satisfied with how it was working, he motioned me over. “Come stand here and I’ll show you how this works.” Noel was always quite thorough in his instruction of how to do an exercise and even took the time to explain what muscles it would work and what it would do for me. Unfortunately he went through those details while wrapping the flexible handle around my ankle. As he spoke it felt as if he were stroking my ankle and calf. I didn’t hear a damn thing he told me to do. All I could think about was the warmth that crept up my leg from where he was touching me. I’m pretty sure I nodded in agreement and made the appropriate “I understand” noises. He patted my foot then moved out of the way so I could begin. Somehow I fumbled around enough to make the thing work only to be rewarded by having Noel kneel at my feet once more and attach the handle to the other ankle. That too was followed by a light stroke up my calf. Now both legs were warm and tingly. Not distracting at all, I told myself. Noel continued to show me several other exercises I could do just by moving the parts and adjusting a lever or two. After the fifth or sixth variation I had the distinct impression that something was different about our session. Each exercise required him to be more hands-on. Or at least it seemed that way. I argued with myself over whether I was imagining the lingering touches. Eventually I was just too addled to think straight and still maintain a calm front. No matter what all the self-help books say about positive thinking, I couldn’t figure out why he would be interested in me. Noel, the yummy stud-muffin, probably had women throwing themselves at him on a daily basis. While I never considered myself ugly, I was never model material. Since my divorce, I made an effort to stay active and regain some of my sagging confidence. I was determined that fantasies of Noel were not going to make a fool of me by reading more into his attentions than was really there. It seemed, however, that when Noel was nearby, not only did my ability to concentrate go out the window, but it took all of my coordination with it. As I tried to follow his instructions for using a different section of the equipment, I turned too fast to ask a question and tripped over one of bars. Luckily I fell against Noel instead of face-first into the machine. It was like a scene right out of a movie. We just stared at each other. I couldn’t think of anything except that I wished he would kiss me. Then he did! And was it ever good. His lips gently teased the edges of mine until I sank further against his rock-hard body. Then he swept in with a surprising and almost overwhelming intensity. Despite having worked out with me, he smelled clean with faint traces of soap or aftershave. But every bit of him smelled like man. It was amazing how right his body felt pressed against mine. Somehow I contained my whimper of protest when we mutually pulled away from the kiss. I brushed my hair with my hands, trying for some semblance of order. My ego preened when I saw that he needed a moment to compose himself as well. Neither of us said anything about the kiss but the sexual tension in the air was tangible for the rest of the workout. As I finished the last set of exercises Noel’s business partner Justin came in. “Hey, Noel, my last client called to cancel so I’m going to head out.” He glanced back and forth between us. “You’re the last ones here, so do you mind locking up when you’re finished?” “Sure, that’s not a problem.” “Thanks, man. Julie will be thrilled that I’m home early enough to help with the baby before dinner.” I turned my face away to avoid looking at either Noel or Justin. I didn’t want either of them to see the blatant lust I was sure was evident in my expression. The prospect of being left alone with Noel after that sizzling kiss was more than I could wish for. Part of me was afraid he wouldn’t kiss me again.