explained what the plan was and that people were welcome to show up whenever was convenient for them.

“Sure, I’d love to spend more time with the team,” Thad said, his gaze raking over Connor, lips twisting up into a flirtatious smile. “Text me the address?”

“I’ll forward you the email, Thad,” Gavin said tightly.

Thad opened his mouth and Connor was morbidly curious to know what he was going to say next, when the studio door opened.

Jesse bounced out, his face pink and sweaty as he beamed at Connor, shorts pulled on over his leggings, and his hands tucked into his hoodie pockets. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Connor said, drinking in the sight of Jesse, tempted to pull him in for a long, lingering kiss to show Thad he and Jesse were both very much taken. “Ready to go home?”

“Definitely.”

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