Solicitude

Chapter Eight

After having Christina at my place, I left her a note before going to the gym. She hates it whenever I leave her but then she looked too peaceful to wake up. I dressed in my sports bra and leggings. The last time I went to a gym was like a month ago.

I know, I'm not as fit as many thinks. I'd rather do squats and push-ups in my apartment than going to the gym. Work really places so much on my shoulders that I forget to take care of myself. Lucky for me, I have a best friend to remind me.

Austin, my driver, drove me to the fitness place. Weird right? I'm a CEO and I don't have a gym in my home. First of all, I live in a not so luxurious apartment. I prefer being closer to my office. Besides, houses are for settling and I'm way too far from that.

My mother has always insisted on me buying a house for myself but then, I don't like feeling alone. I only have my driver, my housekeeper, and Christina sometimes. "Ms. Kathleen, would it be possible for me to take a day off next week? It's my mother's birthday and she's sick."

How come Austin never told me of this? "Of course, you may, I'll take care of your mother's hospital bills." He smiled at me and declined my offer. He always thinks that I've done so much for him. Like my housekeeper, Julie, I pay for their children's school. It's the least I can do.

"No, Austin, I insist. Your mother needs it, take the week off. I can drive myself." After showering me with his gratitude, I got off the car and made my way up to the gym. Since I am a member, I didn't really have to pay so I registered.

"Good morning, Ms. Bellisima. It's been a long time," the receptionist smiled. I signed my name and handed her my identification card. It's funny because the staff members already know me but it's their policy.

While signing my name, I noticed a familiar handwriting on the registration sheet, Alexander Peterson, shit, he's here. "Has Mr. Peterson left yet?" She politely answered a 'no' and that's when I thought of backing out but I don't want to waste my extra time.

Sighing to myself, I prayed that he's already in the shower room and about to leave. I haven't talked to him since yesterday because he's busy taking care of some acquisitions. The things that Christina and I talked about yesterday also bugged my mind.

It's not that he's a dominant that scares me. The thought of only wanting me for my body saddens me. Christina told me that it couldn't be true since he spent time with me for weeks. Like a normal guy, he's courting me. We never really reached the stage of making out.

He promised me that he would take it at my pace and I feel like I'm being unfair. Time and trust are important to me and he respects it. He trusts me so much that I'm starting to trust him too. Maybe that's what I have to do, trust him.

Christina tells me that it's all about trust. Whenever he encourages me to try a scene for the first time, she told me that he must be aware of my limits and when he's making me feel uncomfortable. How are we supposed to familiarize with that?

Alexander hasn't even told me about himself. What if he doesn't plan to tell me? It's just very confusing and maybe it's his way of taking it slow.

I dropped my things in my locker and headed straight for the treadmill. While doing some stretches, I noticed a familiar body. He was carrying weights and he was shirtless. Yep, it's definitely Alexander Peterson himself.

I've never seen him shirtless and I'm guessing that his body is damn sexy. I've seen a lot of male models before but none of their faces compared to Alexander.

"Good morning, Xander." I can't believe myself approaching him first. He dropped the weights and turned to face me. He looks so hot!

"You just made my morning beautiful." Even though his sweating, he smells amazing. Then, he gave me a kiss on the cheek.