Page 16 of Fools in Love

“Hey.” He sat down beside her. “I’m not treating you like that. There’s no doubt that you are capable of knowing your own limits,” he said as he removed the gloves. “I’m just wondering how you got here if you can’t drive.”

He watched her relax a little. “I walked.”

“From your parents’ house?”

She nodded. “It’s not that far.”

He shifted as he tossed his gloves into his gym bag. “Did you work out?” He motioned to the gym equipment.

She nodded. “Pilates helps me loosen up.”

He glanced towards the two machines against the other wall. He’d never really understood how pulling your body in different directions was a workout.

“What?” she asked with a laugh.

“Hm?” he shook his head.

“You look like you don’t like Pilates.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’ve never done it, so I couldn’t tell you. But I just don’t see how it could be helpful to someone like me.”

Her eyebrows rose. “You’d be surprised. I had never boxed until now. I bet if you gave Pilates a chance, you’d like it.”

“Did you like boxing?”

She glanced over to the bag and nodded. “I wish I had the strength to hit it a few more times.”

“If you want, we can meet here again, and I’ll help you with your form,” he suggested.

She ran her eyes over him slowly. “Only if you agree to some Pilates.”

He groaned but then realized it was an excuse to spend more time with her. “Okay, it’s a deal.” He stood up and then helped her stand. “Now, how about you let me drive you home?”

She sighed and relaxed slightly. “I was hoping you’d offer. I really didn’t want to walk back.”

Chapter Six

As they headed out on the short trip back to her parents’ place, she realized she didn’t want to go back just yet. After he helped her out to his car, she turned to him.

“How about keeping me company while I eat something at the Golden Oar?” she suggested.

He glanced over at her. “I haven’t showered after my workout.”

She shrugged. “Neither have I. We can sit outside on the deck.”

“Avoiding going home?”

She laughed. “Just trying to get some fresh air.”

“Okay, I could eat.” He turned his car towards the Oar instead of her parents’ house.

He helped her out of his car when they parked in the Golden Oar’s parking lot. One thing she did remember from her youth growing up in Pride was this restaurant. It had been her downfall when trying to maintain her weight when younger. That and her aunt’s eclairs. She could eat a dozen of them in one sitting.

Now, as they stepped through the custom glass doors, the smells of good food hit her, reminding her even more of her childhood. Her stomach growled as they made their way to the back deck, which overlooked the Pacific.

The sun would be setting in an hour, and the deck was fairly packed with people. Most of them said hello to Tom.

“Do you know everyone in town?” she asked as she sat down.