Chapter 8 #2
They each picked up a ten-pound sandbag, placing them on their shoulders. “So, you’re not simply doing a squat here,” Colton explained. “This is about developing explosive strength. You squat low, then jump as high as you can, landing back deep into the squat. Let’s do ten reps.”
They rapidly rattled off ten squat jumps, and Dean threw the sandbag off his shoulders. “Holy fuck!” He bent over, panting like a dog in summer.
Colton laughed and rubbed his back. “Only two more sets. Now grab the fifteen-pound bag.”
“What?!” Dean looked up in disbelief.
“Yep! Come on, Mr. DJ, don't be a pussy,” Colton teased.
Dean reluctantly picked up the sandbag and they blasted through ten more jump squats. Dean had barely finished the last squat before he tossed the sandbag off his shoulder and collapsed forward.
Colton laughed. “You’re almost home, Dean, stay with me! Last set, the twenty-pound bag.”
“You’ve gotta be fucking joking!” Dean panted, giving Colton his best side eye.
“Do I look like I’m joking? Come on, ten more and you’re done. You can do it.” Colton lifted Dean up by his shoulder.
“Fine! But only because you asked so nicely.” Dean winked.
“Atta boy! Let’s finish strong!”
They picked up the twenty-pound bag and cranked out the last ten jump squats. Dean dropped the bag and collapsed to his hands and knees, huffing for air.
Colton pulled him back up to a standing position.
“You did it!” He slapped both his shoulders. “How do you feel?”
“Like I just ran around the entire fucking Earth!”
Colton laughed and put his arm around Dean’s shoulder. A whiff of Colton’s post-workout musk filled his nostrils. He smelled like a real fucking man and Dean felt his knees buckle. “Now we get to the best part…the sauna!”
“Okay, now that sounds good!” Dean heaved as they walked.
They headed into the recovery area, where Colton took off his sweaty t-shirt and tossed it onto the bench. It landed with a wet, heavy thud. Dean took a heavy gulp to try and keep himself from gasping out loud at the blond muscle-bound beauty before him.
Colton opened the door to the sauna, looking back at Dean over his shoulder with a devious grin. “Off with that shirt. Come inside.”
Mmmm, don’t tempt me, mister. Dean chuckled at his dirty thoughts.
The sauna was both relaxing and therapeutic, smelling heavily of eucalyptus and cedar wood.
Dean closed his eyes to keep himself from staring at Colton, who was sitting next to him wearing nothing but a little pair of black shorts, sweat slowly forming across his chest, cascading down the ripples of his abs, and the little beads of sweat on his top lip.
Dean wanted to kiss the shit out of those plump, pink lips.
Colton’s lips were a crime. They should really be illegal!
It was almost too much for Dean to bear. He squeezed his eyes shut and thought of kittens, calculus, grannies in bikinis…anything to keep his libido in check.
“Man, I love the way this sauna smells.” Dean sighed, his head back against the wall.
Colton looked over at Dean and smiled. “Yeah. I actually had one of these installed in my condo. This is the best part of the day.”
“Ooh, I’m gonna have to look into that.” Dean muttered, floating in dry-heat bliss.
Colton reached over and patted Dean’s thigh. “You did really well today. I didn’t think you’d get past the high hurdles.”
“Well, technically I didn't make it past the high hurdles.” Dean laughed.
Colton chortled. “No, you certainly didn’t! That was so fucking funny, I almost pissed myself.”
“Glad I could bring some entertainment to your day.” Dean said, his eyes still closed.
“No, but seriously dude, I’m proud of you. Most people would have given up halfway through.”
Dean turned his head and looked right into Colton’s eyes. “Well, I’m not gonna lie. There were a couple of moments I thought about it. But I’m not a quitter. If something is challenging, it just pushes me to work harder.”
Colton bumped their knees together. “That’s the right attitude, man. You’d make a good pro athlete.”
Colton walked over and scooped a ladle of water over the rocks of the sauna, sending a deep hissing sound and extra moisture through the space. He sat back down with a smile. “I like you, Dean. You’re really fun. I’m glad we started hanging out.”
Dean’s heart swelled at those few simple words. He was glad there was a friendship forming, but he needed to keep his feelings in check. He couldn’t fall for Colton and end up having his heart broken.
Friends. Just friends. Totally doable.
“Thanks, Colton. I like you too. I really had fun today.”
“Happy to kick your ass anytime, my friend. Just say the word.” Colton replied as he smiled and patted Dean’s knee. “And remember, you’re always welcome here at the facility. You’re an honorary part of the team now.”
Twenty-four hours later, Dean was rethinking his decisions.
Dean: OH! MY! GOD! I cannot move…at all! I’m so fucking sore! It’s fantastic! Thank you so much!
Colton: Ha ha! You’re a fucking STUD! Great job yesterday! Soak in a hot bath, it will help. [wink emoji]