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His words send a flash of heat through me that has nothing to do with our workout. I clear my throat, clutching the edges of my clipboard. “Just doing my job.”
“I appreciate your dedication,” his gaze travels the length of my body in a way that makes me shiver, “among other things.”
A blush steals over my cheeks. I’m unused to such blatant male appreciation—especially from a man like him. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Russo.”
“I told you before, call me Brian.” He stands, towering over me. I’m acutely aware of his proximity and of the heat and scent of his body. My senses come alive, attuned to his every movement. “And I don’t think of it as flattery. Just an honest observation.”
My heart skips a beat. I give him a shy smile and try to change the topic to ignore the way my body thrums with awareness and desire. “Shall we move on to the next exercise?”
One corner of his mouth lifts. “As you wish.”
He grabs a pair of dumbbells and starts doing lunges around the weight room. I can’t take my eyes off him. I’m mesmerized by the movement of muscle beneath tanned skin. I’m playing with fire here, and I know it. Not only is he Diane’s father, but he’s also twice my age. But I can’t seem to stop myself. And if the heat in Brian’s gaze is any indication, neither can he.
This is going to end in flames. As I watch Brian move, a vision of masculine power and grace, I wonder if it might just be worth the burn.
Chapter six
Hard to Concentrate
Brian
That day at the coffee shop, I’d glanced up at my guest, my future personal trainer, and almost did a double take. Tanya Nugent had commanded my attention then, and commands it now. Even at the café on our first meeting, I couldn’t help but notice the looks she got as she walked through. With her tall, hourglass figure and perfect athletic build, she looks like a dream. Even now, I can’t help but stare at her. Instead, I avert my gaze; she’s too young. She looks like she’s in her mid-twenties, and I wipe the sweat off my brow as I finish another set of bench presses. My muscles burn, but it’s a good burn. The kind that lets me know I’m pushing myself.
Tanya circles around me, her piercing gaze sweeping over my form. “Good. Keep your back straight. Don’t arch.”
Her husky voice sends a spark of heat down my spine. I grit my teeth, forcing myself to focus on the weight above me. This is only our first session together, and I don’t know how long it’ll take to get over how distracting she is.
“Two more reps. Come on, you’ve got this.” She puts a hand on my shoulder, squeezing.
I let out a grunt as I push the weight up again. I’m so close to her that I can smell the light floral scent of her perfume mixed with her own feminine musk. My arms shake, but I refuse to fail with her watching.
Somehow, I grind out the last rep. “Nice work.” Tanya steps back, giving me space to rack the bar.
I sit up, grabbing a towel to mop my face. My heart hammers in my chest, and not just from the exertion. Ever since my first meeting with Tanya, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. The way she moves, the intelligence in her eyes, the curves barely concealed by her workout gear. I know it’s inappropriate. She’s here as a professional, and I’m old enough to be her father. But my body doesn’t seem to care about any of that. When she’s around, I have to fight not to be distracted by her. Tanya glances at me, one eyebrow raised, and I wonder if she has any idea of the effect she has on me.
“Time for cardio. Let’s go.” She jerks her head toward the treadmills.
I stand up and follow, hoping this session goes by fast before I do something I regret. I step onto the treadmill next to Tanya and start it up, matching her speed. She increases the incline and I do the same.
“So, any big plans for the weekend?” Tanya asks, her voice light and casual. She glances at me, eyes bright, and flashes a smile.
Just like that, my pulse jumps. I grip the handrails, trying to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. “No, just relaxing at home.”
“You work too hard. You should do something fun.”
Do something fun, like ask my gorgeous trainer out on a date? I bite my tongue to avoid saying something stupid. “What about you? Any exciting plans?”
“Angela and I were thinking of going to check out that new art exhibit at the museum.”
Angela. My daughter Diane has a friend by that name too. Oh no, I can’t be this into a woman my daughter’s age! Guilt reels at me.
Tanya looks over at me, her expression concerned. “Are you all right? Your face is really red.”
“Fine,” I say shortly. “Just pushing myself.”
“Do you need to slow down or stop?”
“I’m good.” The last thing I need is for her to keep hovering over me, looking as good as she does in those tight workout clothes. I increase my speed, hoping the intensity provides some distraction.
