Page 2 of Unbound Boxset

He moved on to the next group, and she heard a young girl’s clear laugh ring through the room at something he said. Ariel hurriedly rolled up her mat and dashed out of class, not taking time to chatter with any of her new friends.

She had to stop fantasizing about him. Tonight, she’d received her answer. Her practices were too important to give up, and she wasn’t about to switch to another yoga studio when his philosophies matched hers. No, she’d pull herself together, embrace her newfound knowledge, and let him go.

Ariel ignored the little voice in her head that screamed LIAR and pulled out of the parking lot.

* * *

Grant Madison sat in his darkened studio and listened to the soothing flow of water over rocks as it streamed from his speakers. He was ready to lock up, but had come across a mini crisis that needed to be dealt with. One by one he had pulled all of his student files, and the only one remaining was the woman he needed to stay away from.

Ariel Devlin.

The dry statistics of her personnel profile rose up to mock him. She was anything but dry. From the moment he laid his gaze upon her, his body warred with his mind, and he worried his body would soon become victor.

Throughout the years, he’d been introduced to attractive students he had a physical interest in. He appreciated beauty, but found himself quite picky about his lovers. He learned not to listen entirely to his body, since many times his need for spirituality and sharp intelligence was not satisfied by a surface attraction. He also knew the danger in his profession for young women to develop crushes. After the disaster years ago, he made a firm rule to never involve himself with his students in an intimate relationship.

It hadn’t been a problem until Ariel.

His thoughts grazed over their last meeting. For the first time, she’d allowed her feelings to show. Tempted to ignore the flare of lust in her sea-green eyes, he found he couldn’t lie. So, he showed her his desire, and his intention not to satisfy it. Thank God, she seemed to accept the decision and not push him. She was completely different from any other woman he’d met. The conversation took place without words, on a higher plane. He could sense and feel her energy when she was near.

Ariel was all physical. From the moment they met, her raw, confident energy attacked his senses as much as her body. Heavy, full breasts always pressed against those damn skimpy tops until he made excuses during class to get his hands on her. He’d only meant to correct her posture today, but when he viewed her gorgeous, full ass held high in the air, he almost lost it. His heavy erection had been difficult to control as his hands coasted over her lush hips and long legs. The scents of vanilla and sandalwood clung to her skin and drove him mad. He imagined stripping off those clothes, parting her legs and thrusting deep inside her. Imagined her bottle-green eyes challenging him to take her hard, the swing of her cherry-red hair as it slid past her jaw, the taste of her pouty lips, reminding him of black currant—tart and sweet in one juicy bite.

He looked down at the manila folder and groaned. A big decision lay on the horizon, one that could change his path. His assistants couldn’t help him with next week’s workshop. He couldn’t do it alone, and had exhausted calls in every avenue. August was a big month for vacations, so most of his backups were already away. The Boston conference couldn’t be canceled at this late date, and he needed a partner.

Grant had a handful of students who qualified. All of them couldn’t leave for a full weekend. He needed someone who had shown capabilities in practice, and seriousness in studies. Unfortunately, there was only one student left he hadn’t tried.

Ariel Devlin.

He tapped his fingers against the desk and thought hard. She might not be able to accompany him last minute. If she agreed, he needed to prep for the workshop, which would mean spending every spare moment in her company. He imagined them alone together.

He shook his head and thought over all the options. He was a professional. He knew the risk of getting involved with a student, and his life didn’t include a short affair with a sexy woman who could bring chaos. No, he had made that decision when he lost everything. The thought of his past strengthened his resolve.

He had too much to lose.

Grant reached for his phone and looked up her number.

* * *

“Aren’t we working tonight?”

Ariel looked up to see Tim Grayson in the doorway. She shot him a smile and finished packing up her briefcase. “Not tonight. I have to attend a workshop this weekend in Boston.”

He ignored her obvious attempt to rush out the door and made himself comfortable in the burgundy leather chair opposite the desk. “What type of workshop?”

“Yoga.”

He gave a snort that was half laugh. “Yeah, right.”

She checked her phone one last time and tossed it in her Coach bag. “Thanks for the support. At least I have a hobby outside of the office.”

“Yoga people can’t make it in the real world. They don’t understand deadlines.”

She laughed. Tim was like her in many ways, and their brief fling had been satisfying but short. Neither of them regretted giving into their desire, but the passion quickly cooled after a weekend spent in bed, and they agreed to remain friends.

Ariel had been relieved because their relationship at G&B Advertising was more important to her than a few orgasms. They were both on the fast circuit—long hours, dinner spent hunched over the computer, and brainstorming sessions with her creative team that ran late into the night. So far, she hadn’t met a man who could compete with the adrenaline rush of scoring a big account. She always assumed the man she’d eventually fall in love with would have the same intensity toward his career. She respected businessmen and loved the sharp intelligence and social edge people in advertising possessed. It was cutthroat and for the young.

The thought brought a smile to her lips. Enter her interest in yoga. Imagine her surprise when she realized her body was beginning to betray her. All the fast food and late nights finally took their toll. She felt brittle and bone weary. Her edge blurred and her mind became fogged. The kickboxing and cardio only seemed to make things worse. One day she’d seen an advertisement in the paper about a local yoga studio offering free beginning classes. Ariel had gone and hoped for a miracle.

She’d gotten it. Along with a sexy teacher who was beginning to drive her crazy.