Taught by the Personal Trainer

  First Times in Trout Creek #3

  By Hazel J. North

  Copyright

  © Taught by the Personal Trainer by Hazel J. North

  2022

  All Rights Reserved

  * * *

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Taught by the Personal Trainer

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Epilogue

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  Taught by the Personal Trainer

  Erin

  I desperately need to get in shape. My sister’s wedding is in four weeks, and I won’t give her the satisfaction of making fun of my looks like she always does. Signing up for advanced aerobics turns out to be a bad move, though. Who knew that it would be too much to handle for me? Thankfully, the instructor offers me his personal trainer services at a discounted rate. After a few sessions with him, I’m already craving for more...

  Jason

  The curvy girl hiring me to get her in shape catches the eye of everyone in the gym, but the way other men talk about her makes my blood boil. She’s way too sweet and broken to be someone’s fling. I’m going to sweep her off her feet and make her mine. In my arms, she’ll be safe, protected, and loved. The only thing left to do now is only pray she feels the same way about me.

  Taught by the Personal Trainer is a steamy short instalove romance full of heat and heart with NO cliffhangers, NO cheating, and a Guaranteed HEA. This book is part of the series First Times in Trout Creek, a steamy romance series set in a small mountain town where every insanely hot guy finds a sweet & inexperienced curvy woman to love.

  Chapter One

  Erin

  “Are you guys even trying? Come on. You can do better,” the instructor yells as if we’re trying to qualify for a spot in the Olympics.

  I blow a strand of hair out of my face. This is pure hell. And to think I paid to get tortured like this.

  “I need to see more sweat! If you’re not sweating, you’re not trying hard enough. Yes, that means you too.”

  Is he looking at me? Good grief, please make this stop. I’m beyond sweating at this point. I’m soaked—and completely out of breath. But that’s not enough for Jason, the aerobics instructor currently yelling at me to sweat some more.

  I glance at the others in my aerobics class. Some of these lunatics are still smiling. How is that even possible? When I signed up for this, I wanted to get in shape and lose some weight, not get tortured.

  After what seems an eternity, we finish the routine he’s been teaching us. Relief floods over me, but then Jason cranks up the volume of his playlist and shouts, “One more time from the top people! Let that sweat drip! Give it all you’ve got and then some.”

  Fucking hell. I just gave all that I’ve got. There’s nothing left inside me. Still, I push through. If that means collapsing by the end of this class, so be it. I won’t give up and let people think I’m a big fat loser who can’t reach the end of a one-hour aerobics class. Nu-uh.

  “Great job, guys. See you all next week,” Jason says.

  I shake my head. He must be some kind of superhero. His face isn’t red, his hair isn’t soaked with sweat, and he doesn’t have any trembling limbs. He looks like he just went for a relaxing stroll through the park. I, on the other hand, look like shit. How is that even fair?

  I grab my towel and water bottle, ready to head to the showers, when he stops me in my tracks. “Hey, wait up. We need to talk.”

  Talk? I don’t think I’m capable of that right now, but I’ll listen to what he has to say. At least I get to stare at the guy’s beautiful face and muscles while he speaks.

  “Are you okay? You looked like you were having a tough time keeping up.”

  Wow, way to rub it in, dude. “Um, sure. I’m good.” I take a deep breath. “Apart from almost dying during class, that is.”

  I half expect him to laugh at me, but his face fills with concern. “May I ask why you decided to come to advanced aerobics?”

  I shrug. “I want to get in shape. Plus, my sister’s getting married next month. If I don’t work out, I’ll never fit into the dress she picked for me.”

  I shudder thinking about the sheath dresses she chose for her bridesmaids. They will look gorgeous on all her other friends—the thin ones—but not on me.

  “Fair enough. It’s great that you want to work on getting in shape, but taking advanced classes might be pushing it. You need to start gently, build up some stamina, and not push your body too much.”

  “This class was the only one still available,” I admit.

  “Why don’t I check the other possibilities?”

  I nod. “If you have time?”

  “Of course, why don’t we sit down?”

  He leads me to a table and shoves back a chair. I take a seat opposite him. He grabs a printed list with classes from his bag and reads it in silence, giving me time to study his face.

  He’s a real looker. Square jaw, trimmed beard, unruly dark hair, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. I let my gaze travel further south. His shoulders nearly burst out of his shirt, which shouldn’t be a surprise since he’s a fitness pro. Still, his strength is so evident, it’s almost intimidating.

  “Hmmm,” he says, still scanning the list.

  “That doesn’t sound promising.”

  “I’m afraid all our beginner’s classes are fully booked for the next few weeks.”

  Damn. That means I either have to stop and won’t fit in my dress or be tortured like this twice a week. “And you can’t make an exception to fit me in?”

  He shakes his head. “Sorry, no can do. It’s an insurance issue.”

  I shrug. “That’s not your fault. I guess that happens when one fitness place caters to an entire small town.”

  What am I going to do? If I’m honest, I know that staying in the advanced aerobics class will be the end of me.

  Jason folds his hands and smiles. “I might have a solution for you.”

  “Shoot.”

  “You can hire me as your personal trainer.”

  “I can’t afford that,” I say, knowing I don’t have the funds. Before booking this class, I looked up personal trainers online, and their prices are way out of my league. “It’s okay. I’ll go for a run a couple of times a day instead.”

  Damn it. I can feel a tear pooling in my eye. The last thing I need is for this hot dude to see me crying over being unable to pay him.

  “What’s wrong? Are you that set on exercising?”

