“For this episode, we’re going to start with some great poses to help get the blood flowing and our minds active. Toward the end of class, we’re going to focus on entering a deeper level of meditation, to help you reduce your stress level during the busy holiday season. The goal is to help you find a state of peace and get centered on the important things.” She motioned toward her mat. “So, go ahead and roll out your yoga mat, have some water handy, and find your inner calm as we prepare to enjoy this yoga session.”
Owen waited a few seconds and then turned off the camera. She raised an eyebrow. “How did you know to do that?” She’d expected him to let the footage roll and planned to edit later.
He shrugged. “It felt like a natural break. Did you want me to keep filming while you got settled on your mat?”
“No. We always break after my intro. It makes for a smoother transition.” She pointed a finger at him. “You’ve been holding out on me. You’re a natural at this.”
He gave her that crooked smile that melted her insides. “You’re easy to film. I’ll wait until you give me the signal and turn it back on.”
“Great.” She nodded, liking how easy their interactions were. She’d been nervous about asking Owen for help, afraid that having him behind the camera would throw her off her game. But as she walked to her mat, her heart was light and happy, making entering her “box” easier than usual.
She sat cross-legged on her mat in Easy Pose, started up the holiday-themed yoga music, and nodded toward Owen. He began recording, and once again she started talking when the red light appeared.
This was her happy place. Hope loved yoga, and she loved sharing it with others. She moved through the poses, talking through each one and giving tips on how to successfully complete the movement, as well as interjecting little uplifting thoughts to keep her viewers positive and motivated. The time passed quickly as she guided her invisible viewers into a Corpse Pose to begin meditation.
“As you lie here, I want you to become aware of your breathing,” she said softly, knowing her mic would carry the words. “Close your eyes and inhale—breathing in the good. Then, when you’re ready, exhale—breathing out the bad. Dispel any worries or unpleasantness. In this space, only uplifting, positive thoughts can reach you. Let’s take a minute to pull in some cleansing breaths as we allow our minds to enter a state of relaxation.”
The music continued to play quietly as Hope allowed time for the breathing exercise, feeling her own body grow calm and still. When the moment felt right, she spoke again. “As you enter into this state of rest, allow each muscle to relax into the earth. Let your thoughts go, not holding any regrets or pain about the past. Not allowing for worry or stress about the future. Coming to a place of peace in knowing that your heart is centered. Knowing that in this moment, you are exactly where you are supposed to be.”
Chapter 23
Owen watched Hope from behind the camera. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was good at this—as comfortable in front of the camera lens as she was teaching a class. He was beginning to see why her show was so popular.
He zoomed in and out a few times during the session, going on instinct about what might make for a nice shot. But something happened to him as he listened to her. He could actually feel the change in the room as she spoke in her calm way. And not just in the room—he felt a change in his heart. Maybe it was because no one else was around and he could let his guard down. Or maybe it was because he wasn’t focused on trying to get the poses right. Whatever the reason, her words were affecting him in a way they hadn’t before. Even the stress of wanting to do a good job filming wasn’t bothering him. As Hope talked about letting go of the past, for the first time in a long time, Owen allowed himself to relax.
The ever-present tension in his neck and shoulders loosened slightly. His breathing grew slow and steady. His whole body felt lighter, and for a few thrilling moments, he was free. Chills covered his arms and he swallowed. It wasn’t just the meditation affecting him. It was Hope. Her light had pierced through the darkness that had encompassed him for months. She lay there on her mat, unaware of the monumental moment as she continued to speak, her words reaching a place deep inside of him no one else could reach.
His therapist and family members had been telling him these things ever since he got home. Everyone encouraged him to let go of the past and move on with the future. But when he heard the words from Hope, they meant something. He folded his arms and watched her through the camera screen, knowing the answer. He’d known it from the moment he’d laid eyes on her, and he’d tried to deny it. But in these quiet moments he couldn’t fight it anymore. He’d given Hope his heart. His whole heart. And there was no turning back from that now.
