Page 7 of My Trainer Neighbor
"I'll join a gym," I said, already dreading the thought of crowded workout rooms full of people who actually knew what they were doing.
"Or hire a trainer.Someone who can design a program for stress relief."She scribbled something on her prescription pad."I'm also referring you to a therapist who specializes in work-related anxiety."
Therapy.As if admitting my life was spinning out of control to a doctor wasn't humiliating enough.
I took the prescriptions and left, telling myself I'd figure out the gym situation later.Maybe after the new year, when things calmed down at work.Maybe never.
But as I walked back to my building, Dr.Kapoor's words kept echoing in my head.Fight-or-flight mode.Panic attacks.Your stress levels are affecting your health.
When had my life become something I had to survive instead of live?
The question was still bouncing around my brain when I reached my floor and saw Shawn unlocking his door, gym bag slung over his shoulder.He'd clearly just come back from somewhere, and his hair was damp with sweat.
"Hey, neighbor."He flashed that grin that made my pulse skip."Busy morning?"
"Doctor's appointment."
"Everything okay?"His gaze swept over me, taking in what was probably obvious exhaustion and the prescription papers I was still clutching.
My face burned.Was I that transparent?"Routine checkup."
"Uh-huh."He unlocked his door but didn't go inside."You know, I've got some time this afternoon if you want to take me up on that training offer.Might help with whatever's got you looking like you're about to jump out of your skin."
The offer hung in the air between us, and I felt that flutter in my stomach again.The same one I'd been ignoring for days.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why not?"
Because you're gorgeous and cocky and the last thing I need is another distraction.Because I'm attracted to you and that scares me.Because the last man I let get close told me I was too boring and uptight to keep anyone interested.
"Because we're neighbors," I said instead."It could get complicated."
"It's exercise, Nicole.Not a marriage proposal."His voice carried a hint of amusement that made me want to throw something at him."One session.If you hate it, I'll never bring it up again."
I should have said no.Should have gone inside, ordered takeout, and spent the evening reviewing quarterly reports like I'd planned.Should have done anything except stand there staring at how his t-shirt clung to his chest and thinking about how long it had been since anyone had offered to help me with anything.
"One session," I heard myself say.
His grin widened."Give me ten minutes to change, and we can get started."
"Now?"Panic shot through me."I'm not dressed for this."
"You're fine.We'll start easy."He was already pushing his door open."Trust me."
Trust him.Right.Because trusting attractive men had worked out so well for me in the past.
But fifteen minutes later, I was standing in Shawn's makeshift gym wearing yoga pants I'd bought two years ago and never worn, feeling more exposed than if I'd shown up naked.
"Relax," Shawn said, apparently reading my mind."We're just going to do some basic movements.See how your body feels."
My body felt like it was about to revolt.My heart was racing, my palms were sweating, and I was sure I was about to make a fool of myself in front of a man who probably worked out with supermodels and Instagram influencers.
"Have you ever done any strength training?"he asked, moving to stand behind me.
"Define strength training."
"Lifting weights.Resistance work."His hands settled on my shoulders, and I tried not to notice how large they were.How gentle."Jesus, Nicole.You're tight as a drum."
