Resisting Roots (Lotus House Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Heck, entertaining even.” His tone was throaty and deep, like a smooth whiskey over ice.
    “Smooth.” I crossed my arms over my chest. Player, for sure. I shook my head, not certain what to do about Mr. Baseball. But damn, was he sexy. I’d momentarily forgotten that in all the celebrity pics and commentary on the TV, Trent Fox, baseball’s finest, usually had a new young thing on his arm every week. What could he want with me besides a quick roll in the hay?
    No, I wasn’t going there. I had far too much on my plate. Taking care of my brother and sister, working two jobs, a household to support, and putting food on the table. Trent Fox was ruggedly handsome, but he was a distraction. However, if he wanted to pay extra for private lessons, I could definitely use the money, and I had the time while Mary and Rowan were at school.
    “So what’s it gonna be, gumdrop? Can you take me on for some private lessons?”
    I pretended to ponder the question for a moment, not wanting to give away that I was eager for two reasons. One, he was the sexiest man I’d ever seen. Working him out would be hard, but as he’d insinuated, the view would be mighty fine. Two, I desperately needed the money.
    Setting my hands on my hips, a less defensive pose, I looked at him and nodded. “Yeah, I could do it right after this class, ten thirty to noon any day of the week. Private sessions are booked individually with the instructor and paid directly to me.”
    Moving quickly before the next class started, I turned to the platform and got out my mini-planner. Opening it to this week, I double-checked the dates. “The private lessons are separate from your monthly fee and cost thirty dollars a session. If that works for you, I’ll schedule you in. What day would you like?”
    “All of them,” he said flatly.
    I crunched my brows together. “Can you be more specific?”
    His large paw came toward my face, and I stiffened until he swept a lock of hair behind my ear. The gesture was sweet and affectionate, something a boyfriend would do. Only this man was most certainly not my boyfriend. My cheeks heated as he trailed his fingertips down the side of my face. He stroked my bottom lip with his thumb. I gasped at the whisper of pressure.
    “I mean, I want to own all of your time from ten thirty to noon every day of the week for the next month.” He removed his hand.
    Strangely, I missed its presence.
    I jolted back. “I’m sorry. Every weekday? That’s a lot of time and money.” I regretted the comment the moment it left my mouth. How much money he spent on his recuperation or what he did with his time was none of my business.
    Stupid, stupid, Vivvie. You’re making it too personal. This is a business transaction, even though it feels like something more.
    “Oh, somehow, I think it will be well worth the expense. Besides, the doc wants me doing yoga every weekday. I figure for the first time in my life, I’ll follow the rules. Because this time, maybe I’ll have something to look forward to.”
    I smirked and hid my face under the pretense of writing his name down in my planner every weekday. Knowing that I’d be bringing in a hundred and fifty more dollars a week made my heart sing with joy. I’d finally be able to pay the back money I owed on the electric bill. Heating and cooling a house the size of ours over the summer was a killer. The classic Berkeley home was aesthetically pleasing curbside but cost a whack to cool and heat. Unfortunately, the winter months were upon us, and we’d be turning on the heater soon. I hated being cold, and the Bay Area wind had a chill that would seep right into my bones.
    “Okay, big guy, I’ve got you down, and we’ll see you tomorrow.” I slapped my planner closed and held it in front of my chest. Another item keeping the two of us apart wasn’t a bad idea.
    His lips quirked. “Looking forward to it, gumdrop.” He turned and headed toward the exit, his gait off due to the injured