302 Forbidden Ave. (A Cherry Falls Romance)

There was a moment of thick silence, but then he cleared his throat, and I glanced up.

“Come on, let’s get started on these self-defense moves so you’re able to kick anyone's ass who thinks to mess with you.”

I hid my smile as I followed him to the mats.

We stood a foot from each other, and I found myself asking, “You come here a lot?”

“I do. Handful of times a week. Keeps my head clear and my body in shape for the type of work I do.”

I nodded like I knew what he meant. I did. The sight of him was highly distracting. “They don’t have a gym at the station?”

He nodded. “They do. I work out there on the days I don’t come here.”

I swallowed. This man was fit as hell, and it showed.

For the next few minutes, Braxton was going over safety, describing different moves, the basics for a beginner like me. I nodded like I had it all stored away when he was done, but I didn't. It had all gone over my head, and I’d never felt more on edge or out of my element than when Braxton took a step back and got into position. Legs shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, a smile on his face like he… anticipated this.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I asked, frozen in place, my heart racing. “I really have no clue what I’m doing.”

“And that's okay. That's why I’m here to help.”

I licked my lips again. “You instruct here a lot?”

He shook his head. “Nah, my buddy, the actual instructor, asked me to do this favor. So here I am.” His grin widened. “But I have training in this. It’s not like I’m Joe Schmoe off the street, teaching people how to defend themselves.” He chuckled.

God, it was hot in here. I felt lightheaded too.

He started to bounce on the balls of his feet, and that shouldn’t have been as sexy as it was.

“How about we start with the easy stuff? I want you to come at me, and I'm going to show you how to defend and deflect.”

I felt like I was going to pass out. My knees wobbled, and my hands shook, but the truth was it had nothing to do with the actual class and everything to do with Braxton being the one to teach me.

“Come on, I know you have a tough streak in you,” he said and winked. “I can see that fire in your eyes.”

I wanted to tell him I didn’t. I really didn’t, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit his praise made me feel good. Too good.

“Okay.” I wouldn’t mind learning some moves to be able to deter anyone who harassed me. “I don’t want to accidentally hurt you though.” Like, oh, I don’t know, kick you in the balls. I grimaced as I saw myself flailing around and accidentally going for his family jewels.

His grin widened. “I think I can handle myself, but I want you to land a hit on me.” He moved closer to me, and when I didn't say anything, I thought I saw something soften on his face. “Okay, how about first we’ll start with some self-defense moves? The basics?”

I exhaled and nodded. I didn't actually think I could land a hit on Braxton, but I also wasn’t the type of person to want to try. I was “soft.”

“I want to see how strong you are, Amelia. I want to make sure you can handle yourself if… someone isn’t there to help you.” There was this thickening in his voice, as if maybe he’d meant to say something else. “I see it in your eyes. You got this.”

God, he was gorgeous. Pressing my thighs together, I reminded myself now was not the time or place to get aroused.

“Okay, so you turn around, and I want to see what you’ll do when I come up behind you.”

And bam, my mind went into the gutter. Very inappropriate things slammed into my brain, and I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

God, I was lost in this man. So lost, but I don’t want to be found.

“Let’s do this.” Well, I said the words. They were out in the open. No taking them back now.

He moved closer and put me in the position he wanted. I bit the inside of my lip at how good his touch felt. He ran his hands over my arms, and goosebumps popped out along my flesh. God, this is torture, but the best kind.

Braxton was just so close and smelled so good. God, he smells so sexy.

“Okay, so you’re going to pretend I’m about to attack.” His hands were on my hips, his voice low, his breath warm and minty and moving over the back of my neck.

I cleared my throat, but inside, I was shaking my head. How am I supposed to pretend he’s a bad guy if he makes me feel like this?