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“Impressive,” I say.
“I don’t stint on quality.” His voice holds a note of pride.
“I can see that.” I turn to face him, folding my arms over my chest. “So, let’s start with the assessment. What’s your end goal?”
“To get back in shape, simple as that. To be around as long as I can be, for my daughter, Diane. She’s around your age and she needs her dad around for as long as possible. Unfortunately, I’ve been living a little bit of a hedonistic lifestyle lately,” he grimaces. “A bad habit, I know. My wife used to nag me about it constantly. Staying fit and healthy just seemed unimportant after…” His voice trails off and he shakes his head.
I nod in understanding, keeping my expression neutral even as my heart squeezes at the mention of his daughter and late wife. I wonder, should I tell him I know Diane now? It seems a little strange in timing. Perhaps I’ll do it after the workout. I’m still unsure about what to do. I need to let him know, but I don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill. I turn back to the task at hand.
“I see. Don’t worry; taking care of your health is a process, not an overnight success. There will be ups and downs, Brian but, I urge you that whatever you do, don’t give up.”
He gives me a shy smile. “Don’t you worry, Tanya,” he says. “I’m not a quitter.”
Something tells me he’s right.
“Okay then, let’s put your money where your mouth is.”
“You’re the expert,” he says wryly. “I’m in your hands.”
A shiver runs down my spine at his words. Get a grip, Tanya! “Right, let’s start with the treadmill. Fifteen minutes should give me a sense of your endurance and fitness level.”
Brian pats me on the shoulder and leads me to the treadmill. Electricity sparks at his touch. “Well? What do you think?”
The treadmills are top of the range; the kind of thing that even the fanciest gyms couldn’t afford. “Perfect. Now, let’s get to work.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he says with a wink.
This is going to be a long six weeks.
Just as we’re about to begin our warm-up, Brian’s phone begins to ring. He glances at the caller ID and curses under his breath. “Sorry, I have to take this. It’s about a sensitive work issue.”
He answers and starts pacing as he talks, raking a hand through his hair. I pretend not to eavesdrop, but it’s impossible not to overhear in the cavernous gym.
“I told you hiring your son was a mistake…No, I won’t let this slide. He embezzled nearly half a million dollars from the company and you expect me to—” Brian’s face reddens with anger. “Family and business don’t mix. I learned that the hard way.”
His words hit a little too close to home. If he found out I was his daughter’s childhood friend, would he accuse me of the same nepotism? My stomach knots at the thought. It’s clear now that coming clean about my connection to Diane isn’t an option.
Brian ends the call with a growl. “I apologize. Some things require immediate attention.”
I force a smile, hoping to disguise my inner turmoil. “No need to apologize. Duty calls, right?”
“You’re very understanding.” Brian rakes a hand through his hair again, disheveling the black and white strands. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”
“Absolutely.” I climb back onto the treadmill and he follows on his. My pulse is racing for an entirely different reason now. This secret I’m keeping might just be the death of me.
“Time for some weight training,” I say, hoping to distract myself from my tumultuous thoughts. “Grab a set of dumbbells and we’ll start with some bicep curls.”
Brian effortlessly lifts a set of fifty-pound dumbbells like they’re made of foam. I have to stifle a gasp—and fight the urge to reach out and squeeze his bulging biceps. His strength and physique are astonishing for a man his age. Most men would kill for a body like his.
I demonstrate the proper form for bicep curls and have him do a set. His muscles bulge with each rep, and it takes all of my effort not to stare.
“Very good.” I clasp my hands behind my back as if that’ll prevent them from acting of their own accord. “Now, let’s move on to chest presses.”
Brian lies back on the bench and lifts the weight into position. I stand over him, correcting his form when needed, acutely aware of our proximity. His eyes meet mine, dark and fathomless, and my heart nearly pounds out of my chest.
In that moment, I know I’m in serious trouble. Keeping this professional might just kill me. But I have no choice. Diane’s happiness depends on it. Even if it means sacrificing my own.
Brian sits up, wiping the sweat from his brow with a towel. “You’re a tough trainer. I can already feel the burn.”