Chapter 24
“Namaste.” Hope closed her eyes and gave a small bow, waiting a few seconds before sitting upright again. Owen clicked the camera off, his features drawn in thought. Now that she was finished and left her imaginary box, she suddenly felt shy. Emily normally gave her feedback on how the session went. She brought her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on them. “What do you think? Was it okay?”
He didn’t answer right away, just studied her for a moment. Her insides buzzed at the intent look in his eyes.
“How do you do that?” he finally asked.
“Do what?”
“Bring in that kind of …” He tipped his head back as if searching for the right word. “… mood into the room?” he finished. “You didn’t even have a class in here, and yet I felt myself drawn into the meditation more powerfully than I have before.”
“Really?” She stood and walked toward him. “That’s great. Hopefully that means the session was a success.”
He continued to stare at her, and she noticed there was something different about him. His blue eyes held a new softness. He seemed more relaxed. But before she could analyze further, he shifted and turned toward the camera. “I think I did an okay job with this. But maybe you should watch the footage to make sure.”
She stepped toward the camera. “I bet it’s great, but I’ll have a look later tonight.” She checked the clock on the wall. “There’s an aerobics class starting soon, so I’d better clear out.”
“I’ll help.”
He took a step closer, and she caught a whiff of his cologne, kick-starting her senses. He smelled crazy-good. She licked her lips, trying to focus. “Thanks. I really appreciate all of this.”
Owen shrugged in response. “It was nothing.”
She touched his arm, the contact sending warm tingles along her spine as she met his eyes. “Not to me. You came to my rescue today. I owe you big time for that.”
One corner of his mouth lifted as a mischievous look filled his eyes. “In that case, how about you agree to go out with me tonight and we’ll call it even?”
Her heart fluttered under his gaze. She was glad he hadn’t mentioned it would be their final date. She didn’t want to think of it that way. It would be spending time with Owen; that was all that mattered. She smiled and reached on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
“Deal.”
Chapter 25
“Thanks for dinner, sweetheart,” Beverly said, smiling at Owen as they left Henry’s Café in downtown Pine Ridge. “I’ve been wanting to try that place since we arrived, and it didn’t disappoint.”
Owen nodded, patting his stomach. There were few things he appreciated more than a good meal. “My chicken fried steak was amazing. If we ever come back, we’ll have to go there again.”
“I plan to come back and bring your dad. I want him to see this.” She gestured to the Christmas lights on Main Street. “The whole town is a Christmas wonderland. Next week they’re going to have their Christmas festival, and I’m sad to miss it.”
“Maybe next year.” He smiled and took her arm, helping her navigate the icy sidewalk until they reached the car.
“Maybe.” She paused. “And maybe Hope will teach classes again next year and w
e can make it an annual thing.”
His heart warmed at the thought, but he rolled his eyes and opened the door for her. “Mom, don’t get carried away. She and I have only known each other for a few days.”
She pointed a gloved finger at him. “Maybe so, but I recognize love when I see it.”
The word caught him off guard, like the reins being jerked from his hands. His mouth opened to protest, but no words came.
She nodded with a knowing smile. “Hope is special, and I’ve never seen you this happy around anyone. Not even Sandra.” She searched his eyes. “She’s good for you, Owen. Don’t let a little thing like distance get in between you two.”
Love. His mind fixated on the word, unable to move past it. His feelings for Hope must have been more transparent than he thought ... but did she feel the same way? He needed more time with her in order to answer that question. But time was a luxury he didn’t have. He would talk to her tonight. He sucked in a breath, the prospect filling him with nervous anticipation.
“Owen?”
He turned to his mom, realizing she was still waiting for a response. He smiled and leaned forward, giving her a small peck on the forehead. “I’ll do my best,” he said. But not for her sake—for his own. He couldn’t afford to mess this up.
