“No worries. Any injuries or difficulties you want me to know about before we get started? Or one of you can pretend to have one to see how I work with it.”
Garrett shook his head, and Tobias decided to take the opportunity to test him.
“Yeah, I have a proximal adductor injury that isn’t fully healed. Anything I can’t do with that?”
Chase gaped at Tobias for a moment and blinked before he answered. “Has a doctor cleared you for physical activity? There are a lot of moves you shouldn’t do with medial leg or groin strain.”
Chase seemed to start thinking of all the moves he’d have to modify, and Tobias realized he over-shot it. It was good to know how far his knowledge of the body extended, though.
“Sorry, I was just testing you. My groin is fine.”
Chase blew out a nervous breath. “That’s good. A hurt groin can restrict so many movements.”
“Don’t worry. Tobias’ groin is in great shape,” Garrett said teasingly.
“I bet it is,” Chase said, his eyes widening after a moment. “I mean, you look like you’re in great shape everywhere, Mr. Moyer… sir.”
‘Adorable.’
Stop thinking that.
“Please, call me Tobias.”
It was cute how nervous Chase was, but Tobias couldn’t help but wonderwhyhe was so nervous. Was it just because it was an interview and a job was riding on this? Tobias didn’t want to think about the alternative, that he was a major hockey fan.
Oh, God. Please tell me this guy isn’t a fan.
It was one thing if Chase was nervous about the job or because he was attracted to Tobias, but hero worship was another thing. Fans were always such an unknown, unpredictable entity. Although, it had been a long time since he was approached by one.
Tobias retired from the NHL nearly three years ago, and his anxiety had improved since he left, but talking with fans still made him nervous. The same was true for most people. But Tobias hated the idea of fans walking away disappointed. They usually did once they realized talking to Tobias was like talking to a wall.
Chase nodded and then led them in a warm-up before taking Garrett and Tobias through a variety of yoga styles, explaining each one as he moved through them, starting with basics and then working toward more advanced moves. It gave Tobias a solid overview of the different kinds of yoga classes he could offer.
With each move, Tobias was more and moreimpressed. Throughout the demo, he shared glances with Garrett, and it seemed he was equally dazzled.
By the time they finished, their shirts were soaked with sweat and Chase was glowing, likely thinking he nailed this part of his interview. To be fair, he did.
Beforehand, Garrett had agreed to text Tobias his thoughts on the lesson after he left. Tobias sure didn’t plan on discussing it in front of Chase, but it was good to have Garrett for another opinion.
As Garrett prepared to leave, Chase slipped on his long-sleeved tee. Tobias chose to ignore the flash of disappointment that hit him.
“Thanks for the demo,” Garrett said as he shook hands with Chase. “I’ve been trying to get Tobias to add yoga for years because I could use it to keep my legs healthy. I do a lot of running and don’t do nearly enough stretching.”
“Hopefully, I get the chance to give you more practice. Or, at least, hopefully someone will, even if it doesn’t end up being me.”
“Good luck with the rest of the interview,” Garrett said, and after Chase thanked him and turned toward Tobias, Garrett threw him a prayer sign, as if he was begging him to hire the guy.
“See ya tomorrow, Garrett,” he said, ignoring him otherwise. He directed Chase over to the lounge area, where he had a few chairs and a couch set up, thengrabbed two bottles of water from a fridge in the corner, passing one to Chase as he sat.
“Thanks,” Chase said, opening the water and quickly chugging half of it. Tobias was distracted by the bob of his throat and forgot to drink his own water. He hurried to open it when Chase peered at him again.
As he took a few swigs, he tried to remember all the questions he wanted to ask. He had a list full of them, but he couldn’t remember a damn one.
Thankfully, Chase was happy to fill the awkward silence.
“This is a great gym you have here. I think yoga would be a fantastic addition.”
“Yeah. Yes. Thank you,” he said, mentally berating himself for acting so aloof. “So, um, have you taught long?”
