Tuesday passed without a word from Reed. When we went to the gym on Wednesday we didn't see him then either. I hated to admit that I was feeling disappointed. Even with my initial hesitance I’d gotten my hopes up. Everyone likes a little attention from time to time.

My phone rang and Noel's face popped up on my screen.

"Yes, Noel."

"That's no way to greet your bestie. Have you heard from lover boy yet?"

"I'm still deciding if you deserve the title of best friend back. Nope, still nothing. Maybe he was just being nice and I won't hear from him."

"Girl, the way he was looking at you, he was not just being nice. He will call. He might just not want to seem too eager."

"He didn't seem too worried about that before."

"He's a man, who knows what his logic is. If you don't hear from him in the next few days,  you should call him. You have his number."

"I'm not going to call him. What would I say?"

"Hi? What do you mean crazy? You ask him about the training session. He might be waiting for you. You have been playing hard to get."

"I'm not playing hard to get. I don't think he is chasing and I'm not trying to be caught."

"Keep telling yourself that sweetie."

There was a beep on the line indicating an incoming call. I pulled the phone from my ear to see who it could be. It was probably my mother, and she could wait.

"Noel! It's him, what do I do?"

"You get off of the phone with me and answer. How do you function on a day-to-day basis without me?"

"I don't know what to say!"

"Start with Hello. Now bye. Call me and tell me what happens."

I clicked over to the waiting phone call.

"Hello?"

“Penelope?”

"Yes, it's me."

"Hi, it's Reed. How are you?"

"Hi, Reed. I'm doing well. How about yourself?"

"I'm fine. I'm sorry it took me so long to call you. Things have been crazy busy at the gym. I've picked up a few extra clients while one of the other trainers is out of town."

"No worries, I know how it can be with work."

"So, I wanted to see if you would like to have dinner on Friday night."

"To talk about personal training?"

"Among other things."

What the heck did he mean by among other things? Did I even want to know? You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat.

"Such as?"

"I want to get to know you better. On a more personal level."

Crapola, what did I say to that? A more personal level...that could mean anything. I wasn't sure just how personal I wanted to get.

"Hello, Penelope? Are you still there?"

I guess I was silent longer than I realized.

"Yep, still here."

"I don't mean to scare you, and I do want to help you meet your health goals, but you have to know I'm interested."

"Actually I don't. I'm not all that experienced with this kind of thing."

"I find that hard to believe. A beautiful woman like you must have plenty of guys pursuing you."

Take me now, please.

The man was too smooth for his own good. Did he really think I was beautiful?

"No, I'm afraid not."

"Well lucky me then. Less competition to win you over."

I had no reply. I was a little shocked at this new discovery.

"How about I pick you up at seven on Friday?"

"O-okay."

I gave Reed my address, and we said our goodbyes. I immediately called Noel. I was going to need her expertise.

It felt like I blinked my eyes and it was Friday. Before I knew it I was rushing home from work at five to get ready. Noel came over the night before and helped me pick out an outfit and accessories.

We decided on a simple a-line cut black dress. The top was cut lower in the front showing a little cleavage. I paired it with some red stilettos. Noel said it gave a sexy pop of color. Whatever.

I was taking a last look in my full-length mirror when there was a knock on my door. I took several deep breaths to try to calm my nerves. When I opened the door, I was taken aback.

Reed stood there in a pair of dark wash jeans that hugged him in all the right places. He had a dark blue button up tucked in showing off his narrow waist. In his hand was a bouquet of lilies. I loved the fact that he didn't go with the traditional roses.

"Good evening, these are for you." He held the flowers out and I graciously took them.

"Thank you so much. They’re beautiful."

"Just like you."

He smiled down at me and my heart went into overdrive.

"I'll just put these in water and then we can go." A few minutes later we were out of the door.

The restaurant was one I had never been to before. The atmosphere was very elegant. I was happy I went with the dress. It was just nice enough for the place.

Our waiter took our orders and then Reed turned his attention on me.

"You look lovely tonight." His voice held so much sincerity.

"Thank you. You look handsome yourself."

The smile that lit up his face was magnificent. I could get used to that smile.

"So, let's get the business out of the way. What fitness goals do you want to achieve?"

"Well, I want to lose weight."

"Why?"

Was he freaking kidding me?

"Because I'm fat."

"You are not fat. Please don't talk about yourself that way. When you are trying to get fit, you need a good motivating reason. Something like to be able to run longer, build muscle, or be overall healthier. Things like that."

"I do need to be healthier overall. There are a lot of health issues in my family."

"Now that's a good reason. I think we should start with two sessions a week and you can choose a class one or two other days. That way you and Noel can still work out together as well."

"That sounds good."

We discussed a schedule and payment. I knew he was low balling me on prices. I would just have to slip him extra.

"Now that we’ve got the business out of the way let's talk about you. Are you in the market for a man?"

Okay then, I guess we were going to jump right into things.

"Not really, I mean I guess if the opportunity presents itself I'm not opposed. I'm not actively looking, though."

"So let's say I would like to see where this goes. Would you be open?"

"You’re awfully straightforward."

"I learned at a young age that life is short. You have to take chances and go after what you want. I don't want to live with what-ifs and regrets."

I sensed there was more to what he said. His demeanor changed. His smile vanished and his face was somber when he said those things. Maybe he’d been hurt before too.

"I'm a little more cautious. My last relationship was pretty toxic. I've overcome a lot of the damage, but I'm still leery."

I'm not sure what made me open up to Reed, but it felt right.

"Any man that treated you like anything less than a queen did not deserve you."

Before I could even think I blurted out, "Why me?"

"Beside the fact that you’re gorgeous, something about you just pulled me in. I can't explain it, but I feel it."

I felt tears forming behind my eyes. I blinked my eyes to hold them back. No one had ever said anything so sweet to me. I knew I was hooked.

We rode back to my apartment in silence. The only sound came from the radio. When we reached my building Reed opened my car door and walked me to my door.

"I enjoyed spending time with you tonight, Penelope. I would like to take you out again soon."

I tipped my head back to stare up at him.

“I'd really like that too.”

His hand reached up and cupped my cheek at the same time his gaze slid to my mouth. My lips parted in a hopeful invitation. Slowly his head bent toward me. Then his lips were covering mine.