Page 17 of Mr. Red

Feisty this morning.

Did she just say she doesn’t date clients?

“Huh. Is that the gym’s policy or your own rule?” I continue with my reps.

“It’s part of the gym’s policy. I happen to agree with it. It looks unprofessional, and it would be weird to train a client I started dating. A bit inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate or exciting?”

“I just told you inappropriate.” She juts out a hip and puts a hand on her waist.

“Hanging out doesn’t fall into the inappropriate category.”

“What does ‘hanging out’ mean to you?” She narrows her eyes.

“Time with someone.”

She looks around and huffs. “I don’t want to hang out with someone who acts like a dipwad.”

“Hey, I get that.” I put my hands up like I’m surrendering. Not a chance. “I just want to make it up to you. Our,” I pause to clear my throat, “initial meeting wasn’t my best foot forward. I’m sorry ’bout that; I wasn’t myself that day. I’d like to show you I’m really not an asshole.”

“Why do you care what I think?”

“You’re different.”

“Because I won’t sleep with you?” She smirks.

“You been thinking ’bout sleeping with me?” I lift one side of my mouth.

“If you count smothering you with a pillowwhileyou’re sleeping, then yes.” She rolls her eyes.

“I’d count it. I was thinking ’bout more of a day to make up for my behavior. You know, as acquaintances.”

She hesitates, but I know she’s considering it at least. I pull a card from my pocket and hold it out. “Call me tonight and I’ll have all the details.”

“We’re not going on a date,” she states as she takes my card.

“Whatever you say. I’ll be talking with you soon, Miss Scarlett.”

I walk out knowing her stare is on my back. Mission accomplished.

Chapter 12

Scarlett

I toddle into my usual café quicker than expected. After the training session with Mr. Reding, the rest of my clients canceled last minute. That’s weird, but I’m so thankful I don’t question it. I need more coffee and anything to get the weight off my hip.

Thank goodness I didn’t have to be awake before dawn today. Working weekends is nothing new, but drinking too much when I have work the next morning wasn’t the smartest decision. Why does wine go down so smooth?

I do drink—I just usually stop at two drinks. It was nice to relax and hang out with the girls. Except for that run-in with my floor. Not only does my head hurt, but so does my hip; I have a mild bruise. Nothing a little aspirin can’t fix.

I’m sitting at my favorite table outside with my regular order—vanilla latte. The training session with Matt replays in my head. I had to avoid doing legs today with him; it was too painful. I’m hoping he didn’t notice, but at least it was one more day to hold off on pelvic thrusts with him. It’s nice to have an excuse to look at him during training. Too bad he’s a pompous scuzzball.

He did apologize and said it wasn’t his normal character.

But...

He’s still a client. I can’t date him.