My legs wobble as I make my way over. The whole time I’m giving myself a pep talk about how I’m a strong single mother who isn’t going to fall for her neighbor. Her sexy as sin neighbor.
Clara waits for me when I make my way over. She’s beautiful with black hair and big blue eyes. She’s wearing jean shorts with a red tank top. Dark heat churns in my stomach as I wonder who she is to Axel. I can’t believe how jealous I am.
I wasn’t even this jealous when I found out Stan, my old boss, was married.
Breathe.
Clara smiles at me, and I notice the ring on a very important finger. I remember Axel talking about his brother Ben being engaged, and I’m pretty sure he said her name was Clara. The nasty feeling in my stomach disappears, replacing it with disgust at my apparent jealousy over Axel.
“Hi, I’m Clara. You must be Emma. Axel was just telling us about you.”
“Oh, what was he saying?”
Clara smiles at me, her eyes twinkling like I just confirmed something for her. “Just that you’re a great mother to Felicity. You’re very loyal, and he made sure his brothers knew to keep an eye on you.”
“That’s sweet of him.” Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “Felicity had a nightmare last night, and screamed down the neighborhood. I’m pretty sure she took a couple years off Axel’s life. I’m sure he’s just being protective of her.”
Clara shakes her head but doesn’t say anything to correct my assumption. We walk into the backyard, and once again I’m stunned by how gorgeous the Trifecta really are. The three of them together are a force to be reckoned with.
They all have their shirts off with their gray sweat pants hanging low on their hips. The tantalizing V on all of them is prominent for anyone who wants to see. And really who wouldn’t want to look?
Even though all three of them are identical, Axel keeps drawing my attention. It might be because he took care of my daughter last night, or because I can’t stop thinking about our kiss. Whatever it is, Axel’s the one making my heart flutter around in my chest.
The Trifecta are entertaining Felicity as they continue their work out. They’re pretending she’s helping them lift weights, groaning, and making their legs and arms shake.
All I can think about is how I need to get away from this man. He’s dangerous. Even though he wants to protect Fel and me, that’s not the type of danger I’m thinking of. No, this man is on his way to claiming my heart. And that just can not happen.
“I hope she’s not messing up your workout,” I say, stepping forward. I’ve been here long enough. Time to get back to my house where it’s safe from his eyes that feel like they’re undressing me as he smiles at me.
My skin lights fire as he gazes at me. “She’s fine.”
“My mommy lets me workout with her too,” Felicity says proudly, getting his attention back on her.
“What kind of workout does she do with you?” Axel asks with mischief in his eyes.
“Yoga,” Felicity answers him.
“Yoga,” Clara says, “I used to do yoga, before I started helping them get the club ready.” The wistfulness in her voice has Ben coming up to her.
“Clara, I told you, you’re working too hard. You can always take a yoga class. You can do whatever you want. We won’t stop you.” Ben kisses her cheek, heading back to his weights. The love evident between the two of them, and it makes the jealousy crawl up my throat for a second time today.
“I have a better idea.” Axel puts his hand on my shoulder, abandoning his weights. His palm is so large it engulfs me. I barely stop myself from leaning into him.
“Why don’t we have Emma lead us through a class? I’ve always wanted to do yoga, and having a neighbor who just happens to do it just seems like a sign.”
I want to tell them no, but the looks they’re all giving me, Felicity included, is impossible to deny.
“Let me go get my yoga mat.”
“We have workout mats we can use.” Axel rushes into the garage. I get a quick glimpse of the state of the art workout room they transformed their garage into when he opens the door before disappearing.
Axel comes out setting out the mats for everyone on the lawn. He takes extra time placing one in the front for me. I lead them through some basic movements. Felicity’s right next to Axel. My heart stutters when he keeps asking her questions on his form. Even though he is talking to Felicity, I can feel him staring at me. The heat from it has sweat forming at the base of my neck, and I feel trapped in it.