"If you say so," Jackson said casually. He watched me finish my twenty minutes on the treadmill without comment.
"Is that it?" I asked hopefully as I stepped off the machine.
"My training skills haven't even been on display yet," Jackson replied. "I'll just take you through a few muscle strengthening machines and then we can go to dinner."
"Where are we going for dinner?" I asked, accepting the cup of water Jackson offered and draining it. I held my breath as Jackson took a towel and gently dabbed my face with it. I had hardly perspired during my walk, but I didn't protest. His gesture seemed intimate and seductive.
"It's a surprise."
"Okay," I said, willing to play along. "It just can't be anywhere too nice since I'm not really dressed for it."
"You're dressed perfectly."
Jackson showed me how to use a few machines and had me go through a few reps. The last one was a leg extension machine and as I struggled to pull up the weight, I realized how weak I was. Maybe it really was a good idea to start working out regularly, especially since I now had a gym membership.
I strained to complete the last two reps, closing my eyes and unable to suppress a soft moan due to the exertion of trying to extend my legs with the weight.
"Stop."
I opened my eyes and breathed out, looking at Jackson. I was more than happy to stop, but Jackson was looking at me funny. "Are you okay?"
Jackson grinned self-deprecatingly. "Not if I have to keep hearing you make those sounds. They sound way too close to other sounds I imagine you making."
"Jackson!" I squealed, appalled at his comment, yet feeling pleasure by my ability to turn him on.
Jackson winked at me. "It's definitely time for dinner."
I got up from the machine and winced as my legs protested against the sudden movement. I really was out of shape. I reached down and massaged my thighs, trying to relieve some of the ache. "Let me just freshen up. Can I get my bag from your office?"
Jackson didn't answer me as he watched me rub my thighs. I stopped mid-rub as I caught the look in his eyes. "Jackson?" My voice sounded way more breathy than I wanted it to.
Jackson shook his head as if he was mentally clearing it and looked up at my face. "Sure, follow me."
We walked to an area where there were a cluster of doors and Jackson opened one, waiting for me to step inside first and then closing the door behind him. I waited for him to get my bag, but he just stood there, watching me.
I cleared my throat. "Are you trying to make me nervous?"
Jackson shook his head. "Why? Am I making you nervous?"
I laughed faintly. "A little."
"Why's that?"
"Because...because you're looking at me like you're going to swallow me whole."
My breath caught as a dazzling wide smile stretched across Jackson's face.
"You didn't tell me you could read minds."
"Jackson-"
Whatever I was going to say was cut off as Jackson pulled me towards him until my body was pressed against his. He leaned down, his lips hovering over mine.
"Do you know how turned on I was watching you stretch, feeling your body straining beneath my hands?"
I shook my head, my ability to speak having disappeared.
"Do you know how beautiful you are?"