“I didn’t realise you were a personal trainer.”
He lifted a shoulder. “I rowed for Kings and at uni.”
It took her a second to realise he meant the private school and not a royalty junket paid for by his high-profile father. “Of course you did,” she muttered.
“Did you say something?”
“What tips does the professional want to give me?” she asked in a louder voice.
“Hey, I don’t want to offend you.”
She really needed to rein in her snark. Remember? She couldn’t afford to tick off someone with Eric Churchill’s connections. “I’d appreciate the help,” she said sincerely.
“Okay, then.”
He was all business as he showed her how important it was to drive from her legs, to maintain core engagement, and when to finally pull the handle and breathe with the stroke. “You want a continuous, smooth motion. Have a go now.”
She did, and could see how his tips made a difference. “Thanks.”
He smiled again. “There. That didn’t hurt now, did it?”
“It didn’t. Until you said that last bit, which just sounded patronising.” Oops. Probably TMI.
He chuckled, and she was so surprised that she didn’t even mind that his eyes were fixed on her still. “What now?”
“You keep on surprising me,” he said.
She did? She guessed not in a good way.
“Not in a bad way,” he said, as if reading her thoughts. “It’s just that you’re pretty honest.”
“Are you more used to liars?” She internally winced. Oh, look whose filter had decided to have a vacay.
But his expression grew thoughtful, and he shrugged. “Maybe. I have to admit in my position it’s probably true that I have a lot of people who don’t like to tell me the truth.”
Oh. That was a surprisingly humble confession. Props to him for being honest. “Well, thank you.” She pushed her earphones back in and skipped back to the tracks she’d missed while Eric had been instructing her.
“You’re welcome.” He nodded to her phone. “What are you listening to?”
Heat shimmered over her skin. Would admitting she was listening to an old Christian praise song prove embarrassing? Probably. She shrugged. “It’s just a song.” With words about “letting go” that obviously weren’t ones she’d taken to heart just yet. “How about you?”
“I don’t mind me some old-school INXS.”
Huh. Another surprise. “They’re pretty good.”
“You know them? I thought you religious types only listened to religious music.”
She was suddenly very glad she hadn’t admitted to her music choice before. “It’s good to know Christians aren’t the only ones who can be accused of being judgemental.”
“Oh. Did I offend you?”
She pressed her lips together to avoid spouting yet more unfiltered comments. LikeDon’t go putting this back on me.
Why did her calling him out suddenly get pushed back on her? It seemed like the longer this went on, the more the casual banter was getting a little sharp. Which surely wouldn’t end well for the person with less money in this scenario.
“Wait, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” That look in his eye suggested he was remorseful.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Well, have fun, then.”
