“That’s smart.”
“It was my brother’s idea to host a reveal party for the next house I’m completing. He invited local news outlets to gain interest and possibly donations. Rebuilds need the money, but I’m not a fan of attention.”
Hadley’s eyes shone with admiration and respect. “What you’re doing is amazing.”
“Thank you. I enjoy doing it.” My cheeks felt warm. I did it because I loved the work and the looks on the family’s faces when they saw their new home. I didn’t do it for accolades, even though her admiration felt good.
She toed off her shoes before making her way around the wall to where I stood on the mats. “Are you ready to show me some moves?”
Her tone was flirty. I wanted to show her what I loved about karate and entice her into taking classes, but I couldn’t ignore the racing of my heart when she stood before me. I’d have to be close to her when I showed her moves. I’d have to touch her.
I swallowed before answering, my throat suddenly dry. “That was my only class today, so, I’m free to focus on you.”
My words were flirtatious, but the act was rusty in this post-Caroline me. I turned so she couldn’t see the expression on my face. I walked to the middle of the mats to run through a warm-up.
I led her through a few stretches, trying to act as if she was any other student. “Do you remember what style you studied when you were a kid?”
“I don’t.” Her expression was apologetic.
“That’s okay. We’ll go through some kicks and see what you remember.”
She nodded before getting into a loose fighting stance. I tapped under her elbow to lift it. I touched her shoulders, so she’d roll them back and adjusted her posture. I stood back to see the effect and then I tapped her feet, encouraging her to widen her stance. “Perfect.”
I walked around her, noting the curve of her ass in those leggings, the tone in her calves, and the way the position pushed her breasts out. I stopped in front of her. Her face was slightly pink. I hoped my proximity and scrutiny affected her.
“Show me your punches.” I ran through each one and then the kicks—the middle toe, the reverse spin, the ax, increasing in difficulty until she faltered. When she didn’t know the name for a kick, I demonstrated the form.
“I’m impressed that you remembered so much when it had been so long since you took a class.”
“Thanks. I am too.” She stood with her hands on her hips.
“Even if you don’t come back for another class, I’d like to show you a few self-defense moves, if that’s alright?”
She shrugged. “Sure.”
I went through the instructions and moves for a few basic defense moves I taught the lower belts. I tried to be objective and not think about how soft her skin felt beneath my fingers or the feel of her in my arms. I was close enough to smell her floral scent.
When we finished, I asked, “When you practiced, what did you like about it?”
I crossed my arms over my chest, my legs spread wide stood as I waited for her to respond.
She licked her lips, drawing my eyes to them. “I guess, the ability to focus on what was in front of me and block everything out.”
I nodded in appreciation of her answer, trying to ignore the heat that flared in my body when she licked her lips. “Are you interested in earning a black belt? I can assign you a belt based on your abilities and you can work toward it.”
Hadley sighed, looking away from me. “Honestly, I’ve sunk my money into the law firm, and I don’t have any to spare right now. Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem but—”
I understood that—placing all your hopes and dreams into one thing. I knew the worst that could happen when it all came crashing down. I wanted her to complete something she wanted to do as a child. To see the look of pride in her eyes when she did. I opened my mouth to respond—
“And before you offer to let me do it for free—don’t. You have to stop taking on charity cases. You’re running a business,” she said in a chiding tone.
“This is different. I’d be helping out a friend.” I told myself my actions were friendly, but I wasn’t so sure.
“It would be good. I’ve missed doing something physical and it would be nice to get my black belt—to finish something that was my own.” Her expression was wistful.
“You have finished a lot on your own, haven’t you? You went to law school. You started your own business, even if you have partners, it’s still commendable.”
“I hadn’t thought about it like that.”
“Your parents must be proud of you.”
A shadow crossed her face. “I don’t know about that. My dad wanted me to work for his business. He still does.”
I shouldn’t be concerned about her relationship with her dad. I should leave it alone even though I wanted to know what her childhood was like. Was her dad the reason she’d moved here?
“The evaluation is complimentary and if you change your mind, we can discuss options.”
“That sounds reasonable.” She grabbed a water bottle from her bag.
What was I doing? Did I want this woman around me more? That’s what would happen if I worked with her. She had quite a few belts to get through before she’d be ready for a black belt. Depending on how hard she worked and how often she came, it might be a year or two.
“Did you want to discuss the estimate?” She pulled a file out of her bag and handed me the paper.
I focused on the numbers in front of me. “I’ve never hired an attorney before. I guess I
