“That’s it,” she encouraged as she showed Penny how to get into the downward dog position properly. “I know it’s not easy, but don’t worry about getting it perfect. Everyone has to start somewhere. Honor where you are in your process.”
Continuing through the series of movements, she shifted between showing them what to do and walking around to help them. “That’s it, ladies. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t do everything today. You might not be able to do it now, but a week or a few weeks from now, who knows what you’ll be able to do if you put your mind to it?”
Finally, they neared the end, and she had everyone lie down on their mats. “Relax your body. One part at a time. Focus on your breathing. Release the tension in your muscles.” After a few more minutes of silence, she took a deep breath, then sat up. “All right, ladies, and we are done. Thank you so much.” She put her hands together and nodded at them.
“I feel awesome,” Christina said. “God, I needed that so bad.”
“I thought I was going to fall over,” Georgina laughed. “But you were such a good teacher.”
Everyone came up to her to praise and thank her. The fact that she was able to finish the class and help people made her feel euphoric. It was an incredible feeling, and deep inside, she realized that this was what she was meant to do.
“Now, how about brunch?” Catherine offered. “I have food set up in the dining room.” All the women agreed heartily and followed her out of the ballroom.
As they sat and ate, Anna Victoria used the time to get to know them, as well as ask the women what she could do to improve the classes. They were all helpful, and all wanted to come back next week, plus suggested she offer more types of classes or later schedules, since they had friends who had wanted to come but simply couldn’t make it on a Saturday morning. She told them she would take that into consideration, if Catherine was amenable to hosting them at another time, which of course she said was definitely possible.
“So, it’s nice to see you again,” J.D. said as they all began to file out of the castle.
“Oh. Sorry,” she said, embarrassed. They hadn’t seen each other or even talked since Monday. “I’ve been, uh, busy.”
“Or getting busy?” she teased. “Hey, don’t worry about it, I’m kidding. I’m so happy for you, Anna Victoria. I really am. And I’m so glad Damon’s found you.”
“You are?”
“Yeah, he’s been … well you know the last couple of years haven’t been great, but I know things are already improving with him, and I know it’s all because of you.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s all me,” she replied. “But you’re right. There is something different about him.” Gone was the sullen, cold man she’d first met. Sure, he was still the same disciplined, responsible, and organized boss at work, but he seemed more approachable now.
“But I am mad at him for hogging you. I miss you so much,” J.D. said. “What’re you planning to do now?”
“Maybe head to Main Street for some shopping?” The envelope that Catherine handed her after the class was another reason to celebrate—finally some extra cash so she could purchase some luxury items. “And then meet up with Damon at Rosie’s.”
“Why don’t we head to South Blackstone instead?” J.D. suggested. “They have more shops nowadays, and we can look at some space for you.”
“Space?” she asked, puzzled.
“Duh, for your fitness studio.”
She laughed. “Oh goodness, I’ve only taught one class.”
“It’s not a bad idea, though, right?” J.D. elbowed her. “You’re not going to sign up for a lease right this moment, but we can at least imagine it, right?”
Did she dare think about it? This morning’s class had her fired up. It was like she hadn’t known she’d wanted to do this, but now, she was excited, and it would be nice to have something of her own—kinda like J.D. had with her garage. “All right, let’s go.”
Chapter Eleven
Anna Victoria followed J.D. in her car all the way to South Blackstone, a new high-end development just on the outskirts of the main town center. It was obvious that Blackstone was growing and prospering, and she was glad they decided to expand instead of replacing the older parts of town. She rather liked the quaint area around Main Street, but South Blackstone did have more shops, cafes, and restaurants that were hipper and more international.
They browsed through the different shops, and J.D. convinced her to stop and look at spaces that had a For Rent sign outside, and imagined which place would be most suitable, and how a studio could be set up. Starting her own business wasn’t something she was planning on doing right this moment, but it was nice to dream.
