Page 36 of Tomorrow Belongs to Us
“Nah, it’s okay,” says Arla, letting me in. “I didn’t really feel like going anyway.”
“No. You should go.” I hate the idea of interrupting her plans to see Scott, her spin instructor she has mentioned more than a few times. I’m not silly. Arla’s only exercise until a few months ago was changing channels on the TV remote. This is a new Arla I’m seeing transform in front of my eyes. “I don’t want you missing a class on account of me.”
Arla smiles happily. “I can give up Scott for one evening.”
My suspicions have been justified. “I thought as much.”
“He’s the spin instructor.”
“I know who he is.”
“He’s hot!” Arla squeals and her eyes go round and wide with excitement. “You should see him. He looks sogoodin his shorts. You should see his legs,soooofirm, like steel. I swear he could crush walnuts between his butt cheeks.” A loud sigh of contentment falls from her lips.
I make a face. “Thatturns you on?” In my mind’s eyes, I see Lance’s naked body, his slim hips and flat stomach …
Heat warms my face.
“When he sweats, the back of his vest drips with sweat,” reveals Arla, fanning herself with her hand, “I can’t keep my eyes off him.”
I imagine a scene, because my mind goes there, Lance in a vest, streaks of sweat rolling down his chest.
“Looks like you’re getting hot and bothered just hearing about him!” Arla gives me a playful shove, her laughter echoing around the room. “You need to get laid, and fast.”
It’s no secret that I’ve not had sex for a long time. It’s been months. “Your instructor is the reason you’re so excited about the class?” I ask, desperate to change the topic.
“I could have an orgasm just sitting on the bike.”
A burst of laughter shoots out of my mouth. Arla is funny, she’s frank and honest, and she has a heart of gold.
“I’m serious! Cycling away, with that hard saddle between my legs—”
“Stop it!” I beg.
But she doesn’t. “A ripped, sweaty guy in front of me. Hell, yeah! Don’t laugh at me,” she shrieks, when I fall about in hysterics. “I’m in danger of falling off my bike if I’m not careful.”
“That would be dangerous.”
“You should come. It’s full of hot men.”
I shake my head. “I’m not going to your gym to scout for men.”
“You’re making a mistake.” She throws her knapsack to the floor. “To what do I owe this visit?” She slips her sneakers off. We both fall onto the couch and when I say nothing, she continues “If you ever change your mind, let me know. I get a discount on my membership for introducing new members.”
I immediately dismiss the idea. “I don’t have time to go to the gym. You know how busy I am.”
“Hot men…” Arla waggles her eyebrow. “You’re not tempted even by incredibly hot men?”
“I might have a hot man of my own,” I say in a mysterious voice. It’s too late. I’ve said it now, the morsel of news I wasn’t going to share with her just yet because I’m still processing it for myself.
She tilts her face towards me and her eyes go even wider. “Preston?”
“NO!” I clutch my chest in disgust. Preston’s been trying to make moves for a long time and I’ve managed to keep him at bay.
“Then who?” Arla’s eyebrow lifts.
“Lance Turner.”
“Getouttahere!” She slaps my arm in jest. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”
