Christmas in Pine Ridge: Clean Contemporary Romance (A Pine Ridge Romance) Read online

  She clasped her hands together. “You don’t have to wear spandex. I bought you some men’s yoga pants.”

  He looked to the roof of the car, unable to hold back a groan.

  “They’re loose! And very comfortable, according to the ratings.” She sighed. “Land sakes, you’d think you’d never been trained as a Marine, carrying on the way you are about a simple yoga class.”

  “The Marines never made me feel emasculated.”

  She shook her head, her short wavy brown hair swaying side to side. “Just make sure to be on your best behavior when you meet Miss Sullivan. She’s an absolute doll. Prettier in person than she is on her show, and so sweet.” She fluffed her hair. “That gorgeous blonde hair of hers. I always wanted to be a blonde. Maybe I’ll dye my hair and shock your father.”

  Something about that comment made Owen pause. “Wait ... she’s blonde? And you met her on your way out of the lodge?”

  Beverly straightened in her seat. “Yes. A very beautiful blonde. She said she thought she saw you on her way in.”

  Owen’s eyes flicked to hers. “Really? How would she know who I was?” He trained his face not to show it, but the fact that she’d mentioned him made his blood warm.

  She shrugged. “Maybe she overheard you talking. Our accents are hard to miss around here.” She smoothed the front of her coat, looking at him sideways. “She never talks about her personal life on the show, but I’m fairly certain she’s single.”

  He smirked. There it was. Nothing got his mom’s attention like the prospect of marrying off one of her sons. But now he was curious, hoping it was the blonde he’d seen outside the lodge. “Do you have a picture?”

  Her eyes lit up and she whipped her phone out of her Luis Vuitton purse in record time. “Her picture and bio are posted on the resort’s website. She’s their special guest for the week.” She waited until they stopped at a red light to hand him her phone.

  Owen took it from her, his heart thudding as soon as he saw the picture. It was her. And she was single. “Huh.” He downplayed his reaction and handed the phone back to his mom. If she sensed even a whiff of interest, she would be all over the situation like a hound on a coon hunt.

  Her face fell. “’Huh’? That’s all you have to say? Do we need to get your eyes fixed? She’s stunning!”

  The light changed and Owen let off the brake. “Yeah, she’s pretty.” He squinted, pretending to scan the storefronts. “So where is this shop you wanted to check out?”

  Beverly sighed, and he listened absently as she gave directions to a Christmas boutique shop in town, but his mind was still stuck on the picture. Maybe yoga class wouldn’t be so bad after all.

  Chapter 3

  “Excuse me, Miss Sullivan?”

  Hope turned to see a nice-looking man wearing a business suit.

  “I’m Nolan McGrath, manager of the resort.” He smiled and extended his hand.

  Hope smiled back and accepted the handshake. “Mr. McGrath, it’s nice to meet you in person. Thanks so much for inviting me here.” She gestured around the lobby. “The pictures didn’t do this place justice—it’s fantastic.”

  “Thank you. Olivia, our event planner, is a big fan of yours. She was ecstatic when you accepted the invitation. We’re honored to have you joining us this week.”

  Hope glanced around the lobby. “Is Olivia here today? I’ve been anxious to meet her.”

  “She’s meeting with a client who wants to book a wedding here, but she’ll catch up with us as soon as she can.”

  “I bet a lot of people want weddings here,” Hope gazed through of the expansive windows at the view, “especially during the holidays with all of this snow and the gorgeous pines.”

  “It’s becoming a popular wedding venue,” Nolan admitted. “We just opened last month, and we already have weddings booked out through next year.”

  Her eyes widened. “Wow. That’s going to keep you busy.”

  “Definitely.” He tipped his head to the side. “And speaking of ‘busy,’ that’s one of the reasons we wanted you to come. Your classes will offer just what we’re hoping to give our guests: relaxation and a focus on letting go of holiday stress so they can enjoy the season.”

