Just a Number (Downtown #1) Read Online Free PDF

a different one. I hoped not. But truthfully, not losing my job was key, all that mattered. Wrapping up our discussion, she instructed me to go have some fun. “Now. Get out of here. Go get your Zen on. Namaste.”
    “Well then, I guess I’m off to meditate…” Stopping before exiting her office, I pointed to the shocking lime-green earbuds she was about to re-plug into her ears. “You know, DJSuze, you really should sign with a recording label.”
    With a big smile on her cherub face, she laughed, rising from her seat, and waved me away with a flip of her wrist. No doubt that woman would be dancing before I strolled past her assistant’s cubicle, long before I hit the elevator button to paradise.

Chapter Four

    Dash
    B efore the sun greeted the West coast, I was up and out the door. With an unexplained energy, I walked the streets of downtown LA. Unexplainable, my ass! I knew exactly what— who —had me excited. Even after relieving myself, twice the night before and again taking my morning shower, the corporate-temptress had me all fired up. I hoped the walk would clear my head. It wasn’t working. Walking past each high-rise building, I imagined her fit body in a halfway-lift position over her desk. Ugh! An athletic cup might be needed to get me through my class without embarrassment. I needed to get control. Cleansing breaths!
    Arriving at my destination, assigned a large studio room where I was to be giving a sunrise yoga class, I got ready. Slipped off my shoes and socks, stuffed them in my trainers, and set them next to my bag. Pulling out my wireless headset, I placed it on my head. Then, I set up my miniature, but powerful, audio Bluetooth boxes, usually two of them, one for my voice and one for background soundscapes. I had learned to bring my own equipment in case certain locations did not have their own sound systems.
    As the sun was just beginning to make its appearance through the tinted floor-to-ceiling glass walls, my students filed in with various colorful yoga mats. After unrolling them on the hardwood floor, a few began to do some stretches and bends, awaiting my instructions.
    After introducing myself and assessing my audience, our session commenced. “Looks like we have some stressed-out people this morning.” Grouchy faces stared back at me. “Before we get started, let’s tune in our minds. Or tune out our minds, more like it. Remove our negative thoughts.” I unrolled my mat.
    Usually, I spoke while standing and viewing my class. Often, I walked between my students, correcting any awkward poses that I felt might be harmful to their bodies. Often, I also offered encouragement. But that morning, if I was going to make it through, I needed to regroup, too. Lowering on to my mat, I continued. “Sit cross-legged, hands on thighs, palms up. Eyes closed. Relax.” I hoped I could follow my own words. “Deep breaths. Concentrate on the rhythm. In. Out. Let go. Let all of the tension you’re feeling escape. Empty your mind.”
    How was I going to do this? I couldn’t follow my own instruction. Behind my lids, I saw her . She was beautiful. Her dark hair was asking to be tangled around my hand. She had amazing eyes. God! She smelled good. She practically purred in my ear. She promised we would be great together. She was right. I saw myself buried deep inside of her warmth. Yes, moving in and out of her. Amalgamation , wasn’t that the word she used for our coupling? And then… Boom! Her word again for our climax. Fuck! You can do this, Dash.
    Not only was I instructing my class, but myself silently, as well. Inhale deeply. Long exhalation. Out! Out! Out! I needed her out of my mind. I had control. I had focus. I had been practicing yoga for eight years. Damn it, I was a master—I am a master!
    “Okay, everyone please stand and let’s begin warming up. Reach to the sky. Feel the stretch all the way to the ends of your fingertips. Now on an exhale, slowly fold at the waist and swan dive;