She was exhausted by the time they finished and drove to Rosie’s. The temperature had dropped considerably by then and so she was eager to get some dinner and go back to Damon’s place before it got too bad. However, J.D. had invited herself, and since she hadn’t seen Gabriel in a while, asked him to come, too. He was already there by the time they entered.
“Hello, ladies,” Rosie greeted from where she stood at the hostess station. “And, Gabriel,” she added with a nod. “Back again?”
“You know I love it here,” he said.
“This is the fourth time this week,” she noted, then looked at Anna Victoria. “Damon joining you?”
I guess everyone knows about us, she mused. “Yes, he should be here any—oh.”
On cue, Damon appeared at the entrance, his face drawn into a frown. Anna Victoria tensed, sensing his apprehension at being inside the restaurant, even if it was early and only half occupied.
“You made it,” she said as she walked to him and took his hand, giving it a squeeze.
His face immediately changed, and those mesmerizing jade eyes fixed on her. “Of course I did. How was class?”
“It was great!” She proceeded to tell him the short version about her successful first ever real stint as a yoga teacher. “But, I can tell you more later. C’mon, let’s sit down. I’m starving.” She cocked her head at her two companions. “J.D. kinda invited herself and Gabriel. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, I haven’t seen J.D. in a while.” He greeted his two friends, and Rosie led them to a booth.
“Okay, kids,” Rosie began. “You know the drill. However, our new flavors for today are truffle cheese, spicy samosa, and Earl Grey cream.” She turned to Gabriel. “You’ll want one each of those, I suppose?”
He nodded. “Yes, please.”
Damon raised a brow, but didn’t comment on Gabriel’s order. “I’ll have the dinner special, Rosie.”
“Me too,” Anna Victoria said. “I’ll let you know what dessert I want later, if that’s okay?”
“Me three,” J.D. added. “Though I want to try that Earl Grey one, and I know Gabriel won’t give me even one bite.”
“You bet,” Gabriel said smugly. “Keep your hands off my dessert, McNamara.”
Rosie chuckled. “All right, kids, sit tight. I’ll have those to ya soon.”
“Can’t wait,” Gabriel called out. “Truffle cheese … samosa … Earl Grey,” he said, with a dreamy look on his face. “I already know it’s going to be good.”
“Do you even know what a samosa is?” J.D. asked.
“Of course I do,” Gabriel said, miffed. “I’m not an uncultured swine, you know.”
Anna Victoria laughed. “Maybe I should have tried it too. I haven’t had Indian food in a long time.”
“I know a place in Verona Mills,” Damon suggested as he linked his fingers through hers under the table. “We can go there for dinner tomorrow if you’d like.”
“That would be nice,” she said. One of the things she’d bought was a nice dress—on sale, of course—and it would be perfect for a date night.
Anna Victoria enjoyed herself immensely during the rest of dinner. Obviously, the three had a dynamic that was built on years of friendship, but they never made her feel like an outsider or excluded. They
explained all their private jokes, and told embarrassing stories about Damon, much to his chagrin. Truly, it was the perfect day. Blackstone was not just growing on her, but she was starting to really feel at home here. Great friends, great job, great guy—what more could she want?
“Everything good?” Rosie asked as she stopped by to check on them.
“God, Rosie,” Gabriel said as he licked his spoon clean. “What do you put in this? I can’t get enough.”
“Jeez, Russel, do you need to be alone with that thing?” J.D. asked. “Although I have to agree, this new stuff is amazing, Rosie.”
“It’s all thanks to my new employee.” Rosie jerked her thumb toward the kitchen. “Talented one when it comes to pastries.”
Gabriel’s head swung toward where she was pointing. “New employee, huh?”
“Yeah. Hardworking too. Comes in early, gets stuff done lickety-split. Anyway, anything else I can get ya?”
“Just the bill, Rosie, thank you,” Damon said.
“You got it.”