  Hope nodded. “I love it.” Christmas was her favorite holiday and this was a cause she could fully get behind: no rushing here and there for parties, no California traffic and pressure to find the right gifts. Just families and loved ones enjoying themselves and each other’s company in the true spirit of Christmas.

  “Would you like to see the room where you’ll be teaching?” Nolan asked.

  “That would be great. Let me see if Emily can join us.” She looked toward the concierge desk, but her sister wasn’t there. She scanned the lobby and found Emily by the fireplace, taking pictures of the room. Hope caught her eye and waved her over.

  After quick introductions, Nolan led Hope and Emily to the elevators. The exercise room shared the lower floor with the spa and indoor pool. As soon as they exited the elevator, Hope breathed in the subtle scent of eucalyptus wafting over from the spa. It set the perfect mood for yoga, and she couldn’t wait to put her mat down and stretch.

  Nolan led them to the large exercise room and turned on the lights. Hope noted the switch was adjustable, which would help set the tone for meditation. She and Emily stepped in and exchanged glances. The room was perfect. The sleek wooden floor would comfortably accommodate the twenty-five spots in the class. There was a large mirror on one wall and plenty of equipment, including yoga mats, blocks, and fresh towels.

  “What do you think?” Nolan asked.

  Hope turned, clasping her hands beneath her chin. “It’s perfect.”

  He gestured to the ceiling. “We have a state-of-the-art sound system and a clip-on mic if you want it.”

  She nodded. “I’ll use it. Thanks.”

  “This will be great for filming,” Emily said, moving around the space to look for the best angles.

  Nolan slid his hands into his pockets. “I asked the front desk to email you the schedule of when we’re offering your classes, as well as the other times this room is being used so you can know when it’s free for filming.”

  “Great. Let me see if it’s come through yet.” Hope pulled out her phone and checked her email, scanning her inbox for a message from the resort. “Yep, it’s here.” Before agreeing to teach, she’d explained that she preferred to film without students in the class, knowing it was hard for some to fully relax with a camera going. “Thanks for making these arrangements. It seems you’ve thought of everything.”

  He smiled. “We’ve been looking forward to your visit.” He was momentarily distracted as a woman with long brown hair and lively eyes walked through the door. His entire face lit up the moment he saw her. “Liv, you made it. I was just giving Hope and her sister Emily a tour of the exercise room.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner,” Liv said, giving Nolan a warm look before beaming at Hope and Emily. “I can’t believe you’re actually here!” She stepped forward to shake Hope’s hand. “I’m Olivia, the event planner who’s been emailing you. I am such a fan of your show, I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to have you as a guest instructor.” Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

  Hope liked her instantly. “It’s so good to finally meet you,” she said. “The resort is gorgeous. Emily and I are both thrilled to be here.”

  Emily stepped forward and shook Olivia’s hand. “Yes, thanks so much for the invitation,” she said.

  “We’re the ones who should be thanking you.” Olivia cast a delighted side glance at Nolan.

  He smiled at her before facing them again. “As our guests, we hope you’ll make yourselves right at home,” he said. “There should be meal vouchers and spa passes in your room, so take advantage of those. And if there’s anything else we can do to accommodate you, please let us know.”

  “Don’t hesitate,” Olivia added. “Your comfort is our first priority.”


  “Thanks.” Hope smiled, touched by their thoughtfulness.

  “Yes, thank you,” Emily said beside her.

  “We’ll leave you to it then.” Nolan gave them a small head nod and gestured for Olivia to go first as they left the room.

  “Another handsome guy. Sheesh, the place is crawling with them,” Emily said once they were well out of ear shot. She turned and winked at Hope. “Maybe it’s some kind of Christmas miracle meant for you.”

  Hope laughed. “Judging by the chemistry between those two, I’d guess Nolan is already taken—but you are right about the handsome guys.” Her cheeks warmed as she pictured Owen’s rugged hotness. She shook away the thought. This week was about yoga and bonding time with her sister, not about romance. “Come on,” she said, taking Emily’s arm. “Let’s go check out those spa passes.”