“That’s all I ask.” She winked before climbing into the passenger seat.
He shut the door behind her, his thoughts on overdrive. Butterflies invaded his stomach at the thought of seeing Hope again. She’d planned to eat dinner with Emily and Max in their room, wanting to spend time with her sister to make sure she was okay. Then she would meet him at the lodge stables for their date.
He tipped his head back to look at the dark sky and a smile tugged at his lips. The night was cold and clear and perfect for cuddling up on a sleigh ride. The thought of holding Hope in his arms did crazy things to his heartrate. He swallowed, thinking of her warm softness pressed against him and suddenly realization struck like a charging bull: he couldn’t lose her.
Owen raked a hand through his hair. Now that Hope had brought color back into his life, he wasn’t willing to give her up. Not if there was a chance she felt the same way.
Determination quickened his steps as he moved toward the driver’s side of the car. He had always been a risk-taker, an adrenaline junkie at his core. It was the reason he’d been attracted to the rodeo, and not a small part of why he’d joined the Marines. He’d faced some intense situations in the past—but something told him he was about to take his biggest risk yet.
Chapter 26
Hope’s stomach flipped in anticipation as she entered the large stable door, loving the earthy smell of hay and horses. She’d taken extra time to get ready tonight, and now, even with her snow gear on, she felt feminine and pretty—and she couldn’t wait to see Owen.
He turned as soon as she entered the stable, giving her a smile that made her heart skip several beats. He was dressed in a warm coat and scarf and held two hot chocolate cups with lids. “Nutella or salted caramel?” he asked, holding them out to her.
She grinned. “Nutella, please.” He handed her one of the cups and she thanked him before taking a sip. The rich nutty chocolate coated her tongue and warmed all the way down her throat. She closed her eyes and sighed. “I can’t get enough of this stuff.” She glanced up at him, her shoulder lifting in a regretful shrug. “We tried our best, but we still didn’t get through all the flavors.”
“We’ll just have to come back, then.”
Her pulse stuttered. “Looks like it.” She knew he was probably teasing, but the earnest look in his blue eyes made her breathing unsteady. Did he mean it? She loved the thought of spending more time with Owen and didn’t want tonight to be goodbye. Was it possible he felt the same way? She cleared her throat and was about to broach the subject when a man spoke up behind them.
“Are you the Davis party?” he asked.
Owen moved his gaze from Hope to shake the older man’s hand. “That’s us. You must be Ben. We spoke on the phone earlier.”
“Yep, that’s me. It’s nice to meet you both.” He shook Hope’s hand next and then hooked his thumbs in his belt loops. “I’ve almost got everything set up, but I’m afraid I’m a bit behind. Our stable hand came down with the flu, so it will take me a few more minutes to get things ready. If you want to stay in here where it’s warm, I’ll let you know when we’re all set.”
Owen tipped his head to one side. “Anything I can help you with? I’ve got some experience with—” he stopped, his eyes darting to Hope, “what you’re getting ready,” he finished.
Hope bit back a smile, loving that he wanted whatever they were doing to be a surprise.
Ben’s grey eyebrows lifted and he pointed a gnarled finger. “I thought I recognized another horseman.” He leaned back on his heels. “If you wouldn’t mind lending a hand, I’d appreciate it ... I’m not as spry as I once was.”
Owen chuckled. “Of course. I’m happy to help.”
Hope’s heart warmed to the fact that he was quick to recognize a need. He turned to her with a question in his eyes.
“Do you mind waiting here for a bit?”
She shook her head. “Not at all.”
His face relaxed and he nodded. “I’ll be right back.”
“No rush. I’ll just get acquainted with some new friends,” she said, gesturing to the horses in their stalls.
Owen winked and followed Ben toward the opposite end of the stable. Ben had a charming bowlegged walk and his boots made a muffled sound on the dirt-covered floor. Beside him, Owen’s tall frame and broad shoulders looked even more impressive. She longed to see him in his own cowboy boots and hat—although she had a feeling the sight would render her completely speechless.
