She wipes down the reformer before gesturing for me to climb on.
“We’re starting simple today, Carter. A fresh start, yeah?”
A fresh start actually sounds incredible.
Nodding, I move to the reformer ready to get started.
“Alright then, lie down on your back. We’re going to start with some breathwork to engage the core before we move into hands in straps.”
I have no idea what any of that means, but I go along with it anyway.
I sit down on the carriage before lying on my back, bringing my feet to the foot bar, placing my hands by my sides to feel the cool leather beneath my palms. Moving closer to me, I catch the faint scent of her – vanilla mixed with the earthiness of the lake.
“Close your eyes, Levi.” She instructs, voice soft.
I close my eyes awaiting her next instructions.
“Good. Now, place your hands on your ribs,” I move my hands into position, “Perfect. Start by inhaling through your nose, feel your ribcage expand.” I breathe in deeply through my nose feeling my ribs widen. “Beautiful. Now exhale through your mouth, feeling the ribcage start to narrow and hold to feel your core start to engage. Breathing out through my mouth, I feel my ribs draw back in and my core switching on.
My world narrows to the rhythm she sets – inhale, exhale, hold.
“Don’t rush it, Levi,” She murmurs, “Let it come from your centre.”
I take her words in, embracing them. Inhale through the nose. Exhale through the mouth. Hold to set the abs. I try to find the control she carries so effortlessly. I need that right now. I need it to ground me.
I let my eyes open slightly, the light starting to shine in. Through my half-lidded eyes, I watch her in the reflection of the mirror – the sight of the lake behind her, the soft rise and fall of her chest as she follows along, matching my pace. God, this lighting does something for her.
“Good, Levi.” She praises. God, that does something for me. “Now, are we ready to move onto the exercise?”
I nod, slightly breathless, my mouth dry and unable to get the words out.
“Amazing,” She starts, “Just your right arm again, we want to strengthen that shoulder.”
She grabs the right loop for me and places it in my hand before she continues with instructions, “Now, reach that hand up to the sky,” I straighten my arm, finger tips pointing straight up, “Relax through your neck, shoulders down away from your ears,” I loosen the tension, rolling my shoulders down away from my ears, “Good, now engage your core, belly button to spine and sweep your hand down by your side, all the way to your hip.” I sweep my hand down to the leather of the carriage. “Beautiful, Levi, now release back up to restack your hand back over top of your shoulder, but still keep those abs of yours switched on.” She pokes at my abs, and holy shit her touch feels good.
“Incredible control, Carter.” This praise is getting out of hand.
“Another rep. Belly button to spine, sweep your arm down to the carriage,” I do as she says, “And control as we release.” I release, restacking my hand over my shoulder.
I’m almost in a trance as she continues to cue me through these reps, her soft voice calming me, grounding me.
Bringing her hands to my shoulders, she adjusts my position slightly before quietly saying, “Better. Now stay with it.” Before moving back, allowing me to keep going and find my rhythm. I nod, exhaling and feeling the stretch through my core.
“Three more, Levi.” She murmurs, and I count out three more reps. Once I finish, I exhale, which leaves a slight smile on my face. My first successful session. I feel different, a good different.
I sit up slowly, feeling refreshed, and better than I’ve felt since the injury – almost a month ago.
I reach for a water bottle from the fridge, taking a few large gulps, before glancing at Scarlett to see her grinning at me. “Good work, Levi. Really good today. I’m proud of you.”
She’s proud of me?
I hate to admit it. But that means more to me than anyone could ever know.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
SCARLETT
Iam fucking craving pancakes.
