“Take a deep breath…hold…exhale.”

I followed her instructions, my eyes closed as I listened to her calming, mellifluous voice.

“And again, deep breath…hold…and exhale. That is all for tonight, class. Thank you for joining us amidst the weather. Safe travels home and we hope to see you soon. Namaste.”

I parted my lids and watched as Maya rose easily from her lotus position and smiled sweetly at the room.

She acts as if they are all first timers, I thought admiringly as she filtered through the room, sipping on a bottle of water.

A towel hung lazily over her shoulder and I could make out every curve of her body in the frame hugging Lululemon yoga suit she wore.

Even if I couldn’t, I mused silently. I’m sure I know what she looks like naked. I see her every night in my dreams after all.

“Hi stranger!” she called as she approached me, her beam widening. “I haven’t seen you here in weeks! I thought you had given up on the idea of living well.”

I could hear the jest in her voice, but I felt embarrassed all the same.

Shaking my head, I grinned sheepishly, her smile infectious.

“I got busy,” I told her lamely and she chuckled.

“I’m just bugging you, Troy. I’m glad to see you, especially tonight. Half the class didn’t show. It’s coming down badly tonight.”

“It’s been going pretty strong all day,” I agreed. “But it should let up into the morning. Anyway, you can’t keep me away now that I’m back!”

“Well I hope you keep it up. I can see you’re pale again. Have you been drinking your greens?”

I nodded but I was lying.

It’s not a lie if you don’t say it aloud, I decided although I’m not sure where I developed that theory.

It didn’t matter, I had Maya Viera’s attention, however fleeting. I wasn’t going to let her go so easily.

She had been on my mind a lot lately, especially after things had gone south with Regan.

“Yes, but I don’t think the greens are working for me like they used to. I was hoping that maybe you could make some more recommendations for me…”

I trailed off and turned my dark eyes on her, hoping that I looked inquisitive and not merely desperate to hold her in conversation.

To my relief, her green irises brightened, and she nodded.

“Yes,” she agreed. “I’ve heard that greens don’t agree with all body types. I will make you a list but only if you promise to come to class more often!”

I nodded and blushed slightly, not wanting her to see the expression on my face.

I will! I promised silently. I’m single now and nothing will hold me back.

“It’s a deal,” I replied, nonchalantly. “My schedule has freed up, so I have more time for yoga.”

“Great!” Maya chirped, and I could see I was about to lose her as her gaze shifted beyond my shoulder.

“Uh, one more thing,” I stuttered, and she glanced back at me, but I couldn’t help but notice that her attention was split.

“What’s that?” she asked but I didn’t want to keep her.

No, I told myself. When I ask her out, it will be when she is paying attention and interested. That way she can reject me without a second thought.

“Actually, never mind,” I said quickly, turning away. “I’m late for an appointment.”

Maya laughed.

“Okay, we’ll catch up another time. My date is getting impatient too.”

Before I could stop myself, I whipped my head around and looked where she had been staring.

A slender blonde man with curly hair and bright blue eyes was staring after Maya as if his gaze was magnetically drawn to her.

Oh my God, I thought, a sick feeling washing through me. Do I look that pathetic when I stare at Maya too?

The man was oozing hopelessness and I was embarrassed for him.

But not surprised.

There was just something about Maya. Everyone could see it.

It wasn’t a specific quality or any particular thing she did or said.

It was everything in one sweet-faced fluid package.

The way she made you feel when she walked into a room, the way the dim lighting caught her dark red hair inside the yoga studio or the glint in her emerald orbs when her gaze fell upon you.

I had been in love with her since the first time I had landed in her class over six months ago.

Of course, I had been with Regan then and I knew my fascination with Maya was a crush which would never be requited.

Or so I had thought at the time.

But ever since I had finally walked away from Regan’s lying, cheating ways, I had been unable to get the idea of the petite ginger from my head.

My knuckles still clenched every time I thought of the way Regan had betrayed me, but something told me that Maya Viera could wash away the bad taste in my mouth which my ex-girlfriend had left behind.

I knew I had to see Maya again and see if the attraction I had harbored was still there.

When the lithe yoga instructor had taken her spot at the front, I felt as if I had been smacked in the face with a wave of adoration for her.

That night was the first time the place was not spilling over. Maya classes were always booked solid which was unsurprising; her aura was enough to alleviate anyone’s stress.

You didn’t even need to do the exercises; being in her shadow was therapeutic enough for anyone.

The rain had been my motivation for biting the bullet and going to the session that night.

I figured that I would have the opportunity to get her alone and choke out the date invitation I had been smothering on for half a year.

But it seemed like I never had a chance.

And now she was seeing someone.

I watched in devastation as she met with the man and they disappeared into the lobby together.

“You look like your dog just died.”

I glanced up and tried to force a smile, but it didn’t happen.