  Chapter 4

  Owen’s jaw clenched as he faced the open door to the exercise room. He’d dealt with some intense situations in Afghanistan—he was a Marine, for crying out loud. He could do this. But with every woman that walked past him carrying a yoga mat, he felt like retreating back to his room. One brunette did a double take as her eyes lingered on his upper torso.

  Heat crawled up his neck. He felt ridiculous in his tight tee shirt and loose yoga pants—though he had to admit they were comfortable.

  “You ready?” his mom asked, touching his shoulder.

  He straightened. “Yeah.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Let me just grab a drink of water real quick and I’ll meet you in there.” He scanned the area, pretending to search for a drinking fountain.

  She gave him a knowing look and held up two water bottles. “I brought an extra for you.” She handed him one and nudged him with the yoga mat she cradled in her arm. “They have extra mats in there. Let’s go so we can get a good spot.”

  Owen blew out a breath. “Listen, I’ll go in there with you, but I am not going to be on the front row, alright? The only way you’re gettin’ me in that room is by promising we can be in the back.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Now let’s get in there before class starts.”

  Owen grimaced and followed her into the room. Soft music played and the lights were turned off, highlighting the wall-sized window on the north end of the room. The snow-covered pines were a peaceful sight, but his attention was drawn to the woman at the front.

  Hope stood talking to the eager students surrounding her. Even from where he stood, her smile lit something inside of him. Her tight yoga clothes accented every curve to perfection, causing his pulse to spike.

  “How about this spot?” his mom asked.

  “It’s fine,” he said, turning to watch her lay out her mat near the back wall as he forced thoughts of Hope’s figure from his mind. He didn’t want to be one of those creeps who went to a workout class to ogle women—but he would have to be blind not to notice.

  Most of the other women in the room were his mom’s age or older, though he did notice the younger brunette trying hard to catch his eye. He ignored her stares and went to get his yoga mat from the open closet, rolling it out beside his mom’s.

  “Let’s go meet her,” she whispered.

  “Who?” He quirked an eyebrow, playing dumb.

  “Hope. I want to introduce you to her.”

  “She looks pretty busy.” He eyed the small crowd still gathered around her, noting with a surge of jealousy another guy his age among the crowd. He was glad to have another male in the class, but he didn’t like the way the guy looked at Hope. “Class is about to start, isn’t it? Maybe we can meet her another time,” he said.

  Beverly shook her head and grabbed his arm. “Come on. It will only take a minute.” Before Owen could protest, she pulled him toward the front of the classroom.

  The crowd was thinning out now as people took to their mats, but the guy was still there. Owen overheard what he was saying as they approached.

  “I’m serious. Every. Single. Episode. It keeps me company when I’m alone in my apartment. The sound of your voice is so soothing,” he said, his hooded eyes raking over her. Hope stepped back slightly, her lips pinched together.

  Owen’s protective side flared as her eyes darted to his in a silent cry for help. He didn’t hesitate.

  “Sorry I’m late, hon,” he said, stepping forward and putting his arm protectively across her shoulder. “Is class about to start?” His heart pounded at her nearness. This could go so wrong if he’d misread her expression.

  She blinked, her brown eyes going slightly wide before she arranged a smile on her face. “No worries. You made it just in time.”

  “Great.” He didn’t have to look to know his mom was gaping. But thankfully she didn’t say anything.

  “And you are?” Hooded Eyes asked, giving him a death glare.

  “Owen Davis. Miss Sullivan’s boyfriend ... and bodyguard.” He stepped forward and took the guy’s hand, nearly crushing it in a warning.

  “Kurt,” the guy returned.

  Owen awarded him points for not wincing. He was known for his iron grip.

  Kurt dropped his hand, shaking it out slightly. “I didn’t realize Hope was in a relationship.” He cast her an accusatory glare. “You never mentioned it on your show.”