He turned to Anna Victoria. “How about we—” A ringing sound interrupted him. With a frown, he fished his phone from his pocket. “Cooper,” he said in that authoritative voice he used when he was at work. “Yeah?” As he listened to the other caller, his brows drew closer together. “All right. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Putting the phone away, he massaged his temples. “Sorry about that. I’m needed back at HQ.”
“Oh no,” Anna Victoria said. “Is it serious?”
“Not sure yet. Moose shifter got himself injured badly. Fell down the side of a cliff. I have to coordinate getting him to the hospital. I’m sorry, sweetheart, looks like we’ll have to take a rain check for tonight.”
“Damon, that’s standard stuff, something you can have Rogers do, since he’s on duty tonight,” Gabriel pointed out. “You need to learn to delegate, man. And you know Rogers likes the responsibility. He’s been dying to prove himself so he can get that promotion.”
Damon seemed conflicted, so he turned to Anna Victoria. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. It might take all night. But if you’d rather have me stay home—”
“It’s all right.” She squeezed his hand. It was disappointing that she was going to spend the night alone, but she knew how much the job meant to him. “Do what you need to do.”
He leaned down and brushed his lips to hers. “I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”
“Since you won’t be back until morning, why don’t you crash back at my place?” J.D. offered. “We can have a girl’s night. Besides, you don’t want her driving by herself in the dark up those roads in her car in this weather.” She nodded out the window. The snowfall was already starting.
“Are you all right with that, Anna Victoria?” he asked.
“Of course,” she said, with a smile at J.D. It wasn’t how she imagined the evening to go, but spending more time with J.D. wasn’t so bad. In truth, being around her and the girls today had been nice; she felt like she truly was putting down roots in Blackstone. She could survive one night without Damon. Heck, she might not even miss him.
“I gotta run.” Damon got up and put some bills on the table. “Dinner’s on me,” he said before leaning down to kiss her.
A thrill ran up her spine as his lips touched hers. Okay, so maybe she would miss this. And his body that was hot as H-E-double sippy straws. Oh God, I’ve turned into a sex addict.
“Ahem, guys,” J.D. said wryly. “There are kids here.”
“And people trying to eat,” Gabriel added.
Damon cleared his throat. “I’ll swing by tomorrow as soon as I can.”
“Stay safe,” she called after him. He gave her a wave as he headed for the exit.
“Ooh, you got it bad,” J.D. said with a laugh.
She couldn’t help the smile tugging up her lips even if she tried. “Is it that obvious?” Was it possible that in such a short time, she had fallen in love with Damon? “Oh God.”
I love him.
I love him!
“You don’t have to say it twice,” J.D. laughed.
“Oh Lord, I said that part out loud?” She buried her face in her hands. “Is it too soon? Should I tell him? Or will that scare him away?”
Gabriel chuckled. “Soon? Are you kidding me? He was halfway in love with you when you walked in the door at The Den.”
“Are you … sure? I mean, it’s not just because of the mate thing? I mean, what does it even mean, mates?”
“Don’t look at us,” Gabriel said, raising his palms. “I mean, I know we’re shifters, but neither of us are mated.”
“It’s supposed to be a special bond,” J.D. said. “I don’t know much either, since we shifters are private about that kind of thing. And I heard it’s different for each one. Anyway, I’m so happy for you. And maybe just a tiny part of me is being selfish here, because that means you really aren’t going away now,” she said smugly. “Now come on, this might be the last night I get to hang out with you. Let’s get outta here.”
All three of them got up and headed out to the parking lot. Gabriel walked over to his Jeep, a few cars down from J.D.’s truck. “I’ll see you girls—sonofabitch!” he exclaimed.
“What’s wrong?” J.D. asked.
He bent down to inspect the front driver’s side tire. Its bottom half looked flatter than a pancake.
“Hmm … that’s not the only one.” J.D. cocked her head at the rear one, which was also deflated. When Gabriel saw it, he rounded the car.
“They’ve all been slashed,” he groaned as he came around from the other side of the Jeep. “Who the fuck would do this?”
