His smile was gracious and kind and caused a fluttering in her stomach that she didn’t fully understand.But she had an inkling of what it could mean, and that frightened her.
He took her sketchbook and set it aside.“First, let me see you make a fist.”
She curled her fingers in and held it up for him.
“Pull your thumb out.”His hands were warm as he helped her to position everything just right.
“Perfect.Now we’re going to start out slow.Feet like this.”He stood, his feet apart, one slightly in front of the other.He lifted his fists and slowly twisted his body, pushing the punch forward before pulling it back.
She tried to copy him but felt silly and awkward.“I’m no good at this, Trent.”
“Of course you’re not.You’ve never done this before.How could you possibly be good at it?”
He stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.“Slow and controlled.Turning your body is what will propel the punch.Not just your arm.”
She nodded and he guided her as she turned.With his help, it felt a little better.They did another repetition just the same.
“That’s it.Now you do it on your own, just like that.”
She moved her body, just as before, and a sense of achievement grew within her.She repeated it a few more times.
“See?You just needed a little guidance and practice.Faster this time, but focus on the form more than the speed.”
After a few minutes, it began to feel more natural.For the first time in her life, she was learning to move her body in a way that wasn’t intended to attract a man’s gaze, and it was liberating.
“That’s perfect!Are you ready to try one into the bag?”
It was far from perfect, but she nodded excitedly.
“Let’s get your hand wrapped up first.He pulled down some strips of red cloth that were draped over one of the ropes that suspended the bag.He wrapped the fabric around her hand and wrist to add a layer of protection.
“What about the other hand?”
“One at a time.We’re only working with the right hand today.Now, step up until your fist rests against the bag when you hold your arm out straight.”
She did as instructed, and he nodded.“Is that how your feet should be?”
She laughed.The question reminded her of how he talked to Maggie.But it didn’t feel patronizing.It was sweet.
“Better,” he said as she moved her feet into position.“Nice and slow, just like your very first time, except this time, you’re going to push against the bag.”
After a few repetitions, she was eager to throw a proper punch.
“Alright, harder and faster this time.”
Her breathing faltered at his words, but he didn’t even seem to recognize the double entendre.He certainly hadn’t done it on purpose, which was both comforting and confusing.She shook herself and focused on the task at hand.
Her fist connected firmly with the bag.
“Good, but don’t let your wrist flex back.”His hands stirred something in her stomach again as they brushed over her hand and arm.“Keep it strong through here.Just like this.”For a moment, their eyes locked.He cleared his throat and stepped back.
“Again.”He nodded toward the bag.
She swung, keeping her wrist strong this time.
“Very good.Harder this time, but don’t forget your form.”
She slammed her fist against the bag and this time, it actually moved.
