Her Heart's Desire

“I’ll be here whenever Coach Mangum needs me,” she promised.

When the last of the students had left, Ivan came up to her.

“I thought that went well.”

“Well is an understatement,” she said. “Ivan, what you did for the class was inspiring. You could see their self-confidence growing as they learned and practiced each move. It’s a great feeling to be able to help someone overcome their fears and to give them the knowledge they need to allow them to feel empowered, to know that they have it within themselves to fight back if

the situation arises.”

“Exactly,” he said eagerly. “The most important thing is getting the time needed to get away safely, or to render the bad guy incapacitated so they can get help.”

“You did a wonderful thing.”

He grinned down at her. “We did a wonderful thing. You were great.”

Tiffany couldn’t help the warmth that crept up her cheeks. “It was easy. You’re good at this. People can’t help but feel safer when you’re around.”

“Speaking of safe, how’s the security system working for you?”

“It’s been great, and I feel much safer now. Taking your class helped, too. I’ve learned a lot of ways to protect myself. Especially escaping a bear-hug hold.”

“Remember, the key to the bear-hug breakaway is to hook your foot around your attacker’s leg. Then both your hands go immediately to his, and then grab a finger or thumb and pull away from the body to break the hold.”

Before Tiffany could reply, Ivan dipped behind her and grabbed her waist. She immediately hooked one leg around his, and then planted her other foot. Tiffany put her hands on his arms, pushed down and then grabbed his thumb. She pushed it back.

“Good, now follow up with kicks to the groin and solar plexus, or elbows to the neck and face.”

They practiced a few times. Ivan was a big man, and though he did not use his full weight while going through the motions, Tiffany was still winded.

He nodded with approval. “Much better, but remember—” he grabbed her suddenly and spun her away from him so that her back was flush against his front “—quick blows, and then get out of there.” His breath caressed her ear in an intimate whisper. “And never, ever let your guard down.”

He turned her again so that they were facing each other, but he did not release her. Her arms came up to his shoulders to steady herself. Tiffany was breathing heavily from the exertion—or was it the close proximity to Ivan? She honestly didn’t know.

“Thank you for showing me that technique. You must be good at a lot of these.”

He chuckled. “I’ve had a great deal of practice over the years.”

Tiffany’s eyes met his. A warm heat spread from the lower half of her body upward. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she said, “I’ll bet.”

His eyes darkened instantly. Tiffany was too caught up in the sudden predatory gleam in his eye to move. Mortified at her own words, she blushed. “What I meant was…”

“You didn’t mean to give me a compliment?” he asked.

“No, I was…just not like that.”

Ivan lowered his arms, and she was free. Tiffany felt the rush of space between them. It was hard not to protest at the loss of warmth from his embrace.

“How about I walk you out?”

“Sure.”

He escorted her to her car and made sure she was inside and settled. He sat back on his haunches so they were eye level.

“Thanks again for coming.”

“My pleasure.”

“Good night, Tiffany. Ring me one when you get home so that I know you’re safe.”