“Widen your legs and squeeze tighter,” Boden shouted.
I adjusted my stance and rocked my hips back and forth, gaining the necessary momentum.
“That’s it, you got it. Harder, Lakelyn, harder!”
One more drive and I was shattered. I doubled over at the waist and gripped my knees.
I was gassed.
Completely and utterly exhausted.
Every muscle, even ones I wasn’t aware of, burned like kerosene and had set my veins aflame. My lungs seared with every rough breath I took while floating down off an intense high I hadn’t anticipated. The surge of adrenaline, the unexpected thrill, the strenuous physical exertion—I didn’t hold anything back. I didn’t question why it felt forbidden or wrong but oh so right. Instead, I welcomed the opportunity to get down and dirty and threw myself into it full-throttle and without abandon. I left every ounce of my determination on the floor and had never felt more invigorated.
“That was intense,” I wheezed.
“And yet, I could watch everything about the scene before me on repeat,” he rasped.
“So you like me all dirty, huh?”
He choked on what was no doubt a witty comeback, words that held the weight of his truth, a declaration that sat on the edge of his tongue, but the level of excitement swimming in his eyes sent my pulse soaring.
“Truth?” He queried.
I nodded faintly and moved my safety goggles to the top of my head.
“I’m going to invoke my right to plead the fifth.”
A twinge of disappointment draped over me, but I was thankful all the same because, if I was being honest, I wasn’t ready for his truth, so I lowered my gaze to the evidence of the row of upper cabinets I’d just decimated that now laid scattered on the floor.
Boden took back possession of the mallet I was holding, and I sighed.
“No more, beautiful, until we get you properly outfitted with steel-toed boots. I underestimated your strength, and these converse shoes will do nothing to protect you from a real injury.”
“And here I thought I was just getting started.”
“Until next time.”
“Maybe . . . I’m sure every part of my body will regret this decision tomorrow, but it was worth every second.”
“Nothing a good Epsom salt bath won’t cure.” A playful smile tugged at his lips.
“Are you speaking from experience?” I volleyed in return.
“Does it make me any less manly if I admit to taking the odd soak?”
“Not unless you play with toy boats while in the tub.”
“Can you keep a secret?”
“Depends on how juicy it is.”
“You’re going to play that card, are you?”
“It’s okay, your secret’s safe with me . . . promise.” I winked.
“Something tells me I don’t quite think so.”
“Are you a gambling man, Boden?”
