Val
It had been exactly three weeks since I’d walked into the gym, looked Kaden in the eyes, and somehow convinced him to agree to sign a training contract.
I’d been so sure my life was on a new and better track, and for the most part, it was. But it was also still a mess of boxes and half-eaten takeout containers. “Summer, I’m telling you, it was just… magnetic,” I said, cradling my phone between my shoulder and ear while I peeled the plastic lid off a container of chicken lo mein. The scent of ginger and soy sauce filled my tiny, mostly-empty house.
Summer’s voice was as sharp and witty as ever, even through the speaker. “Magnetic? Val, are you talking about your trainer or a refrigerator?” She was the one person I could trust to tell me like it was, and right now, I could tell she wasn’t impressed with my progress.
“I’m talking about Kaden,” I said, rolling my eyes, as I looked around the kitchen for a fork. I hadn’t even bothered to unpack any silverware yet. I opened the drawer next to the stove and found a plastic spoon. “It’s been three weeks, and I’m stillconvinced he was flirting with me the day I signed the contract. It was in the way he talked, and the way he looked at me.” I paused, spooning a mouthful of noodles into my mouth. “I don’t know. It was just an electric feeling, you know?”
Summer let out a long, dramatic sigh on the other end of the line. “Val, you are so easily charmed. Remember Mark?”
My stomach tightened. I hated talking about Mark. “This isn’t like Mark, Summer. Kaden is different.” I wanted to add he’s also handsome, smells like vanilla and patchouli,andhe’s single. I just wasn’t ready for those repercussions yet. So instead, I decided to continue gaslighting myself into thinking I didn’t wish upon stars he would ask me out.
“How so? You said Mark was different, too, and all he did was get you to sign up for more sessions by telling you, you had a ‘fighter’s spirit’, then bet against you at your fight.Andthenincreasedhis flirting. He was a real creep.” Summer’s tone was laced with concern. “At least the extra sessions were all free… and then he bet against you.”
I swallowed a mouthful of lo mein. “Kaden would never. He’s professional. He’s all business. In the three weeks we’ve been training together, he’s never once mentioned anything outside of our sessions. It’s all about my form, my stance, my kicks, my blocks.” I stopped to take a breath. “It’s just… professional. He’s not weird at all.”
Summer wasn’t convinced. “Okay, but what about the first day? The contract signing? You said he was flirting then.”
“I think I just got the wrong idea,” I confessed, my voice a little lower as I attempted to convince myself it was true. “I was so excited to be there, I clearly misinterpreted his professionalism for something else. He was probably just being polite or using his sales tactics.” I picked up a half-empty box from the floor and carried it to the other side of the room.I really need to finish unpacking.
“He was just being polite, huh?” Summer scoffed. “Val, what if he saw you as an easy target and nowhe’swaiting for the perfect opportunity. I’m just saying, be careful. You’ve been through enough.”
Her words hit harder than I wanted them to. Ihadbeen through enough. Now I was here, in this new city, with this new trainer, and the last thing I wanted was to make the same mistake twice. “I know, Summer. I’m being careful and just trying to start fresh, you know?” I moved back to my small kitchen and started to put away some of the few dishes I’d actually unpacked. “I’m not trying to get involved with anyone. I just want to focus on my training.”
“What are you doing? Are you still unpacking?” Summer inquired, changing the subject with a sigh.
“I’ve just been so busy with training, and trying to get settled in,” I said, my voice trailing off. It was a lie, and we both knew it. I hadn’t unpacked because part of me was afraid I had made a mistake coming here. What if I wouldn’t be successful or be able to get past my trauma?
“Hey, I’ve gotta go. I’m going to go to the gym now,” I said, trying to end the call before she could guilt-trip me into focusing on unpacking.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Summer joked, but her voice was still filled with concern. “Just remember why you’re there. You have a purpose, and it’s not to find a new boyfriend.”
“I know, Summer,” I said, a small smile on my face. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” I hung up the phone and tossed it on the counter. My heart was pounding and my cheeks were flushed just thinking about Kaden. I knew she was right to be worried, but she didn’t understand.
???
As soon as I arrived at the gym, a wave of adrenaline washed over me. The smell of sweat and rubber filled the air, and I could hear the rhythmic thud of a punching bag. This was where I belonged.
I spotted Kaden across the room. I could see his muscles rippling with every punch. He was in his element, and I couldn’t help but stare. The way his muscles flexed under the fabric of his shirt, the beads of sweat dripping down his face… Summer had clearly gotten into my head and not in the way she had intended.
Kaden glanced up, and our eyes met. He gave me a small nod, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. My heart skipped a beat and a jolt of pure energy ran through my veins.
As Kaden walked in my direction, my heart beat as hard as he had been hitting the bag. I was sure he could hear it. “Val,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “You’re here late.”
“Yeah, I just finished eating. I had some things to do,” I said, shrugging, trying to act cool.
He nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I’m glad you’re here. I was actually hoping to get a chance to work on some blocking. Would you be comfortable helping me out? I won’t charge you. Promise.”
I felt a thrill surge through me. “I’d love to.”
We moved to an open area of the gym, and he started to explain the drill. He moved his hands and arms in a series of swift, precise motions, his fingers brushing against mine as he showed me how he wanted me to block a punch. My skin tingled at his touch and I had to fight the urge to lean into him.
“Okay, so you see how I’m blocking here?” he asked, his voice a low whisper.
“Yeah, I see,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and mimicking his movement. I already knew all of this, but I had vowed to myself I was starting with a clean slate. Especially sincehe was a professional and managed to fit me into his already booked schedule.
He moved in closer, and I could feel the heat radiating off of his body.Shit.He was so close I could smell his cologne clinging to his skin for dear life. The musky scent was intoxicating. “You’re so focused. I don’t think you even know how handsome you are when you’re in your element,” I said it before I could stop myself.