Never Let Go

Chapter 51: Strawberry Blonde Girl

Don't stare.

Stay focused.

Act natural.

I keep telling myself that, but is it working? No. So far I've taken Maya on a tour around the gym and I've been a stuttering rambling mess. She looks so hot in her workout clothes - the leggings sculpt her thighs and butt perfectly. She has the most beautiful physique and really doesn't need to work on her body at all from where I'm standing, but I understand she wants to exercise for her mental health more than anything. She smiles and tightens her ponytail as she waits for me to start the session off, but once again, I'm being an awkward turtle around her and I've forgotten how to speak. I smile and look around the room before clearing my throat.

"So, um, what do you want to try out first?"

"Umm..." She laughs softly and shrugs before raising an eyebrow. "I don't know? You're my personal trainer - you should be giving me orders."

I laugh and look her up and down before quickly glancing at the equipment again.

"What do you usually start with when you come here?"

"The treadmill."

"Ok, then that's what I'll try first."

Duh, Michael, why didn't you suggest that? It's one of the easiest pieces of equipment in here for beginners.

I talk Maya through it, not that there's much to a treadmill, but for someone who hasn't used one before it can be a bit daunting. I use the one next to her and we go at a slow pace to start off with.

"You don't have to run if you feel uncomfortable. Walking is just as good as running."

"Really?"

"Yeah, a brisk walk provides a lot of the same benefits of running."

"Oh." She raises her eyebrows. "I never knew that. To be honest, I've never thought of walking as a form of exercise."

"Yeah, any kind of movement helps with fitness. You should download a step counter app on your phone. You can track your steps and set targets which is quite fun. You'd be surprised at how many steps you do a day."

"That's cool. We should start going on long walks together, especially now while we have the nice summer weather." She smiles.

"Yeah." I smile back. "We can have a step counting competition."

"Whoever makes the most steps wins." She giggles. "And I bet I'll beat you."

"Ok, you're on." I smirk.

We walk a little while longer, and soon enough, Maya starts upping the speed on her treadmill.

"Be careful." I laugh softly as I also up the speed on mine. "I don't want you pulling a muscle or falling off."

"Falling off?" She chuckles. "My balance isn't that bad."

"It's just, this is your first time, and you're trying to run before you can walk."

"Pun intended?" She smirks.

"Yes." I laugh. "Take it eas-"

I stop what I'm saying when she starts to jog. My eyes have been drawn straight to her chest, and suddenly I feel like the rest of the pervy guys in here who check out girls who are innocently working out. I mentally tell myself to stop and I try focusing back on my treadmill, pressing the plus button to go faster. What did I tell myself earlier?

Don't stare, stay focused and act natural.

I hear her pressing the button on the treadmill to go faster and my eyes wonder back to her. Her ponytail swings side to side, and a few curls have made their way on to her face. She's breathing a little bit heavier now... I'm so distracted and I'm checking her out so hard. I'm surprised she hasn't turned to look at me. Can't she feel me staring at her? Maybe she can... I bite my lip and set my eyes on her butt and legs. Damn, she's fine as hell and I'm-