I cleared my throat, realizing I hadn’t said anything. “Looks like you’re my only student. Ready to get started?”
“Sure.” Her tone was uncertain as if she didn’t trust herself alone with me.
We ran through the warm-ups. I held the paddle while she kicked it methodically. Her eyes focused on her form and the point where her heel struck the paddle. She’d tuned everything out. I was sure she needed the release karate gave her—a physical outlet and a way to de-stress. It was what brought me back to the sport a few years ago too.
“Do you want to practice your kicks?” Hadley asked, taking a step back, falling out of her fighting stance.
Usually, I didn’t participate in classes. I worked out on my own when everyone was gone and the studio silent. I preferred solitude when I worked out, but there was another reason. We weren’t matched strength-wise and I didn’t want to hurt her. “I use the bag after class.”
Hadley glanced at the red bag hanging in the back corner and shrugged. “You don’t have to today. I’m here.”
“You can show me your moves.” Something about the breathy way she said those words caused heat to gather in my limbs and my body.
“Alright.” My agreement was out of my mouth before I could think better of my decision. I handed her the paddle.
Her brow raised, she asked, “Are you going to show me what you can do?”
My eyes narrowed on her as I moved into my fighting stance, focusing on the paddle. I began my litany of kicks. She counted the repetitions as I reveled in the satisfying thud on the paddle. I dialed back my force slightly so that I wouldn’t hurt her.
Out of breath with sweat dripping down my back, I took a step back to recover.
“That was impressive.”
My hands were on my hips as I tried to take a deep breath. “Yeah?”
“Yeah, can you teach me to kick like that?”
“That’s why you’re here, right?” My eyes met hers. There was a challenge in her eyes combined with a spark of desire.
She was here to learn. I was here to teach, but these classes felt like we were dancing around our feelings. My body was primed for a workout. I wanted to take her to the mat, press my body over hers, and kiss her. I wanted raw fucking. Blood pounded in my head.
I took another step back, my breaths coming easier. I tried to focus on anything but the primal need flowing through my body. I couldn’t get the idea of touching her out of my head.
The bell over the door rang. Our heads swung in the direction of the sound. One of my regular Saturday students, Dean, came in. “Sorry I’m late. I overslept. Do you mind if I get a little work out in on the bag?”
“Of course not.” The moment was gone. The awareness between us dissipated with his arrival.
I forced my attention back to Hadley as Dean walked out onto the mats to warm-up.
Robotically, I went through a few defensive moves with Hadley, aware that there was another person in the room with us. I didn’t allow myself to dwell on the way her body felt in my arms the second before I’d grab her arm and she’d practice her moves against me. I didn’t focus on the smell of her hair or her soft skin. I kept my attention on the sound of Dean kicking the bag.
“Looks like it’s time.”
Hadley glanced at the clock. “Right. Thanks for inviting me to class. Always nice to be the only student. I get all the attention.”
“Right,” I managed to croak. She was the only student. She was here to learn karate and I was lusting after her like a teenage boy. I needed to get ahold of my feelings for her.
“Were you still up for breakfast?” Hadley asked, her eyes hopeful.
“I need to work with Dean first.” I still wanted to see her.
“That’s fine. I need a shower anyway. Meet you at twelve on our bench?”
I knew she was referring to the one we’d sat on last night. I wanted to spend more time with her. She was the real deal. “Looking forward to it.”
She smiled. “Great. See you then.”
Chapter Fourteen
Hadley
What was I doing? I repeated that to myself as I showered and dressed in jeans and a light sweater. Nothing good could come from continuing to hang out with Cade Morrison. When I was with him, thoughts of him being my client fell away, until it was only us. But as soon as I walked away from the studio, reality came back in the form of a pit in my stomach and tension in my neck.
I tried to argue with myself. I was just hanging out with a guy who clearly could use a friend. I needed a friend. But I knew that was wrong because I didn’t feel friendly toward him. He surprised me last night when he was so observant about my family. His sensitivity made me want more from him than friendship. Even if he was my client, I wanted more. On a subconscious level I knew he wasn’t capable of more.
I’d enjoy his company, but that was it. I put on converse sneakers to walk to the harbor since it was such a beautiful warm day. As I walked, I reminded myself he hadn’t asked for more. He hadn’t touched me inappropriately, even if I wanted him to. If I thought his eyes were appreciatively roving my body, it was my imagination. He’d done nothing to encourage me.
I slowed as I approached the bench. Cade spread his legs wide, arms crossed over his chest, and he’d tilted his head back. Children’s laughter ran out over the water.
“Are you going to sit down?” Cade asked without opening
