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with a person when you choose a partner.”
    “That does help,” Tina replied. “He’s one of the best designers in the world. That’s why I wanted him on our team. We can always use good people.”
    “Kevin is good people,” Alexis said.
    Tina nodded in agreement.
    “And he’s fine.”
    Tina tried to hide her smile.
    Kevin walked in before she could reply.
    “Come on, you two,” Tina said. She grabbed her notebook and walked out her door with Alexis and Kevin on her heels.
     
    ****
     
    Erik didn’t even have the decency to show up at her staff meeting. He’d left a message on her cell phone about having an appointment and just left the building again. Of course he was noticeably missing. No one actually came out and said anything to her, but she did notice a few people looking toward his vacant seat and then just shaking their heads. Yes, she would have a serious talk with him tonight once she got home from Kung Fu class. He had to straighten up his act or she would have to fire him. She would do it to any other employee, so why did he think he was special?
    Tina barely found a parking spot when she arrived at the dojo. Kevin’s Wednesday night classes were always packed and tonight was no exception. He hired a couple extra teachers to help with the younger kids and the young adults, but he continued to teach the older students himself.
    Alexis was already there and changed into her Taiji by the time Tina made it to the ladies dressing room. She spotted her friend deep in conversation with Kevin. She waved to them and then ducked inside the little room to change. Moments later, she joined them and the other students who had arrived.
    “I need someone to help me demonstrate the technique of Qi,” Kevin said.
    No one raised their hand, but Alexis volunteered her by nudging her forward until she stepped out of line.
    “Thank for volunteering, Tina,” Kevin said. “Apparently, the rest of the class thinks I might hurt them or something.”
    There as a murmuring of agreement amongst the ranks.
    “Cowards,” he said, displaying a bright, charismatic smile.
    Tina tried not to swoon as she looked at him. For some reason, his smile now seemed to get a reaction out of her body.
    “For those of you who don’t know, Qi is just a method of relaxation and control of the body.” He stepped behind her to pose her into position. His hands slid from her shoulder down her arms, sending the most delightful sensations through her. His body pressed into her back and his hands touched her arms until she had perfected the stance.
    The two of them had practiced this many times before, but her body had never felt as alive as it did now.
    “Maybe I should have volunteered,” an older female student said.
    “They make a great team,” someone else said. “I’d kill for a body like hers, and her height.”
    A warm blush moved up her collar. She wasn’t used to compliments and being the center of attention. Usually she stayed in the back of the class and just tried to blend in. The only time she took center stage was during her private classes with Kevin.
    Kevin moved away from her, taking his warmth with him.
    “In position, everyone,” Kevin said.
    Alexis and the others posed and tried to copy Tina’s stance. Some of them did well.
    Class ended an hour later. Kevin said goodnight to everyone and disappeared into his office.
     
    ****
     
    Tina was tired when she arrived home from Kung Fu. Erik surprised her by being home and having dinner waiting for her. He’d already showered and changed and walked around dressed in a white short-sleeved shirt and a pair of jogging pants.
    “How was class?” he asked as she stood in the doorway.
    “Fine,” Tina said, too tired to take her gym bag from her shoulder. All she wanted was a hot bath and possibly some of that fried chicken Erik had brought home. “We missed you at the meeting this afternoon.”
    “Sorry about that,” he said while he set the table. “I had an