Your One True Love (The Bennett Family 8)

“I love it when you do it. Can’t wait to see you later. It’s been a long day. Woke up at five.”

“Wow, what a hell of a day. Are you sure you’re up for Krav Maga? We can always do it another day.”

“I just got you to admit you’ve thought about us getting back together. I will see you tonight.”

“I didn’t admit anything,” I say with a smile. “I just didn’t deny it. And you’re underestimating Theo if you think we’ll talk much tonight. One round with him and all I’m up for is a glass of cabernet on my couch. You should try it too.”

“It’ll be my pleasure. It’s a date.”

Laughter bubbles out of me, unrestrained and unapologetic. “I can’t believe you just tricked me into inviting you to my place.”

“I’ll make it worth your while, Caroline. That’s a promise.”

***

Daniel

I arrive at the address Caroline texted me at seven o’clock in the evening. Christ, she’s a sight, with her training clothes molding to her every curve. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and I have a vision of pulling the elastic band out of her hair, sinking my hands in it while she wraps her legs around me.

I stand there, watching, not making any sound as she starts exercising, performing a string of kickboxing moves. Her body moves swiftly, the swell of her curves, the tightening of her muscles a goddamn vision. She’s beautiful, strong, fierce.

The sharp determination on her expression shows me a new side of her. Every protective instinct springs to life, making me want to keep her out of harm’s way. It’s great that she can defend herself, but I don’t want her to have to.

A side door opens and a man comes in, heading straight to Caroline. I can’t hear their exchange from here, but soon enough he starts touching her waist, her arms. Sliding behind her and correcting her pose. I swear, if he touches her ass....

“Daniel, I didn’t see you there,” Caroline exclaims, snapping me out of my murderous thoughts.

“Just arrived.”

I head to them, shake hands with the instructor.

“This is Theo,” Caroline explains.

“Figured as much.”

“Caroline tells me you want to offer Krav Maga at your gym,” Theo says.

“It’s something I’m looking into, yes. And I want to test it out first.”

He nods, assessing me and the bag over my shoulder where I stuffed my gear, and points me to the changing rooms. For the next half hour, he shows me the basics while Caroline performs post

workout stretches, then busies herself around the studio, cleaning up, rearranging the mattresses on the floor.

“Focus!”

I barely block Theo’s next punch. If I keep looking at Caroline, I’ll leave here with a black eye.

“Why are self-defense classes all the rage?” I ask once we’re done.

“It’s a great way of getting the tension out of your system,” Theo explains. “My guess is this is what most are looking for.”

“Makes sense. I figured it wasn’t just everyone fearing they’ll be attacked all of a sudden.”

“So, what’s the verdict? Is this interesting enough for your clients?”

“It’s definitely one of the more popular wishes. It’ll take a few months to set everything up, but let’s keep in touch. How flexible are you?”

Theo shrugs. “I can work around anything.”