AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He increased the pace one more time, drawing her into a steady jog. She felt perspiration covering her body as she tried to keep up. There was a pain building in her side, and when she was about to ask him to stop, Jase slowed it down, giving her a chance to catch her breath, until he brought it to a stop.
“Very good. I think we can work on increasing your cardiovascular. How do you feel about using the bike?”
“You’re the master,” she said.
He chuckled. “I like to make sure my students are happy with their progress. Once we build up your fitness, we will then start to work on different personal stretches.”
“Where’s Grant, if you don’t mind me asking?” Aria asked, straddling the bike.
Jase bent down and helped her place her feet into the strap. This bike didn’t have a mechanism to start riding, so all she had to do was push and she was away, which is exactly what she did. She held onto the handles of the bike and started to work her legs. They already felt like jelly, but she pushed her body, forcing it to go forward.
“He’s not here, as you know. From what I’ve learned, Grant flits through life, going from job to job. There’s a good chance he won’t be here again.”
“Oh,” Aria said.
“It’s not my business to pry—”
“Then don’t,” she said with a smile.
He hoped she wasn’t upset. “Grant is not the kind—”
“Jase, I’d appreciate it if we didn’t go down that road.” She had no way of knowing what she and Grant were. They had gotten drunk, kissed, but other than that, nothing. He was everywhere she seemed to be, but it had been that way for the past couple of months. Grant always arrived at the veterinary practice, in passing, and then she’d go days without seeing him.
It was strange, but she had come to accept it. It was probably one of the reasons why she didn’t believe Grant was attracted to her.
Jase held his hands up. “Not my business.”
“It’s not that, it’s just, er, I don’t know what it is. We’re friends, I think, so there’s no reason to, you know, worry. Well, not worry, but…” She had no idea what to say or do.
“Aria, it’s fine, and you are my business. You’re my client here, and I take this process seriously. Trust me, I’ve seen men and women on this path, and I believe it’s more important to know you. This is going to build into a friendship. I need you to learn to trust me.”
“I don’t know you.”
Jase smiled. “In time, you will. We’re going to take it slow.”
She nodded.
After working on the bike, Jase called time, and they headed back to the private room where she did her cool-down stretches. Just as she was about to leave for the changing room, he called her over. He held a tablet in his hands.
“I have a standard routine during a weight loss and fitness regime. I like to take my time. I believe working with a lifestyle change is much more effective to the person. It helps keep your weight at a manageable level as it fits this process with your life.” A small presentation video of an animated man showed him through the process. The screen was split in two halves. One showed Jase’s recommendation, while the other showed implementing it short term, that didn’t necessarily equate to the same results. Over time, the one who was using extreme dieting for weight loss soon changed their methods.
“I don’t need to see this,” Aria said.
He tapped the screen. “In time, I want to be able to show you techniques you can implement in your own life as well. Stretches you can do when you get out of bed. Stuff like that.”
“Sounds like fun.”
Jase chuckled. “It can be.”
Aria wanted to ask him what it was like to be fit and perfect, but instead she forced a smile to her lips. “See you soon.”
“Yes, don’t forget your swimsuit next time.”
She cringed but as she was walking away, he didn’t see.
Aria didn’t bother to take the shower. It was getting late, she was tired, and the last thing she wanted to do was get naked and take a long soak in their showers, even if they did look amazing. She didn’t bother changing, grabbing her bag from her locker, and heading out.
It was freezing outside, so she pulled her bag onto her shoulder and immediately sped up her pace to make it home. By the time she made it to the front door, her teeth chattered and her hands shook. It took her three attempts to get the key into the lock. Flicking the catch, she stepped inside, closing and locking the door.
