by Lanee Lane
Mr. Gorgeous
"I think I'm dead."
I threw my arm over my eyes willing the dizziness and pain to subside.
"You aren't dead. You're a drama queen."
Noel, my best friend, and master of torture stood over me with her hands on her hips.
"No really, it looks a lot like earth though. I'm kind of disappointed."
Noel reached her hand down to help me up. I reluctantly grasped it. I knew I was out of shape, but that was torture. If I had to feel like death was upon me every time I went to the gym, I'd rather keep my size eighteen.
"How long and how often do I have to do this?"
"The simple answer is forever. You’ll have to make it a habit to maintain any progress you make. I'd say three or four times a week for about an hour is a good start."
I let out a long sigh. I needed to get my health in check. With all the health problems that ran in my family, getting healthy was important. I just hated that it had to be so hard.
We made our way to the locker room. My legs hurt so bad I wasn't sure how I made it there. It had to look like a stick was firmly planted in my round behind. When I got home, I fully intended on taking a long hot bath. I'd earned it after the master of torture tried her best to kill me in a sixty minute time period. I always knew she was evil.
"What are you up to the rest of the day," Noel asked me.
"Not sure really. I'll probably just relax and go over some stuff for work tomorrow."
"Girl, all you do is work. You need to get out more, live a little."
"I'm out right now. Albeit for cruel and unusual punishment."
"You know what I mean. Go out and meet some people... men to be specific. You haven't dated anyone since Alec and it's pastime you got that jerk out of your system."
I shuddered at the sound of his name. Alec had been my first real long-term boyfriend, and my last. We met during our senior year of college and dated for a few years after. He’d been controlling and less than faithful. He berated me for my looks, size, style. Pretty much anything he could think of.
Noel was who helped me get out of that relationship. I had no idea of how much he’d beat my spirit down. I was a yes man. Saying yes to whatever he said while he was sticking his pickle in anything he saw fit. Yes, I said pickle. Despite his dominating personality, he was lacking in the bedroom.
After that I focused on my career. Never again would I let a man or anyone else dictate my life. I still carried some baggage when it came to my body image, but no one could ever question my mind. I was bright and innovative. That was something he nor anyone else could take from me.
"So you've said only a thousand times. When I'm ready to meet some people, as you say, I'll do it. Right now I'm fine focusing on my career."
"Suit yourself, but just know I will intervene before you become a crazy cat lady."
I rolled my eyes at her and shoved my things into my bag.
"Before we leave, let's stop at the front desk and see their class schedules. Maybe we can try a few and find one that you don't hate so much."
"I'm not sure if it's possible to find something I won't hate, but I know you won't take no for an answer so, yeah."
We made our way to the front desk. There were a couple of people speaking to the employees so we waited patiently while they finished up. We were in mid conversation when a man appeared from a door behind the desk. Noel stopped talking mid-sentence.
"Earth to Noel." I snapped my fingers in front of her face.
"Hello ladies, anything I can help you with?"
I turned my head towards the voice and I knew what had Noel in a trance. I rubbed my hand over my face to make sure my mouth was closed and there was no drool running down my chin. We had to look like two shell-shocked fools.
The man before us was gorgeous. It was clear he spent plenty of time in the gym. Muscular arms were showcased in a makeshift tank top. I imagined there was at least a six pack under said shirt that we couldn’t see. His skin was tan as if he spent a lot of time in the sun. I suspected that was his natural skin tone. His dark hair was cropped short at the sides and slightly longer at the top with a bit of a curl. His eyes were the color of emeralds and I was entranced in them.
His smile never faltered despite our gawking. He was used to it. Being that sexy had to come with its share of lingering stares. Noel finally broke from her trance and spoke up.
"Um, yes, my friend and I were hoping to get a list of classes that you offer," she croaked out.
Her voice literally cracked. I’d never seen Noel nervous around a man. She oozed confidence all the time. It was funny to watch.
Mr. gorgeous, as I had mentally named him, smiled even broader.
"We have lots of classes you ladies could take." He reached under the counter and pulled out two pamphlets. "What kind of classes are you looking for?"
"We aren't really sure. We’re looking for something that we’ll enjoy while trying to get in shape," Noel said.
Her voice was more steady now, and she was giving him what I referred to as her bedroom eyes. Noel had a way with men. She loved them and they loved her. She was curvy, not as curvy as me, but she owned her curves. She was not lacking in the confidence area in the least.
"We have anything from Zumba to kickboxing to strength and toning classes. I would suggest trying each and see what you enjoy the most."
"Where would you suggest we start?" Noel’s voice was a low pur.
"Well, you could start with my strength and toning class this Tuesday evening."
Until that moment, I’d been looking anywhere, but at the sexy man in front of me. When I chanced a glance up he was looking right at me. Our eyes locked and I couldn't look away. I was thankful for my mocha skin tone that could cover any blush.
"That sounds like a great class to start with," Noel said.
I wanted to argue or make some excuse, but I knew it was no use. The time of the class was after work so I couldn't use my go to. I was going to be stuck in a room with Mr. Gorgeous for an hour. Lord help me from making a complete fool of myself.
