Page 39 of Mountain Shadow

“So this is similar, but you’re going to be throwing the punches and kicks at the bag.”

He demonstrated himself, standing with his legs shoulder-width apart, his chin tucked into his chest. He struck the bag, slowly at first, so she could see each jab, cross and hook, then faster and faster, moving at angles to the bag, throwing the power of his whole body behind each hit. Finally, he slowed down and faced her. She noticed he wasn’t even breathing hard yet.

Jens took off his gloves and wrapped her hands carefully.

“They’re a bit big on you, but if you like it, we can get you your own,” he said.

He’s talking like I’m going to stay.

And I’m not at all bothered by it.

The thought was so surprising, she almost missed her first stab at the bag. “That’s good. Remember, this is just like kick-boxing. The power of the hit has to come from your legs. And be gentle—this bag is quite heavy for you.”

She struck the bag repeatedly for a minute.

“Wow, this does feel good,” she said, shaking out her arms. “I think I’m releasing some stress.”

“Keep going. Before you know it, your body’s going to start generating neurohormones, like vasopressin and norepinephrine. Then you’ll feel great.”

Sarah grinned, amused by the science talk, then tucked her chin into her chest and kept punching. Jens leaned back against the side of the house, apparently happy to wait until she was tired.

Which isn’t going to take that long.

Five minutes later, she was exhausted.

She wished she hadn’t given up on her running routine at home—she clearly needed to build some endurance.

“I think that might be enough for today,” he said.

“I need a shower before we start dinner.” She sniffed subtly, sure that she’d be able to smell herself if she moved a muscle.

“Right. Shower. Let me help you.”

She yelped and wrapped her arms around Jens’s neck as he lifted her up into his arms, carrying her inside and across the living room in a few easy strides. He took the stairs three-by-three, apparently not at all bothered by the extra weight.

“Let’s start by taking this off,” he said, tugging urgently on the sleeves of her top. “So we can get you really clean.”

Her laugh was cut short as he kneeled down beside her, peeling off the tight black leggings.

“You have beautiful legs,” he noted, hooking his fingers in her black thong and pulling down as well. “But this is in the way. There. Much better.” His rough, calloused hands massaged her thigh and butt, making her realize just how much of a workout the heavy bag had been.

“That feels so good,” she almost moaned. “But you’re still dressed.”

He let her go and shucked off his T-shirt. Sarah’s eyes were drawn to that spot where his smooth, hard belly met his belt buckle. She could count the ridges of his six-pack. Her hands reached out to clasp that belt buckle, brushing by the erection hidden behind his worn jeans.

“You’re cruel,” he groaned.

She popped the button of his jeans and slid the zipper down, letting her hand clasp his cock for a second before pulling the jeans and boxer shorts down past his muscled ass and thighs.

“Is this from kickboxing?” she asked, grasping his ass.

He leaned into the large, glass-walled walk-in shower and turned the water on—making it so hot that the entire room steamed up in a matter of seconds.

“Hey, you’re going to burn us like lobsters.”

“I like hot showers. Come. I want to wash you.”

He took the spray on his own back until she’d tested the water with her hands.