Soul Chance by Nichelle Gregory Page A

hadn’t mentioned his exciting job offer with the popular talent show. She picked up the living room, erasing all traces of her unconventional evening with him. Ari wondered if he’d held his silence because of their current arrangement. She removed Ryder’s tie from the chaise, thinking about the competition her brother had mentioned. Ari planned to check out the rules just to see if there was one about participating when one of the judges was a contestant’s lover.
    Wrapping Ryder’s tie around her hand, Ari walked into her bedroom and stripped out of his shirt. She’d discuss the talent show and her possible audition with Ryder later. Feeling better, Ari dressed for exercise then gathered the yoga mat from the hall closet. She hummed her favorite love song as she made her way out to the terrace.
    Ari picked a shady area on the veranda, deep in thought. Auditioning for the competition could be the stepping stone she needed. She wanted to do more with her singing career and although her experience at The Cove was good for her resume, she didn’t want to be just a lounge singer.
    A gentle breeze swished sand around Ari’s bare feet as she placed her mat on the porch. Ari got into her mountain pose and reached for the sky. She exhaled, relishing the feel of the stretch and how much easier it was for her to maintain her position. Ari moved into a warrior pose, wincing when her movements aggravated her sore bottom and set off twinges between her legs. She switched sides after a minute, proud of her form.
    Ari smiled as she got into her downward facing dog. She might not admit it to Ryder, but she liked yoga, which was a delightful surprise, not unlike the many others she’d experienced since being with him. Ari straightened, pleased with her workout. She gathered her mat and went back inside the cottage.
    After putting the mat away, Ari headed for the bedroom. She undressed, padded into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She tested the water then turned to see her backside in the mirror. Her breath caught in her throat as she eyed the dark blemishes, evidence of Ryder’s handprint on her ass cheeks. Spirals of heat spun within Ari as she stared at the marks. She’d never been more humiliated or turned on than when she’d begged him to spank her ass.
    Ari tweaked her nipple, drawing in a sharp breath when her action sent a spike of pleasure through her. She would have told anyone before last night that she didn’t find spanking sexy and certainly not arousing. Today? She was getting wet with just the thought of Ryder warming her bottom with his hand. “You’re crazy, Ari.” Shaking her head, Ari got into the shower.
    Twenty minutes later, towel-dried and moisturized, Ari exited the bathroom with her towel tucked beneath her arm. She opened the blinds in the bedroom, letting in the sunshine before going over to the dresser. Underwear chosen, Ari went to the closet and selected a turquoise mini sundress to wear. She laid the articles of clothing on the bed, along with her towel, and got dressed.
    Ari picked her towel back up and wrapped it around her damp twists. She squeezed the terry cloth on her hair, pausing when she heard a noise. Curious, Ari went over and opened the door. She padded down the hall then screamed when she saw a woman entering the ranch. The lady’s answering yelp made Ari shriek again.
    “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” The pretty brunette waved her hands, clearly as taken aback as Ari to have encountered someone. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I did knock.”
    “Who are you and what are you doing in here?” Ari pressed her hand to her thudding heart.
    “I’m Cassie. I was here a few months ago and I lost my necklace. I thought maybe it was on the veranda and when I didn’t find it out there…” Cassie gave Ari an apologetic smile. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here. I still had my key and I just let myself in. Again, I’m so sorry about this.”
    Ari shook her head. “You