I’m an athlete, for God’s sake. This is going to be so fucking easy.
Once her body flattens back down to the mat, she glances over to me again.
“Alright, Carter. You’re up.”
I sigh, knowing she won’t back down until I do it. “Fine. Let’s just get this over with.”
“Good. Now extend your arms up over your head.” I extend my arms. She hums, contemplating me before she continues. “Switch those abs on Levi.” I close my eyes, remembering her words from a week ago. Belly button to spine.
“You ready?” She speaks softly.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I reply, ready for her to coach me through the next movements.
“Okay. Inhale to prepare,” I breathe in, “As you exhale, float your arms forward and curl your spine up off the mat.”
I breathe out trying to mimic the movement I saw her doing earlier. And, well, let’s just say while she did it with the ease and grace of a swan, I looked like what I assume would be a foldable lawn chair.
Have I always been this uncoordinated?
I hear a snort from beside me making whatever parts of my body were lifted off the mat, crash right back down. I hold for a second before opening my eyes, my cheeks heating slightly.
My eyes meet Scarlett’s to see her with a wide smile on her face. Of course. I shouldn’t expect anything less.
She lifts an eyebrow at me. “Not terrible, Carter. Surely you can do better than that though.”
“Can we not today, Princess?” I know she hates that name; it just fits her so perfectly.
Her face drops at that before she rolls her eyes.
“You’re overthinking it. Try again and this time I’ll guide you.” She says as she moves to kneel beside me.
The close proximity of her is killing me. Though, I’d never admit that.
One hand slides from my shoulder to my upper back, her touch soft and tender sending light sparks shooting down my side.
Shit.
She brings her other hand underneath my ankles, once again keeping her hand light.
“Inhale now, Levi.” She commands. God, she’s so hot when she’s bossy. It’s infuriating.
She waits until I breathe in before continuing. “Perfect. Now, we exhale, and lift. Just think as if I was drawing you forward with a piece of string.”
She supports me as I start to lift. My abs tremble, my tight hamstrings protesting this kind of movement, but my chest comes up, my legs following.
I’m in a V. Not a very good one. But I'm doing it.
A smile breaks out on my face. But I only hold it for maybe half a second before I come crashing down.
She bursts out laughing.
Glancing to meet Scarlett’s eyes, I see her smile matching my own.
“You did it.” She says, still grinning. “You really did it.”
I drag a hand down my face, trying to wipe my smile off.
“You’re enjoying this way too much.” I mumble, turning my head away.