“I feel like he did,” I murmured, trying to remember the name of the man who stood at my side.

He was a good friend of Maya’s and I thought he taught meditation or did reiki or something.

I didn’t really care; he wasn’t Maya. She was the only reason I kept going back to the studio in Oriental even though I lived in Minnesott Beach.

His name didn’t come to me, but I was in no mood to make introductions. I needed to lick my wounds and move on.

I would have to find a plan B to catch her attention.

But what if it’s not serious and I didn’t ask. Maybe I should just ask her anyway. I’ll come back tomorrow and -

“Do you have a dog?”

The question caught me slightly off guard.

I eyed the giant standing beside me warily.

“Yes,” I replied politely. “A poodle. His name is Barker.”

The man laughed loudly, attracting the attention of the other members of the class.

“Barker! Ha ha ha! That’s comical! She’ll love that!”

I turned my head fully.

“Who will love that?” I asked, confused by the entire conversation.

My head was swimming and I didn’t feel like talking anymore.

“Maya,” he replied. “You’re staring after her like…Barker.”

He snorted at his own joke, but I was not amused.

I turned, disinterested in anything else Maya’s friend had to say.

“There’s nothing going on between her and that guy,” he called after me and I couldn’t stop myself from freezing in my tracks.

“How do you know?” I demanded, whirling to stare. He shrugged his massive shoulders.

“Because Maya is not one to be tied down to any man. She is much too free a spirit for that.”

I felt my eyes narrowing.

“How do you know so much about Maya?”

He grimaced.

“I’m Malcolm Trainor. I own this studio. Maya lives in my house. Trust me, if anyone knows Maya, I would say it’s me.”

Suddenly, I was very interested in what this man had to say.

If I can get in good with Malcolm and he is Maya’s best friend, that could go a long way. Maybe he’ll even put in a good word for me and Malcolm can be my wing man or something.

Plan B was taking shape in my mind after all.

“So, you don’t think anything is really happening with her and that guy?” I asked optimistically, and Malcolm scoffed.

“I can guarantee it,” he replied.

He cast me a sidelong look.

“You did hear what I said, right?” he asked but I was only half-listening.

So, there is hope for me yet.

I almost kissed the bear at my side with gratitude.

“Hey!” he growled. “Did you hear me?”

“Yeah, of course,” I fibbed. I was too busy planning my next move.

I would have to spend more time in Oriental, get to know Maya’s schedule better…

“What’s your name again? I’ve seen you in here before,” Malcolm interrupted my thoughts again.

“Troy Caspian.”

Malcolm grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him, startling me from my amorous thoughts.

“Troy, listen to me,” he urged. “I meant what I said. Maya Viera will not settle down for any man. It is not in her nature. It is not her style.”

I wriggled out of his firm grasp and nodded.

“I understand,” I replied but I still didn’t heed the meaning behind his words.

I was far too excited to know that Maya could be tangible after all.

Malcolm sighed and turned away.

“You guys never learn,” I heard him mumble but I didn’t put any stock into his words.

“Malcolm!” I called after him. “When is Maya teaching next?”

“Tomorrow at noon,” he muttered as he walked away.

Obviously I can’t do that because of work but I will find out another time to come and see her. Or maybe I can sneak out of work early or take an extra-long lunch…

I knew I would work it out.

I was filled with excitement at the prospects for the future.

Or maybe I was getting ahead of myself.

Would Maya even consider a man like me for a boyfriend?

I was average looking at best although I was told that I had nice eyes and a great smile.

And don’t forget I’m flipping hilarious. What woman wouldn’t want a man with a sense of humor?

As I gave myself a pep talk, I noticed that everyone had begun to filter out of the room and I was standing there alone like a daydreaming fool.

A hot stain reddened my cheeks and I gathered my bag, beelining it for the door.

I pushed my way into the driving rain and abruptly, Malcolm’s words came smacking back at me like a ton of bricks.

“I meant what I said. Maya Viera will not settle down for any man. It is not in her nature. It is not her style…you guys never learn…”

I stopped walking, allowing the rain to pour down over me as I finally comprehended what Maya’s housemate was trying to tell me.

There’s nothing between Maya and that guy because she will never take anyone seriously. She doesn’t believe in relationships. I have just as much a chance as everyone else at claiming Maya as my own. There is a zero percent chance that will happen.

The doubt and disappointment I had felt before speaking with Malcolm hit me again and I shook my head in defiance.

No, I told myself. Maya has been let down by other men or she has daddy issues or whatever. I will make her see that not all men are bad. I can make her mine.

With new resolve, I raised my head and made my way to my car.

I was going to be Maya Viera’s boyfriend. I had never been so determined to do anything in my life.

I promise that when you finally see me, baby, you’re never going to remember a time when I wasn’t around. I just leave that much of an impression. Just ask Regan.