AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Eleven
Meghan
I’m early.
After work, Nick took off to the dojo thingy to get ready for his class, while I ran home to change. I debated on what to wear for at least twenty minutes, finally opting for a pair of capri yoga pants and workout tank top.
Now, here I stand, out on the sidewalk, trying to build up the courage to actually walk in. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous, but I am. Maybe it’s the thought of having to learn hand-to-hand combat and knowing that I might actually have to use it someday. Or it could be that it’s because Nick is the one who’ll be teaching me.
We’ll be close.
Touching.
Finally, curiosity gets the best of me, and I enter the building. There’s a small sitting area where a few women are chatting, and when I walk in, a couple of them sitting in the corner turn my way. They really seem to take in my appearance with a very critical eye. It makes me feel self-conscious, like they find me lacking.
“Meghan,” Rhenn croons like a verse in a love song, approaching from the small hallway that leads to the back.
“Hey, Rhenn,” I reply, offering him a smile. “I’m a little early.”
“You’re fine,” he says with his own killer smile. He really is a good-looking guy. “Come with me, darlin’.” Rhenn places his hand on my lower back and guides me to the hall. Glancing over my shoulder, I find a few sets of eyes glaring daggers into the back of my head. “Ignore them,” he whispers. “They’re jealous because I don’t sleep with the moms. Learned that lesson the hard way when I first started this place,” he adds with a wink.
“So they think I’m with you?”
“Of course, they do. Do you see how gorgeous of a couple we make?” he asks with a laugh, ensuring the rest of my tension ebbs from my shoulders.
At the end of the hall is a large, open room. It’s well lit and has a large red and blue mat on the floor. There are mirrors at the front of the room, with some stuff in the back that looks like workout equipment. The entire room is clean, accessible, and doesn’t smell like a locker room.
“Five punches, let’s see it,” Nick bellows with authority, drawing my eyes back up to the front of the room. He’s standing there, wearing his white…outfit (or whatever it’s called) with a black belt cinched around his waist. His feet are bare, and I’ll be honest, it’s kinda hot.
“One,” he instructs, followed by eight little preschoolers wearing white, all punching with their right fist, yelling, “Huhhh!”
“Two.” They punch with their left fist and yell once more.
They continue until Nick says five, eight little fists flying with force and determination. “Good job,” he says, offering the kids a smile that does something to my stomach. It flutters like ten thousand butterflies, and when he glances my way and notices me standing next to Rhenn? That thousand-watt smile is completely disarming, making my panties practically useless.
“The kids love him. He has way more patience than anyone I’ve ever met. That’s why he’s perfect to lead this class,” Rhenn whispers as we stand there and watch Nick work with his little students. Even when the kids bounce around and “practice” their moves, he remains completely patient and always encouraging.
“Let’s see high kicks,” Nick instructs, walking into the group and placing his hands out. “One,” and the kids kick. In fact, one little girl with brown pigtails and a toothless grin, kicks so high, she knocks Nick’s hand up.
“Two.” Again, they kick, as Nick moves through the group and allows different kids to kick at his hands.
“Greyson, your kicks are looking great, bud. And Emma, I think you hurt my hand,” he boasts at the sweet little girl in the back row. She gives him a shy little grin, but I can tell she appreciates the compliment.
“Great job tonight, everyone,” he says, walking into the middle of the group for a bow and a round of high fives. Each student jumps up and slaps his hand, some earn a pained face from Nick as well as a shaking of his hand, like their slaps hurt. “Tonight was our last class for the spring. Is everyone coming back this fall?” he asks.
“Yes!” the entire group of students hollers at the same time.
“I’ll be right back,” Nick says as he approaches. “I’m running up front to make sure all of the students meet up with their parents.”
And with that, I’m left alone in the back…with Rhenn.
“Feel free to set your stuff down over on one of the benches,” he says, pointing to the side of the room.
Within five minutes, Nick rejoins us, and Rhenn makes his excuses to leave. “I’ll be in the office if you need me.”
Suddenly, being alone with Nick in the dojo has me nervous. I’m shifting my weight from foot to foot and not completely sure what to do with my hands. “Hey,” he finally says, offering me a small smile.
“Hi.”
