Page 39 of Wag More Bark Less

“Luke’s sister.” She hardly took a breath before she said, “He’s single, if you’re wondering.”

“I wasn’t.”

The instructor guided us to our feet—reassuring the crowd they could remain on their knees. But feeling those watchful, judgmental eyes on me, I stubbornly stood on the wobbling board to prove . . .

What am I proving exactly?

“Widen your stance,” Alyssa said.

I moved my bare feet to the board’s edges and regained my balance.

Luke stood at the back of the sandy area, arms folded, talking to a couple of locals as though he had nowhere to be. It didn’t matter that he was dressed in jeans and a dark flannel jacket. I couldn’t seem to picture him in anything but a pair of Star Wars pajama pants. I’d had a very lucid dream about tracing that wolf tattoo—with my tongue.

“Next, we’re going to move into tree pose,” the instructor said, her voice much calmer than my racing pulse. “Take your time with this one. It’s advanced for SUP Yoga. I recommend our newcomers keep both feet on the board.”

“It’s not like you have to marry the guy,” Alyssa said as we pressed our palms together in front of us. “And considering your current status, I’d advise against trying.”

“If you’re feeling brave, raise those arms slowly upward,” the instructor said. “Keep those palms touching.”

“But you’re on vacation, right?” Alyssa added. “What’s the harm in having a little bit of fun while you’re here?”

The instructor encouraged only the more experienced yogis to slide one foot up from the ankle to the knee, warning the newbies to keep both feet on the board. Because Luke looked my way again, I chose to ignore the advice. I could practically feel his judgment from the shore. He probably thought I couldn’t do the more advanced move. I’d show him. I could totally do tree pose on a gently rocking paddleboard.

“I’m not interested in Luke.”

“Really?” Alyssa said, her tone hinting at disappointment. “Because that man’s looking at you like he wants to eat you for dessert.”

I tried to object, but all that came out was a little scream of surprise as I lost my balance and toppled right into the water.

FIFTEEN

LUKE

“Heard you’re taking some time off, Chief,” Frank Mercer, former head of Public Works who was now semi-retired, said as he stepped in front of me, nearly blocking my view of Maggie Holland contorting herself on a paddleboard. Almost. Being tall had its advantages, I supposed. Not that I’d ever admit I was paying attention to her at all.

Watching her from a distance felt less threatening than being up close. By the time she finished her yoga routine and paddled to shore, I’d be long gone.

We’d never have to talk about last night.

We don’t need to fucking talk at all, a devilish inner voice whispered.

“Mayor Chambers made him,” Opal volunteered when I didn’t answer quickly enough. She flashed me a mischievous smile.

“You catch all the fish and throw me under the bus?” I shook my head, pretending to be hurt. But really, I just loved that giggle. To Frank, I added, “I’m off for a couple of weeks. Officer Hudson’s running the show, so if there’s any issue⁠—”

“No issue, Chief. Just hoping this means we’ll see you at the Legion meeting tomorrow night.”

“That’s tomorrow, huh?”

“Second Monday of every month.” It wasn’t a dig, exactly. I missed most of the monthly meetings because of the job. He’d know; he was responsible for roll call. I stopped by when I could, but it was rare I made an entire meeting without something pulling me away.

“Right.”

As though there was a magnetic pull, my gaze drifted back to Maggie, standing on her wobbly board. God, those legs went on for days. As soon as I grabbed a quick shower, I was heading to the family farm early, ensuring I avoided any close-up encounters with Miss Mayhem today. I’m sure Grandpa could keep me busy with some project or another until dinnertime.

“He’ll be there,” Connor said, clapping me on the shoulder hard enough to break my trance. Fuck, was I that distracted that everyone else had to answer for me? “Even if I have to drag him.”

“Good. Glad to hear it. We’ll need all the help we can get with the float,” Frank said. “We’re behind schedule, you see.”