Page 31 of The Striker (Gods of the Game 1)
The floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflected my shock back at me.
“I had it built according to the list you gave me about our training essentials, but I added a few flourishes.” Asher nodded at the outdoor gym. “If I missed anything, let me know.”
“How did you…” I spun slowly, taking in the details that elevated the studio from professional to exquisite. The line paintings of dancers by famed artist Marina Escrol; the unobtrusive camera setup that would allow us to film our sessions and monitor progress over time; the adaptive smart home resistance training system. He hadn’t missed a single thing. “It’s only been three weeks!”
“Money is a great motivator.” Mischief sparked in Asher’s eyes. “I may also have added VIP season tickets for the entire crew as an incentive if they got it done in under a month.”
Of course the contractors were football fans.
However, as much as I loved the studio and newfound privacy, there was one problem.
“It took us almost an hour to get here by car,” I pointed out. “The tube doesn’t run here, which means I’d have to take a cab, and we meet three times a week. That’s not sustainable.”
My schedule didn’t leave room for such a long commute. I had other classes I needed to teach.
“You don’t have to take the tube. Earl will be your chauffeur,” Asher said. “I had him drive us today so you can get a sense of his style. If you’re comfortable with him, I’ll cover the cost since I’m the reason we’re in this predicament in the first place.” He shrugged. “The car is basically a tank, so you don’t have to worry about safety either.”
A knot of emotion formed in my throat.
The most unexpected thing I’d encountered today wasn’t our impromptu trip to Asher’s house or the contents of the new studio; it was his thoughtfulness.
Careful. Remember what happened the last time you got sucked in by a handsome face and “thoughtfulness.”
“And my schedule?” I asked. “I have a class right before our sessions.”
“I’m fine pushing our sessions back, and I’m sure Lavinia won’t object to a schedule change. ”
Our sessions already took place late in the afternoon. If we pushed them back any further, they’d veer dangerously close to evening time.
Being alone in a beautiful, private studio with Asher after the sun set?
Apprehension fluttered through my body like a thousand tiny butterflies.
Absolutely not.
“Fine.” I turned to retrieve a resistance band from its rack. The warmth from Asher’s gaze burned between my shoulder blades, and the flutters multiplied into an unruly swarm. “Let’s get started, shall we? We’ve wasted enough time.”
CHAPTER 9
ASHER
ADIL
I’m bored
ADIL
New bet. Hundred quid says Donovan gets caught in another scandal by summer’s end
What do you mean ANOTHER scandal?
I feel targeted
ADIL
Remember what happened with your Lambo?
That wasn’t a scandal. That was a tragedy