"Perfect. I didn't catch your names ladies."
"I'm Noel and this is my friend Penelope."
"Beautiful names for beautiful ladies. I'm Reed."
He offered his hand to Noel to shake, and she took it giving him her dainty shake in return. He turned his hand and panty dropping smile on me. I raised my shaking hand to his. When his big hand enveloped my smaller one I felt a jolt. I jerked my hand back. When I looked up at him, he winked. He freaking winked.
"I look forward to seeing you ladies on Tuesday."
FML, I was so screwed.
Up Close & Personal
As soon as we exited the building Noel started to fan herself.
"Lawd have mercy! That man was a walking wet dream. I look forward to seeing sweat drip down his body on Tuesday,"
"Noel! Good grief, could you wait until the door’s least closed all the way."
The woman had no filter and no shame.
"Honey, I don't care if he heard me. Hell, I hope he did. I would not put up a fight if he came out here and threw me over his shoulder."
'Why do I hang out with you?"
"Because you know your life would be boring without me." She bumped her hip to mine and laughed.
We made our way to your cars and said our goodbyes before parting ways. As I eased onto the street the ring of my phone cut through the music playing through the Bluetooth. I checked the screen and groaned. It was my mother. I was not in the mood for her today. I was never really in the mood for her if I was being honest. I knew that If I didn't answer not only would she call back, but I would get even more crap for not answering her the first time. I hit the answer button and prepared for war.
<
br /> "Hi, mom."
"Penelope, what took you so long to answer?"
Always straight to the point my mother.
"I'm driving home from the gym mother."
Maybe hearing that I was at the gym would placate her a little.
"It's about time. Maybe if you would have gone to the gym when Alec was around you'd be married by now. I'd have grandbabies."
I had no idea why she wanted grandkids. I wasn't sure she liked me most of the time. I'd be afraid to see how she acted with my kids.
"Mom, can we not go there today?'
"I'm only telling the truth, Penelope."
Time to bring this chat to an end.
"How's dad?"
"He's fine. He's out working on one of his cars."
"Tell him I love him. I'm driving so I better go."
"Well then, I guess I'll speak with you later. I hope you plan to continue with the gym. There may still be hope for you finding a husband after all."
With that, my mother hung up the phone.
***
The rest of the weekend flew by and before I knew it, it was Tuesday. Work was busy. I worked as a web designer and developer. I had a few projects that were due by the end of the week. I was ahead of schedule, but I liked to make sure my work was done and done well before I delivered to the client.
My desk phone rang and startled me from my work. When I looked up at the clock, I realized it was four-thirty. I had my headphones in and was so focused that time just flew by.
"This is Penelope."
"Girl, why aren't you answering my text?" It was Noel.
"Um, I'm at work?"
"Don't you get a break or something?"
"I got caught up in my work. What do you want?"
"I'm calling to make sure your butt is at the gym tonight at six-thirty. We have a date with Reed."
"You are delusional you know that?"
"You love me, though. Make sure you leave work by five so you can change and get to class. You can't leave me hanging."
I rolled my eyes towards the ceiling. I was not looking forward to this. I didn't care how hot Reed was. In fact, that probably made it worse. I didn't want to look like an idiot in front of him, and there was no doubt I would.
"I'll be there," I grumbled.
At six-twenty I pulled up in front of the gym. Noel was waiting for me by the door.
"I was getting afraid that you were going to bail on me."
"Naw, I knew you’d only make it worse the next time I came if I did."
"True," she said with an evil grin on her face.
We headed into the gym and checked the chart for what room the class would be in. There were ten other women setting up their equipment when we entered the room. Reed was speaking to a tall brunette.
So that was his type. Figures.
I must have imagined the jolt I felt when we shook hands. Or maybe it was one sided. The wink was probably just him being nice. In this industry he had to be social and kind to everyone. I shook my head. Why was I even thinking about this? I was not in the market for a man, and if I were he would be out of my league.
We placed our things in the back of the room. Noel was scanning the room trying to figure out what we would need. We headed over to a rack of hand weights.
"Hey ladies, I'm glad you made it."
My back straightened. His voice was as smooth and sexy as I remembered.
"Hi Reed, we're not sure what we need. Can you help us?" My back was still to Reed, but I glanced at Noel from my peripheral. She was smiling and batting her eyes — shameless.
"Sure, you’ll need some weights," I felt heat close to my back and then his arm was grazing past mine, lifting weights off of the rack.
I turned, and he was standing a few inches from me. He smiled down at me and handed me the weights.
"Th-Thanks," I said sounding out of breath.
We hadn't even started the workout, but my heart was doing a workout of its own.
He walked us through what else we would need. Once we had everything we settled at the back of the class. When the class began, I was able to forget about Reed's sex appeal and focus on the exercises. I was surprised to find that I enjoyed the toning much more than the cardio hell Noel had put me through.
Reed made his way around the class helping people with their form. We were doing lunges when I saw him headed towards me. I tried to focus on the ground in front of me. Maybe if I didn't make eye contact, he wouldn't see me. Right? Nope.
