Page 77 of One Bossy Date
Rotating in my seat, I asked, “How do you keep a clear mind?”
“I ride motorcycles and hike. My workouts help a lot. I take time out at least once a week for an extra-long workout. I don’t drink, as you know, and I try to eat as healthy as I can—most nights.” He gave me a sideways glance, and I knew he was referring to the pizza we’d ordered last night. “But besides all that, I try to clear my mind manually. As in, when a stressful thought comes up, I give it a solution. Even if it’s as simple as “Not worth my time” or, “Is it something that needs to be dealt with now, or can it wait?” It just gives my brain the chance to set it aside and focus on what’s happening right now, or what’s more important in the moment. Like I said, one task at a time. First things first. That’s it.”
“Hmm. That sounds effective.” I thought it over in my head.
Would I be able to do that? I couldn’t be sure. But I’d definitely give it a try as soon as my next stressful thought or incident came along.
Surely, it wouldn’t be too far off.
28
ZOE
Saturday
It was the day before the Christmas dinner, which was to be hosted at Anders’s penthouse. I woke up and put on my pink workout shorts, with a matching pink sports bra, and a loose white T-shirt over the ensemble. I’d been making use of Anders’s home gym from time to time. The great thing was, I always had it all to myself. Just a run or a fast walk on the treadmill alone cleared my mind and helped me get pumped for the day.
Today wouldn’t be any different.
My playlist was almost ready when I walked into the gym, but I stopped dead in my tracks the second I looked up from my phone.
Anders was there, working out.
He didn’t notice me at first and continued what he was doing, which was enough to make me wet for a freaking month. He was hanging upside down, with his legs over a pull-up bar, doing crunches.
Shirtless.
Loud muffled grinding.
Explosively hot tension.
His rippling muscles glistening with sweat.
Oh, my soul in heaven.
Eight-pack abs! I realized I’d stopped breathing and cleared my throat, at which Anders glanced my way, and with one arm, easily pulled up to grab the rail, letting himself down.
“Hey,” he panted, pulling the bud out of his ear. “You gonna work out?”
“Hm-hm.” I nodded, my voice coming out as a squeak.
Jesus, how was it even possible that after I’d slept with him and seen allthat, I still felt like a girl seeing her crush without a shirt for the first time? He was just that seductive. Pretending to be unfazed and “the cool chick,” I dropped my gaze and chose my list, inserting my earbuds, like his presence didn’t affect me in the least.
I stepped onto a mat and started stretching out my limbs. In the corner of my eye, I saw Anders take a seat on a bench, facing me, and starting to lift weights. I controlled my breathing and went through a few of the usual yoga poses I used to get my body prepared for a workout. Every now and then, from between my legs, or over my shoulder, I’d notice Anders briefly looking my way. It gave me butterflies, and I swear, I’dneverdone my exercises that precisely. A few minutes later, I headed to the treadmill and started my jog (at a faster pace than usual), breathing steadily and enjoying the burning pain that started to rise too soon in my calves. It wasn’t twenty minutes later that Anders appeared in front of me.
Taking out an earbud, I slowed to a walking pace (thank God).
“Hey, Anders. Forgot you were here. What’s up?”
“Just thought I’d warn you. My mom is coming over today with her team to get a few things started for tomorrow. She just called.”
“Her team?”
“Yeah.” He gave a curt nod with a playful eye roll, his damp T-shirt in his hand while he was shirtless and glistening with an oh-so-finesheen of sweat.Dear Lord in Heaven. Do not drool.
“Are you still grumpy about that?”
“I’m not. She tends to make a big deal out of these dinners. Loves them. I assume today has to do with catering and setting up the table.”