Unraveling (Second Chances) - By Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,7
startled at the familiar person standing before me.
He was shirtless and his tanned skin was drenched in sweat. His mesh shorts hung loosely off his hips and his hands were wrapped in white gauze or something like it. I stared like an idiot, taking in his short dark hair and the stubble covering his angular cheekbones. He was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen.
“Oh,” he said, startled. “I remember you. The club.”
My mind went blank. I couldn’t even remember my name.
“I’m Jared. And you’re?” He looked at me, waiting for me to say something, instead of just kneeling on the floor like an idiot.
Name? What is my name? “Um… I’m…” I racked my brain. “Katy!”
He chuckled. “Okay, Katy. What are you doing sitting on the floor of my training room? This place is off limits.”
“Oh… sorry. I kinda… um…”
“Katy! Katy!” I turned to the doorway, hearing my name being called by a startled Rollo. “Katy!” he poked his blonde head into the doorway. “Oh thank gawd! There you are! I was so worried when you ran out and were screaming about Preston.”
“Preston?” Jared said, his brow furrowing. “Is Preston your boyfriend or something?”
My eyes threatened to pop out of my head. “Hell no!” I said, more venomously than I meant to.
Jared put his hands up. “Sorry, it was just a question.”
“Hey! You’re the guy from the club! I didn’t get a chance to thank you for taking care of my girl. I swear, I can’t let her out of my sight for two seconds,” Rollo held out a hand to help me up.
“Not a problem,” Jared rubbed the scruff on his chin. “You sure you’re okay?” he turned to me.
“Yeah,” I nodded.
“I guess I’ll see you around?” He raised a brow in question.
“Um… maybe?”
“I hope I do,” He grinned.
Oh holy cow, I think my heart just skipped a beat at his smile. It had been so long since I’d had that feeling; I didn’t know quite how to react.
I tried to smile but it came out as more of a grimace.
He chuckled and strode away to a corner of the room where one of those large punching bags was set up. He hit play on his iPod and rock music filled the room. He began punching it and I couldn’t help but admire the way his back muscles flexed, and the way he danced from foot to foot.
“Katy!” Rollo said from beside me. “Are you checking him out?” he asked, under his breath.
I was quiet for a moment. “I think, maybe, I am.”
Rollo looked at Jared and back at me. “I don’t know what it is about this guy, but I really hope he can help you overcome your guy-phobia.”
“My guy-phobia?” I looked at Rollo, a bit mystified.
“Oh please,” Rollo said, leading me out of the room. “You won’t go near anyone that has a dick.”
“I hang out with you,” I pointed out.
He snorted. “And I practically have a vagina, therefore, I don’t count.”
“Is everything okay, Katy?” Todd asked, as we returned to the room.
“Yeah,” I nodded.
I saw that Paul was now working with Rollo’s partner.
“Let’s speak outside for a moment,” Todd breezed out the door and expected us to follow.
With a sigh, I did.
“Rollo informed me of your –uh- situation. I understand that you don’t like to be touched. I think this class would really help you, so I’d love for you to stay. Would you feel more comfortable working with Rollo?”
“Yes,” I squeaked.
“Good,” he clapped his hands. “Class is almost over for today but I expect you back next week. Okay?”
I nodded.
“Be sure and leave your information with Patsy at the front, just in case we need to get a hold of you for some reason. Sometimes these classes have to be rescheduled. Since they’re offered for free, the other classes take precedence.”
“Okay, thanks,” I said, and gave Todd a half-hearted wave before heading down the hallway.
I stopped at the desk to give Patsy my information. She slid Rollo and I a sheet of paper to fill out.
When I finished, I handed her back the piece of paper. Rollo did the same and she smiled pleasantly at us both.
“Uh-” I said, feeling awkward. “Dan said we could go out that door,” I pointed to the door with the sign that said, Employees Only, “Since I parked back there by accident.”
“Oh, of course,” she smiled, “go right on ahead.”
“Thank you,” I said, opening the door. I felt like someone was going to jump out and yell at me