  She gave a little shrug, her eyes tight. “I make it a point not to talk too much about my personal life.” She lifted both hands. “Too complicated. Now if you’ll both take to your mats, we’re about to start class.”

  Kurt mumbled something under his breath and spun on his heel.

  Hope turned her attention back to Owen and his mom. “It’s good to see you again, Beverly.”

  “Y-you too,” Beverly said, looking dazed.

  Hope glanced at Owen, her smile kick-starting his heart rate. “Thank you,” she mouthed, giving him a quick wink.

  He dipped his head in a subtle nod and then took his mom by the elbow, guiding her back toward their mats.

  “What was that?” she whispered.

  “That guy was making her uncomfortable. Couldn’t you tell?” he said, grateful the music covered their whispered conversation.

  “Yes, but how did you know to pretend to be her boyfriend?” she insisted.

  He shrugged. “Improv.”

  When they reached their mats, Beverly caught his eye. “You would make a nice couple.”

  He shook his head, giving her a warning look. “Don’t start.”

  “I’m just sayin’.” She flashed him a smile and stood on her mat.

  Owen knew that smile, and it always meant trouble. He shouldn’t have been so forward, but he was a sucker for that look—the one that called for help. And how could anyone say no to those deep brown eyes? He stood on his mat and turned his attention to Hope.

  She faced the class and pressed her palms together. “Welcome, everyone. Thanks so much for coming today.” A few quiet cheers answered in return, and she smiled. “This is the yoga basics class, so please don’t stress if you don’t know all of the moves yet. It’s an introduction to yoga and we want it to be a positive experience. Remember, your goal for this week is to relax, unwind, and enjoy the holiday season. So, let’s get started.”

  Owen shifted from foot to foot. That Kurt guy was a jerk, but he did have one thing right: Hope did have a soothing voice. His pulse hammered. He didn’t even know her, and yet she excited something inside he’d long since thought was dormant. And that was dangerous. He couldn’t offer anything to any woman anymore. It was the reason why he’d called it quits with Sandra, his long-term girlfriend, after returning from his tour. The scar that ran the length of his leg was only a reflection of what he felt on the inside.

  “Honey, you alright?” his mom whispered, bringing him back to the present.

  Owen nodded and stretched his hands above his head like the rest of the class was doing in something called a Sun Salutation. Hope caught his eye, smiling her approval, and he felt himself relax. This wasn’t so bad. The soft instrumental Christmas music was pleasant
, especially with the snow falling outside. Hope encouraged the class to breathe as she talked them through the movements.

  Owen focused on his breathing, inhaling through his nose and exhaling through his mouth as instructed.

  The problem was, watching Hope wasn’t helping to slow his breathing any.

  He moved into something called a Tree Pose. Her eyes met his from across the room and his heart quickened, causing him to lose balance. She mercifully looked away, directing her attention to the class as a whole. Others were struggling to maintain the pose, so she encouraged them to keep trying.

  Owen inhaled, staring at the mirror at the front of the room as he slowly moved into the pose. His gaze was constantly drawn to Hope as if by some magnetic power, but he resisted the impulse to look at her. If he could keep his focus elsewhere, he could do this. Something about her unsettled him—threatening to throw his carefully guarded heart off balance.

  Chapter 5

  Hope guided her students through Downward-Facing Dog and into a nice Chaturanga, but her thoughts had been scattered ever since Owen stepped into class. How was she supposed to think straight when all that covered his broad shoulders and rock-solid chest was a tight black tee shirt? And his charcoal-grey pants had just the right amount of flow. He was like a walking recruitment poster to join the Marines.

  And then, when he’d come to her rescue with that Kurt guy—Hope shook her head slightly. Why had she not thought of security detail? Emily was resting in their room, or she would have had her talk to Nolan about it right away. There hadn’t been any issues at the previous places she’d taught as a guest instructor, so she hadn’t thought about it. But there were all sorts of crazies out there, which was why she never gave out her information or brought up anything too personal on the channel. She shuddered to think how things might have gone down if Owen hadn’t showed up.