Chapter 2

I walked into the yoga studio first and eyed Natalie White, who gave me an earnest smile that drew across her freckled face. She eyed Monroe behind me and gave me an approving nod, but then she directed me with her eyes to our instructor. Mr. Foxy Loxy had returned. Natalie was trying hard not to grimace, but it still came through. That grimace reminded me of the conversation we had of her last experience with Mr. Foxy Loxy and the door that had to be replaced because of it. That she was even staying for the class was a bit of a surprise to me. My eyes went back to Monroe, who had already recognized what Mr. Foxy Loxy was, and he gave me a sour look.

"I didn't know he was going to be here," I whispered. "Besides, you have nothing to worry about."

A few ladies gave Monroe a second glance; some gave him more than just a glance. He was wearing a black t-shirt and black drawstring, exercise pants that fit him well in all the right places. Although our yoga class was open to all, it was most always female participants. We'd occasionally have a guy come in, but it was few and far between. To have two men in the room tonight was practically unheard of.

There was enough space to put my lavender mat next to Natalie. Monroe had brought my blue back-up mat, and he laid it beside mine.

"So are you going to be okay tonight?" I whispered to Natalie, whose grimace was still visible.

"I'm the bigger person," Natalie said. "I can do better than him anyway." She smiled at this thought and I smiled back. Leaning forward, she passed her smile over to Monroe. "Good to see you here. Have you ever tried yoga before?"

"Yeah, I'm well-versed in the methodology," he replied with a nod.

"Well, Robin is tough, so be prepared for a workout."

Monroe scoffed lightly. "Oh, I'm sure I could run circles around this dude."

Mr. Foxy Loxy turned and his steel gray eyes had a quick look my way. That sparkling smile of his appeared. I thought briefly of Christian Grey from that Fifty Shades book I'd read. With that copper red hair, those eyes, and well… that body, he was probably getting quite a few extra dates since that book came out. Not that he needed any help. The ladies tonight were hanging on his every word. Mr. Foxy Loxy's smile soon vanished and he appeared quite frightened instead as his woge sprang out. Out of the corner of my eye I caught the glow of Monroe's red eyes glowering our instructor's way.

"Monroe, is that necessary?" I asked almost silently without turning my head.

"Just letting him know what's what," he advised with the same volume. I repressed a smile and just shook my head. Monroe the protector. He was always looking out for me.

Mr. Foxy Loxy let us know that Alicia was ill tonight, and as before, he'd kick our routine up a notch if we were okay with that. I was definitely okay with a faster pace. Natalie was cursing under her breath. Monroe's face was unreadable. I gave him a warm smile and his face softened. Regardless of his unnecessary animosity toward Mr. Foxy Loxy, he was with me, and I was more than glad.

We went through the flow of poses, but Natalie struggled a bit under the intensity. Mr. Foxy Loxy steered clear of our back row as he helped the other ladies with their poses. Between Natalie and Monroe our row was going to be ignored.

"Could he slow down just a little?" Natalie panted over to me as she brushed her red hair off her face. "I swear he's doing this just to get back at me."

"I really don't think that's his intent," I assured her and we moved into a Half Moon.

"I'm bringing Alicia some chicken soup," said Natalie as she stumbled through the pose. "She needs to get back here soon."

I held back a laugh. "I'm sure she'll be well and back here soon enough."

I turned to Monroe. His Half Moon looked perfect. Too bad it was near a full moon, because I'd really wanted to run with him tonight. What could a full moon do to him, exactly? Even without the run, this was turning out to be a good evening. Monroe smiled at me as we flowed from the Triangle to the Reverse Warrior with ease. For the next hour we moved to Mr. Foxy Loxy's instruction and we were normal. No Reapers, Wesen, or Grimm talk to cloud our minds. Perfect Zen. Well, except for Natalie's snide comments, but I forgave her for that.

We ended our meditation with a 'Namaste' and Natalie pulled me aside.

"So, if you're feeling up to it, I'd still like you to go to the Art Gala next week. Think you can make it?"

"Yes, I was planning on attending."

"Great!" Natalie beamed at me. She gave me the details and the address for next Tuesday evening. I'd need to add dress shopping to my agenda this weekend.

Natalie left the studio without so much as a nod in Mr. Foxy Loxy's direction, and she carefully closed the door behind her. I was impressed she'd held in her temper. Monroe reached for my arm as the rest of the class surrounded our instructor, vying for attention.

"So, that was pretty simple, right?" I asked Monroe as he held me close, just a little protectively.

"Almost too simple," Monroe scoffed. "I don't feel like I got much of a workout at all. You really oughta try Bikram with me sometime. Now that's a workout," he smiled with his eyes.

I grinned up at him. "It's on my to-do list." He let me go so I could roll up my mat.

Mr. Foxy Loxy kept his head down as we both left the studio. Apparently Monroe's warnings had put him in his place, so to speak.

"You didn't tell me he was good looking," Monroe said as soon as the door closed behind us.

I glanced up at him. "You think he's good looking? Why, Monroe, I didn't realize he was your type." My playful smirk wasn't reciprocated.

"Not funny," he scowled at me. "Besides, redheads are trouble." It sounded as if he was speaking from experience.

"I'm kind of into curly brunettes, myself," I replied while ruffling through his hair. He chuckled softly and reached for my hand.

As we walked down the street back to my house, I glanced up at the sky. The moon was pretty full. Its large, yellow form peeked out from behind the clouds. I pulled out my phone to check the full moon schedule for the rest of the year. From what it looked like, I'd need to keep track of the lunar cycles.

"What are ya doing?" Monroe asked curiously as he watched me type across my phone keys.

"Just adding a few dates to my calendar," I vaguely replied. "So, are you ready to pass out some business cards next Tuesday?" I asked with a smile.

"Sure. Well, as long as you're still okay with going."

"Yeah, I can mingle with the socialites for an evening."

Monroe laughed as I held his arm. "At least you'll look good doing it."