Making our way up the porch, Scarlett opens the door, we walk inside. The house is all clean lines and natural lighting. The open plan space makes it feel large and spacious, a slight smell of oak lingers in the air, fresh and earthy.
I place our bags on the floor beside the door, as Scarlett does the same. Walking through the living area to the kitchen before getting to the back door. Stepping outside onto the wrap around deck, I take note of a hot tub before a sprawling lawn leading down toward a dock at the lake with a small yacht sitting next to it.
Yep, I could get used to this. Scarlett gasps beside me interrupting my thoughts, reminding me that I indeed will not be enjoying this all alone. My posture slumps slightly at that thought, although this house is big enough, we could surely avoid each other easily.
I nod my head toward the door back into the house, before saying, “Let’s head inside and check out what we’re working with.”
My eyes stay trained on Scarlett’s ass as she enters the house ahead of me. Seriously. I wonder if anyone else is this drawn to it. It is perfect.
Shaking my head to break me out of my trance, I follow Scarlett up the stairs and through the hallway. We pass a few bedrooms, all with their own ensuites. Reaching the final door, Scarlett gasps upon seeing what’s inside.
What looks like it was once a spare bedroom has been transformed into a clean, minimalist retreat. A polished oak floor stretches beneath creamy walls, before being interrupted by a wide mirror running along the entire length of one wall. Two sleek beige reformer beds sitting in the middle facing toward the mirrors. The farthest wall is floor to ceiling windows leading out onto a deck which gives an incredible view of the lake.
Baskets cast off to the side contain exercise bands, rings, balls, weights, and whatever else Pilates could possibly incorporate. A Bluetooth speaker is discreetly placed in the corner of the room beside a small diffuser that’s releasing a faint scent of lavender.
Woah, Coach really thought of everything. At that thought, my phone dings with a message.
Coach
I hope you guys got in safe after all. The kitchen
is fully stocked, so go wild. Enjoy the time away, Levi.
I glance back to Scarlett who looks amazed; her hands are clasped tightly together in front of her chin, a glassy sheen coating her eyes. I take her in, enjoying the sight of her so unguarded.
“Levi…” She trails off, taking a steadying breath, “This space is amazing. Wow.” She looks around in awe as she starts to make her way around the room.
“This is going to be so good for your rehab. The serenity, the space, we have anything and everything we could possibly need.”
And I agree with her. It really is incredible, I feel less like I’m dreading this form of rehab and more… rejuvenated, more excited to get into things and really get better, even though I hate being away from home and my family.
“Yeah, Quinn,” I say softly, “Let’s get settled into our rooms and then we can come up with a game plan.”
…
SCARLETT
One word. WOW. This place is just incredible. I’m speechless. The boat, the spa, the lake… the Pilates room.
The. Pilates. Room.
It is just incredible; I’ve never seen anything like it. I would work out there forever if I could.
I sigh to myself as I finish unpacking my clothes into the dresser. Before sitting on the bed, contemplating my situation. Everything has happened so fast, and despite Levi being difficult to work with, I can’t help but think this is for the best. This will open so many doors to a range of opportunities for me, I need to run with it.
I need to wrangle Levi into making this plan. I find him in the kitchen digging around in the pantry.
“What are you making?” I ask him as I slide onto one of the kitchen stools.
He gives me an exasperated look over his shoulder. His eyes look so tired, and I almost feel sorry for him. “I want my chicken and pasta.”
“Well, can we at least figure out this training plan first?”
His shoulders slump as he trudges over to me, collapsing on the seat beside me. “Fine.”
I speak softly, “Levi, how about I order our pizzas?” I’d rather not agitate him further before we get any work done. I’ll leave that for our sessions.
“I don’t want pizza anymore,” he grumbles. “I just want my pasta with chicken and vegetables. I need to stay on top of my nutrition even through the off season. This isn’t just fun and games, Scarlett – this is my life. I need to stay focused.” He crosses his arms over his chest, head tilted down, looking at his feet. He looks so young like this. Cute.