“Probably some punk kids,” J.D. said. “You got a spare?”
“Of course I do, but just one. Goddammit.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “What the fuck am I supposed to do?”
J.D. rolled her eyes. “All right, calm your tits, drama king.” She turned to Anna Victoria. “Why don’t you run on home? I got some donuts back at the shop. We can get this done quick, but you shouldn’t have to wait around for us.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Yeah. You had a long day. Get showered and into your pajamas. Pick a couple of movies on Netflix and find some cheesy ones we can make fun of.”
“Ha! Will do!” She gave J.D. the thumbs-up. “Sorry about your tires, Gabriel.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Gabriel groaned. “Drive safe, Anna Victoria.”
Getting into her Mercedes, she turned the engine on and drove out to Main Street. Soon, she was pulling into the familiar driveway of J.D.’s house, parked in the empty spot next to the garage, then got out of her car.
A chill passed through her. “Brrr …” Tightening her coat around herself, she hopped up the porch steps. However, when she reached for the knob, the door was already ajar. Strange. J.D. would never leave the door unlocked. Or open.
“Hello, Anna Victoria.”
Ice froze in her veins. No. Oh God, no. But how—
“What? Did you think you could hide from me forever?” The voice made her skin crawl, as it always did. “You know I’d find you anywhere.”
Her gut tightened in knots as she slowly turned around. “Mr. Jameson.”
“Tsk, tsk? So formal with your fiancé?”
Edward Jameson stepped forward, a cool smile on his face. He wasn’t an overly tall man, maybe an inch shy of six feet, with patrician features and a full head of hair that was silvering at the temples. Most people would call him handsome or distinguished, but there was always an edge to him—a cruel smirk to his mouth or sharpness in his eyes that no one else seemed to notice except her. As usual, he was accompanied by two menacing-looking men in dark suits. They stood like silent sentinels beside him, neither one speaking or reacting as they remained alert, ready to pounce at any sign of danger.
“W-what are you doing here?”
“What am I doing here?” he sneered. “You didn’t think you could get away from me that easily, did you?”
“I left a note.” Okay that sounded pathetic, but it’s not like they were in love or even in a relationship. “I told my father I couldn’t go through with the wedding.”
“Couldn’t go through with it?” he mocked.
“If you want your—your bag, you can have it.” she said. “It’s in the trunk of my car.” She couldn’t bear to touch it, even to take it out, knowing where that money came from.
“So that’s where it was,” he said. “We searched everywhere in the house.”
“Let me get it for you, and then you can leave.”
“Leave?” he scoffed. “Have you forgotten that we had an agreement? Marry me and your father’s debts would be forgiven.”
Her stomach roiled. How could she have agreed to such a thing? Well, she had no choice, after all. Her father had made that very clear, that night when she walked into his study.
She had been shocked when he told her she had to marry Jameson. “You’re … you’re just trading me? Like I’m some sort of object? You’re joking right? Are we in the Dark Ages? You can’t—” The slap had come so fast; the shock had silenced her. The sting came right after, but it couldn’t have hurt her more than his words.
“Listen, you spoiled little bitch,” he snarled. “I’ve clothed you, fed you, paid for everything for twenty-five years so you could run around with your friends and party your life away. The way I see it, I own you, and if I want to trade you away, I can do it. Besides, if you say no, then you can say goodbye to everything—this house, your car, your credit cards, because my creditors will come in here and start hauling it all away. You will marry him, Anna Victoria,” he said. “You owe me.”
What could she have said at that moment? Her whole world was collapsing. She had no job, no prospects, what could she do?
The very next day, she met her “groom” at his house for dinner with him and her father. At least he wasn’t old and decrepit, she had thought, though Edward Jameson was probably twenty years older than her. However, the moment he laid eyes on her, she already felt dirty. He launched right into wedding preparations, and it seemed everything had already been planned, from the ceremony to the reception venue, even her gown. All she had to do was show up.
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