"I'm going to adjust you so that your form is correct. You don't want to injure yourself."
I gave a small nod of my head.
He moved behind me and adjusted my leg.
"Okay, now lower." He lightly placed his hand on my hip as I lowered.
I held my breath. My mind couldn't think, let alone breathe.
I felt warm breath close to my ear.
"Much better. The more you do these the more comfortable you’ll get." With that, he made his way back to the front.
Thankfully he didn't touch me for the rest of the class. I don't think my body could’ve taken it if he did. I knew it was his job to help, but no red-blooded woman would be immune to his touch.
By the end of the class, I was dripping with sweat. I knew my hair had to be a frizzy mess. I needed a hot shower and my bed, stat.
"Let's go see what other classes they have this week. Maybe we can try Zumba next."
I followed Noel to the front desk where there was a board with the class schedules.
"How about we try Zumba on Friday? It will be a nice start to the weekend."
"That's not my idea of a nice start to a weekend, but I guess."
"How did you ladies like the class?"
Just when I thought we escaped.
"I loved it," Noel gushed.
"And you Penelope?"
He remembered my name. I was both surprised and kind of impressed.
"It was ok. It was better than what Noel tried to put me through."
He let out a laugh at my reply. When I looked up, he was smiling at me. That smile, ugh.
"What are you ladies going to try next?"
"Zumba this Friday. You don't happen to teach that too, do you?" Noel asked.
"No, afraid not. I'm not much of a dancer, but I will be around. You know you do get a free training session when you sign up at the gym. If you ladies want, we can set up a session for each of you."
"That would be awesome!"
This startled me. I didn't want to have a one-on-one session with him.
"Can we do it together?" I blurted out.
The smile on Reed's face seemed to dim, but only for a moment.
"Sure, if that's what you ladies prefer."
"Yes! That is what we prefer." I wasn't letting Noel throw me under the bus with this one.
"How about this Saturday at nine am? I know I have an open slot then."
I looked at Noel for confirmation.
"That would be perfect!"
Smiling green eyes captured mine, "Saturday it is then. I look forward to seeing you."
His words sounded like they were addressed to both of us, but his eyes were set on me.
One-on-One
TGIF was all I kept thinking as I put the finishing touches on my last project. It had been a long week full of deadlines. I was so ready to go home and relax with a glass of wine and a good book. Who needed a love life when you had romance novels?
My phone vibrated on my desk.
Noel: Drinks tonight?
Me: What about Zumba?
Noel: We'll try next week. Plus we have our session Saturday.
Me: I'm tired. Think I'll stay in.
Noel: You always stay in and read your fairy tales. Come out so you can meet your real life prince charming.
Reed's muscled body popped into my head. The feel of his large hand on my hip gave me tingles down below. Ugh, I was not looking for a prince charming. Why Reed popped into my mind at Noel's ridiculous sug
gestion, I have no idea.
Me: I don't need a prince charming. I'm an independent woman.
Noel: Independence won't fulfill your needs in the bedroom. Come on, we won't stay out long.
Me: Fine. I'm not staying out past ten. I need to be rested before our dreaded session in the morning.
Noel: At least we’ll have eye candy! :) Meet at our spot at six-thirty.
Feeling good about my work I left the office. Once I got home, I freshened up my makeup. I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom debating between a flowy off the shoulder dress or simple jeans and a cute top. I settled on a pair of dark wash skinny jeans that hugged my curves, black pumps, and a maroon blouse.
Our favorite bar was a pretty low key place. They played mostly R&B and had decently priced drinks. When I arrived Noel was sitting at the bar chatting with a very sexy man. I could tell as soon as I saw her that she was in full charmer mode.
"Hey, Pen!" Noel enveloped me into a hug. "This is James. He's a partner at a law firm."
This was her way of telling me he had money without being super blatant. I offered my hand for a shake. He took it in his and greeted me with a smile. The three of us sat around drinking and talking for a few hours. James seemed to be feeling Noel as much as she was him. I didn’t doubt that Noel wouldn’t be going home alone.
I was getting sleepy and tired of feeling like a third wheel. I decided it was time for me to make my exit.
"Noel, I'm beat. I'm going to head home. I want to be well rested for tomorrow."
Noel gave me a pouty face, but I knew she wasn't really sad. If the night ended how she wanted, her and James wouldn’t be far behind me.
"Okay, I'll see you in the morning then."
I gave her a quick hug and told her to be safe. I sent a small wave to James and headed out to my car. I was happy to be getting home earlier than expected.
The next morning my alarm went off at eight. I didn't need much time to get ready, and the gym wasn't far from my place. After dressing in yoga pants and an old t-shirt I grabbed a bottle of water and headed for the door.
I called Noel on my way to the gym, but her phone rang until voicemail picked up. I didn't bother leaving her a message because I knew she wouldn't listen to it. I'd just have to see her there. Ten minutes later I was standing outside of the gym. I tried to call Noel again, but it went to voicemail.