After they’d exited through the large stable doors, she turned her attention to the horses occupying the stalls around her. Hope loved horses, and normally would have relished their quiet company, but for some reason now that Owen was gone she felt unsettled. She ignored the sensation, shaking it off as childish as she stepped to the closest stall. A beautiful black horse watched her with his large, liquid eyes. She bent down to read the nameplate.
“Hello, Samson. How are you?” She set her hot chocolate on the ground and reached her hand out for the horse to smell. He pushed his nose through the bar and nuzzled her, searching for a treat. She laughed and pet the fine velvet. “Sorry, no treats today, buddy.”
He jerked his head back, his ears pricking forward as he gave a low snort.
She laughed again. “I said I was sorry. I’ll bring you a treat next time.” But Samson wasn’t looking at her—his gaze was fixed on something behind her. The hair stood up along the back of her neck. She could sense someone standing there. Her breathing shallowed as she turned, and then her heart froze. Kurt stood less than a yard away, his dark hooded eyes gleaming.
“Surprise,” he said, his lip curling in a wicked sneer.
Hope’s heart beat frantically as she prepared to run. “You can’t be here,” she said, trying to sound forceful as she reached in her pocket for her phone. “I’ll give you two seconds to leave before I call the police.”
He gave a low, menacing laugh. “That would be a mistake.” Without warning, he lunged for her. Hope screamed, unable to move out of the way before he tackled her, wrapping his arms around her and pressing her back to his chest. “You made one crucial mistake—you never asked about me or what I do. And do you know what that is?” he whispered.
She gulped, struggling against him. He didn’t wait for her answer.
“I’m a computer programmer—a hacker. Do you know how easy it was for me to hack into the hotel security feed? I knew it was only a matter of time until I’d find you alone.”
Sweat broke out along the back of her neck as she continued to struggle, but his grip was too tight. She needed Owen. She screamed again and he clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her.
“All I wanted was to be with you, Hope,” he said, n
uzzling her ear. “Is that such a crime? You belong with me. You’ll come to realize that.”
Her stomach roiled and she struggled against him with all her force. He squeezed her tighter and clamped his hand over her mouth until she couldn’t breathe. Owen, help! Her mind screamed.
“Shh. Let’s go somewhere and talk this throu—” he stiffened as the stable doors at the end opened.
Hope jerked wild eyes to the doors, her body sagging in relief when Owen charged into the stable.
Chapter 27
Owen’s pulse pounded in his ears, his stomach dropping as soon as he saw Kurt’s hold on Hope. “Get your hands off her!” he yelled, running toward them. Fury nearly blinded him, but he had to rein it in. If he unleashed the rage he felt he could easily kill Kurt, and he didn’t need any more blood on his hands. Control. He felt his face harden into a mask as he instinctively moved into combat mode.
Kurt sneered and tossed Hope to the side, reaching behind his back as he ran to meet Owen. “Come and get me!” he shrieked. He held something that glinted in the light.
“He has a knife!” Hope screamed.
Owen’s lip curled and he moved faster. Good. Maybe this will actually be a fair fight. They met halfway down the line of stalls and Kurt took a wild stab at Owen’s face. Owen grabbed his hand and knocked the knife out of it in one fluid motion. A look of shock passed over Kurt’s beady eyes a split second before Owen threw a punch to his temple. Kurt’s eyes rolled back in his head and he fell to the ground in a heap.
Owen’s chest heaved and he clenched and unclenched his fists as he looked down at Kurt’s still form. The rage burned, threatening to consume him. He’d wanted more of a fight to unleash the fury roaring through his veins, but he had to hold back. He could have killed him for touching Hope again. He turned to her, the storm inside instantly melting to concern as she bit her trembling lip and rushed into his arms.
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