Chapter Two – L is for Likosa
I’d never had a woman stick in my head quite like she did. No matter what I did for the next week, all thoughts led back to L.
I had never been so consumed by someone that I couldn’t focus on the tasks at hand.
I struggled to plan out my workout sessions and lingered on emails for far longer than I should have.
Every decision took twice as long to make.
While leading classes, there were way too many times when I messed up a count or had everyone around me on edge, because what I feel, they feel.
After the third day, I’d found my balance again, and it was back to business as usual.
L had run her course and, to my surprise, hadn’t shown up for another session.
Okay, maybe it was pathetic, but I’d checked the schedule several times to see if she had even signed on for a private session with someone.
She hadn’t. Maybe she just wanted to mess with my head.
She’d done a hell of a job!
After wrapping up my last session, I showered and prepared to head home. It was Friday, and I’d given myself the weekend off, something I rarely did, but I recognized the need for some space. I would leave the closing to the staff. I had things to take care of.
The clock was counting down to my appearance on national television, and though I felt ready for the moment, I still wanted to take a little more time to go over my notes and prepare for the moment.
I shot a text to the girls, letting them know I would make it in time for our meet up, and grabbed my bag. I was almost out the door when Meka’s deep voice called out to me.
“Hey, Miss Thang. Where do you think you’re going?” She popped the gum in her mouth as she watched me, twirling a braid around her finger. “I know you’re not running out of here early.”
Meka was the second in command at the gym, always ready to step in and make sure things ran smoothly.
When Curves the movement of the long braids she wore wafted over the scent of lilies and ocean air. It was a strange combination, but it worked.
What else do you love?
I shook the thought from my head, because this was not the time!
“Do you have any specific goals you’re trying to reach?” That’s right, girl. Go into trainer mode. This is the time for work, not work! “Are there any problem areas you would like us to focus on?”
“I’m working on being more flexible.” Her eyes crossed my body. “I noticed you’re pretty flexible yourself. In the last class, you performed some moves I wouldn’t have thought possible with the muscle mass.”
I looked down at my arms, which, thanks to the previous class, looked even more defined than usual. It was true; I’d put on a lot of muscle, especially since turning forty. Something about it made me feel more secure in my body and surer of myself. So, I went with it.
“Okay.” I paused, noticing she was giving me the strangest look. “I think we can definitely get you there. Is there anything else?”
“Well, I have other issues, but none that can be solved with a workout.” She paused. “You’re really assessing my needs. I like that. It’s very thorough of you.”
“It’s part of the job. I need to make sure I can get you where you want to be.” I nodded. “Besides, you never know. A good workout is a good way to clear your mind. I find it often leads me to solutions I didn’t think were possible.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She sighed and rolled her neck with a deep sigh. “You know, I have been carrying quite a bit of tension in my neck and shoulders. Is there something we can do about that?”
“Of course.” I nodded. “We’ll work in some targeted stretching and breathing techniques for you to do. And it will be good as well if you do them at home. It will keep you from tightening up again.”
After a few more questions, I led L in a workout that focused on deep stretches, breathing, and core training. After I got her warmed up, I moved to the thermostat and turned up the heat. The higher temperature would help keep her loose while we went through some of the tougher moves.
The hardest part about the session was making sure I kept my mind on the professional track. There were moments when my eyes moved across her body and my thoughts turned dirty. When she took deep breaths, lifting her chest in the air, I had to remind myself to keep my eyes off her nipples.
I should recommend a better bra. That one is way too thin if I can see her nipples. In this heat, they shouldn’t even be that damn perky.
I shook the thoughts from my head and moved into the deep squats.
Damnit! I’m a professional! I’ve been around attractive women before. There is no reason I can’t do this.
“Like this?” L looked at me with furrowed brows as she asked me to check her form.
“Yeah, um, that looks real good. Hold it for four seconds, and then we’ll repeat it four more times.”
I continued to internally check myself. Each time she made a move or said something suggestive, I reminded myself this was work and checked the clock.
This was the longest hour of my life, but eventually, when I checked the time, I found relief.
We only had five more minutes to go, and then I could escape this new temptation.