Rule of Three: Ecstasy Spa, #3

Chapter One

Shana did her best to hide her embarrassment as her boyfriend, Odin, argued with the two hunky men behind the sign-up table. She was never one for confrontation, and Odin’s outrageous behavior was only making their situation more difficult.

I don’t see why we can’t be in the other class. Odin put his hands on the table and leaned in close to the rugged, auburn-haired instructor. You’re both teaching beginner lessons, and the instructor’s my best friend. We’ve known each other for years.

The auburn-haired man flexed his thick fingers over the signup sheets, as if preparing to connect his fist with Odin’s face. We aren’t in charge of the schedules, Mr.—

Finley. Odin Finley. Bah. Odin pushed himself off the table. I don’t see how your organization can stay in business if you can’t grant a simple request—

No request was made, Mr. Finley. The instructor’s voice was smooth, cultured and calm as he leaned back, revealing the kayaking company logo on his shirt. If you wish for a refund, we can talk to accounting and arrange something—

Just leave it, Odin. Shana placed her fingers in the crux of her boyfriend’s elbow and felt him stiffen. She paused, not wanting to anger him further, but decided that someone had to intervene. There was a line behind them, and she couldn’t take up any more of the handsome instructor’s time. All of the groups will be together for the most part. Besides, this weekend was supposed to be about us.

All of the groups will be together in the beginning, Mrs.— The auburn-haired man turned his gorgeous blue gaze to her.

Miss. Shana shifted her gaze to his and felt her heart flutter in her chest. Damn, he was good-looking...and unnerving. It was as if those eyes could see right into her soul. And it’s Parks. Shana Parks.

Shana. The man’s gaze softened. I’m Nolan. I’ll be your guide. He stretched out his hand. Shana took his firm, comforting grip and ran her gaze over his angular features. The man looked amazing. He was nothing but muscle, but not the kind one got at the gym. No, Nolan’s lean, athletic frame was the kind that came from an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Shana used to lead an active life before Odin. This trip was, in part, his way of appeasing her constant nagging that they get off the couch and do something fun together.

She guessed that if Nolan was her boyfriend, she wouldn’t have to nag him to go hiking or camping, or even kayaking. He’d be right there next to her, laughing the whole time.

And I’m Jag. The man seated next to Nolan extended his hand. Shana switched her gaze to the other instructor and was captivated by his eyes. While Nolan’s were piercing, Jag’s hazel gaze was warm and inviting. Combined with his tousled latte-colored hair and day-old stubble, the man looked like he stepped off the pages of an outdoor magazine.

Before she could shake Jag’s hand, Odin pushed it aside. Now that introductions are out of the way, what can you do about changing our group?

Nolan started to stand, but Jag placed a hand on his arm, stopping his movements. After a brief exchange of glances, Nolan settled back in his chair and sighed.

Mr. Finley, he said. Like we’ve mentioned before, both groups start out together with the same beginner kayak instructions: exiting and entering, equipment instruction, basic paddling, bracing and so forth. Then we paddle to the other side of the lake where we camp. Those in the lake kayaking course will stay there. Those in the whitewater course will go with us and learn how to navigate class I and II rapids along the Penobscot. You and your girlfriend chose to take the rapids, which is where Nolan and I will be taking our group. Your friend, Mateo, will be keeping his group at the lake.

Odin made a very ungentlemanly-like noise and pushed his whitish-blond hair from his face. Then we’ll stay at the lake as well.

But— Shana tightened her grip on Odin’s arm. She had always been fascinated with whitewater kayaking, but never had the chance to try. Odin knew this. When he had brought up this weekend-long class in Maine as an apology for cheating on her, she couldn’t resist. While she wasn’t sure that their relationship could be saved—there was just too much baggage to overcome—she really wanted to give whitewater kayaking a try. Besides, she and Odin used to have so much fun together. She was hoping that this trip could recapture some of that adventurous spirit they seemed to have lost.

No. Odin dragged his gaze over to where the lake kayaking group was assembling. I don’t want us to get all wet. We stay at the lake.

Shana followed his gaze to where Mateo was talking to some blonde chick with big boobs and a tight ass. Shana glanced down at her flat chest and pear-shaped frame and realized why her boyfriend wanted to go with the other group. So much for working on their relationship.

Normally Shana would just go along with what Odin said to avoid a fight. This time was different, however. This was about their relationship, not him getting some fair-skinned piece of ass. Besides, she really wanted to do this. She couldn’t give up the chance to whitewater kayak without a fight. But we agreed to do the rapids. You said that this was so we could spend time together and reconnect. If you are with Mateo—

Odin held up his hand, stopping her words. Fine. We’ll do it your way. We always do.

Shana wanted to ask him what he meant by that, but Jag interrupted her thoughts.

It’s just as well. There’s not enough room in the other group for you both to switch groups. He leaned in closer to Nolan, and Shana noticed that they made a striking pair in their matching green T-shirts and cargo shorts.

It filled up pretty fast, Nolan added as he dragged his piercing blue gaze over Shana’s body, causing a warm, tingling feeling to spread out over her skin.

Odin frowned at Mateo and his busty companion and returned his attention to the men. Where do I sign?

Jag handed him a bunch of papers. Here, here, and here.

Odin started scribbling furiously. Your turn, he said as he shoved the papers in Shana’s direction. I’m going to go talk to Mateo and see if I can’t work something out.

But— Shana said, but Odin had already dismissed her. I wanted to take the rapids, she whispered as she watched the lanky frame walk away from her and secretly hoped his pasty skin would fry to a crisp while they were out on the water.

What an idiot, Jag murmured. He widened his eyes and turned to Shana. Sorry. I didn’t realize I just said that out loud.

No problem. I know he’s an idiot. She took the pen and signed her name on the papers, releasing the kayak company of liability should she get hurt. This trip was supposed to be our last big effort to save our failing relationship. Some bonding time away from the pressures of our lives. And his cheating. Shana had discovered Odin’s indiscretion by chance and, after an explosive confrontation, had broken up with him. Two weeks later, he came crawling back, wanting to try again. At first Shana said no, but when he mentioned the kayaking class, she couldn’t resist. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture, especially since she knew that Odin hated spending time outdoors because of his fair complexion.

A kayaking adventure is a great way to begin a new chapter in your life. I should know. Nolan put his arm around the back of Jag’s chair. It’s how Jag and I met, and it’s our love of the outdoors that held us together and helped us start this business.

Shana offered him a shy smile. That’s great. She glanced over to where Mateo and Odin were flirting with the blonde. If she didn’t know any better, she’d guess that the best friends were engaged in some type of macho contest where the bimbo was the prize.

Jag placed the papers in the filing box at his feet and followed Shana’s gaze. I never did like Mateo.

No, Nolan agreed. "I didn’t