Just then, Reese rushed in through the back door, ponytail swinging, two shopping bags in her hands. “Hey, everyone. Sorry I’m late. I brought some workout clothes for you.” She set the bags on the floor and shrugged out of a long, camel-colored coat. Underneath, she wore black leggings and a fitted tank top. Roan’s mouth went dry at the sight of her.
“Grace and I put together some things,” Reese said.
She pulled items from the first bag. “I grabbed some leggings and tops from my studio’s retail section. Nothing fancy, just basics that’ll work. Emma, I got you a small. Julia, I wasn’t sure what size, so I got a couple options—these have stretch for your tummy.”
Julia’s expression softened. “Thanks. Those are nice.”
“And Grace hit the thrift store for the boys.” Reese pulled items from the second bag. “Athletic shorts, some T-shirts. Marcus, these should fit. Cody, she said you’re tall so she got larges.”
Marcus took the clothes carefully, as if they were a pile of gold rather than used clothing. “Thank you.”
“Bathrooms are in the back,” Roan said, pointing. “You can change there. And hustle. We’ve got a lot to do.”
The kids dispersed, Emma and Julia heading to the women’s room, the boys to the men’s.
Roan turned to Reese. “You and Grace did good. Can I help you with the cost of the clothes, though?”
“No, it’s fine. You bought the pizza last night.” She shrugged. “Plus, I raided my clearance section. Didn’t cost much. And anyway, you’re training me for free too.”
“You? Are you staying?” He gaped at her.
“Of course I am. I figured I’d work out with you guys first. Show them it’s not scary.” She grinned. “Plus, I want to see what all the CrossFit hype is about.”
Huh, so she was staying to participate. He hadn’t anticipated that or how much it pleased him. She’d see him in his element, doing things he was actually good at. The only bad news? Watching her would be distracting as all get out. He would have to keep himself in check.
“You sure?” Roan asked, teasing. “Ready to be humbled?”
“I’m sure I can keep up with a bunch of teenagers. And I’m stronger than I look. Trust me.” She grinned again, flexing her hands. “Let’s do this.”
“Okay. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The kids emerged from the bathrooms transformed. Emma’s leggings and top fit perfectly over her slender frame, though she still looked self-conscious. Julia’s leggings indeed stretched over her slightly rounded belly. Marcus’s shorts hung a bit low on his thin hips, but the shirt fit. Cody’s fit perfectly.
“Aunt Grace did good,” Roan said.
“Please thank her for us,” Marcus said.
“You got it. All right, let’s get started.” Roan led them all over to a small retail space in the corner where he had various merchandise for sale with the gym’s logo. “Grab a water bottle on me, then fill it up there.” He pointed to his water filter machine. “It’s important to stay hydrated.”
They followed instructions, each taking one and filling them as he’d suggested.
“Today’s your first day, so we’re keeping it simple,” Roan said when they were all lined up, clutching their new water bottles. “We’ll warm up, I’ll teach you one basic movement, then we’ll do a short workout. Nothing crazy. The goal is to finish feeling like you accomplished something, not like you’re going to die.”
“That’s reassuring,” Emma said under her breath.
Reese laughed. “We’re going to be fine. We’ll stick together.”
“Before we start, I want to show you something.” Roan walked over to the thick rope hanging from the ceiling in the corner. It was at least twenty feet tall with a bell mounted at the top. “This is one of the ultimate challenges. Rope climbing.”
The kids looked up, eyes following the rope to the bell.
“My goal for you—by the time we’re done working together—is for each of you to be able to climb this rope and ring that bell.” Roan gripped the rope, demonstrating. “It’s about grip strength,upper body power, and technique. But mostly, it’s about not giving up.”
He started climbing, feet gripping the rope while his hands pulled him upward. Smooth, efficient, powerful. Within seconds, he reached the top and slapped the bell. The clear ring echoed through the gym.
He descended quickly, landing lightly.
To his surprise, the kids all clapped.