  I bite my lip. Should I level with him? Oh, what the hell, why not? He’s already seen me panting and sweating. “The other bridesmaids at my sister’s wedding are all so perfect. I hoped I could get in shape in four weeks. No one wants to see this in a dress,” I say, motioning to my curves.

  “Um, what? Why wouldn’t you look stunning in a dress?”

  “Are you not seeing all this excess weight on me?” I ask half-jokingly. “Maybe you should get a pair of glasses.”

  He crosses his arms over his chest. “I applaud you for wanting to get in shape, but please don’t let anyone fat shame you.”

  I cringe. There. He said it. I’m fat.

  His big hand lands on mine, and it feels amazing. “Look, I can help you. I only want to know you’re doing this for you and not for other people. Who cares what they think? It’s all subjective. I, for one, think you’re fucking gorgeous.”

  A blush spreads over my cheeks. He’s probably bullshitting me to get me to hire him, but it’s good to hear him say something so sweet. “Even if that’s true, I still can’t afford your services.”

  He grins at me, making my insides all squishy. “Why don’t you tell me what kind of prices you can afford, and I’ll think it over.”

  I frown. “You want to give me a discount? Why?”

  “Because I like how determined you are. I knew you were suffering in class, but you pushed through. Not a lot of people would do that.”

  I give myself a few moments to mull over his offer. In the end, I decide to go for it. What other choice do I have? Besides, it wouldn’t be a punishment to work with him. On the contrary, spending so much time with the guy would be fun.

  Another man steps inside and waves at Jason. He looks up, then throws me an apologetic smile. “That’s Knox, my next client. I’ve got to run.” He scribbles something on a piece of paper and shoves it toward me. “Here’s my number. Call me when you’ve made up your mind.”

  Chapter Two

  Jason

  “Your progress is astounding, Knox,” I tell my client after wrapping up our session. “You can be prou
d of yourself.”

  He’s been seeing me for a while now, and he’s progressing faster than any of the other guys I train. I honestly don’t know how he does it, but he’s determined as shit. Like the curvy blonde I met earlier...

  “Thanks, man. I guess Harper is partly to blame. Every time she lays eyes on my naked body, she melts into a puddle.”

  My eyes glaze over at the thought of Erin reacting like that to me. “Wow. Must be nice.”

  Knox towels his sweaty hair dry, laughing. “Met a woman?”

  “What? Why?”

  He throws his head back, an even bigger laugh bursting from him. “Dude, you look all lovey-dovey, and you hardly said a word today.”

  I shake my head in embarrassment. “Really? I thought I had it together.”

  “She’s that amazing, is she?”

  “I never said there’s a she.”

  Knox shakes his head, clearly not believing a word I’m saying. “It’s okay. When I met Harper, I couldn’t think straight for weeks. Not that she gave me a lot of time to form a thought, if you know what I mean.”

  “I get it.” I laugh. “You guys are so in love, it’s hard to miss the picture you’re painting.”

  “When you meet the one, she’s all that matters, right? Have you guys acted on your feelings yet?”

  I cross my arms over my chest. “Feelings? Dude, you’re going way too fast. We haven’t even talked that much yet. I want to, of course, but we’ve only just met.”

  “Ha, so I was right! You’re smitten.”

  “Shut up and go get a shower,” I say with a grin.

  He shakes his head, laughing. “Sooo smitten. Anyway, day after tomorrow, same time?” he asks, grabbing his stuff.

  “Yup.”

  “See you soon, man.” He walks away, then stops right before rounding the corner to the showers. “Oh, and don’t let her get away. Trust me, you’ll punch yourself if you do.”

  I give him a lame thumbs-up before heading to my tiny office. Knox was just kidding. Erin and I don’t know each other that well. I’m not smitten with her. Is it true that she’s been consuming my thoughts every second since I left her at that table? Yes. But does that mean I want her?

  Hell, I don’t know. I do hope she calls me with a proposal sooner than later. Whatever number she throws at me, I’m going to accept it. I’d even pay her if it meant I could be her personal trainer.

  Since I have an hour left before my shift ends, I decide to tidy up the gym. It’ll be good to distract myself for a while.

  I’ve been working here for two years, and I love my job. The variety is nothing short of amazing. I train people one-on-one, teach fun group classes, and help clients who want to do more heavy stuff like advanced weightlifting.

  I flick my gaze to the big clock on the wall. It’s almost ten. Most people have gone home already, even though we’re open until eleven every day. Only the die-hards are still around, running on the treadmill and sweating while doing pull-ups on the bars at the far side of the room.

  With a fresh cloth and a can of antibacterial spray, I head to the exercise equipment and wipe every machine clean. It’s repetitive work but so simple that it’s meditative. I love this part of the day when I get to be alone and let my thoughts wander to nowhere in particular.

  The hour flies by. I wave the last clients goodbye as they trickle out of the gym, then lock up the place. I’m about to hop onto my motorcycle when my phone vibrates in my pocket.

  I glance at the screen. Unknown number. I never answer those. Nine out of ten times, it’s someone trying to scam me into buying something I don’t need or convince me to subscribe to a service I don’t want. My finger hovers above the accept call button. What if it’s Erin wanting to make me an offer? I can’t risk not talking to her. Besides, what marketeer calls at eleven in the evening?

  “Hello?” I cautiously greet the unknown caller.

  “Jason? It’s Erin, from the aerobics class earlier?” She formulates the information as a question like I’ve forgotten about her already and she needs to remind me where we met.

  “Hi.”

  “I’ve been mulling over your offer. I’d like to pay you to be my personal trainer, in full,” she says.

  “Erin, I don’t want you to go into debt for me.”

  She laughs. “I won’t. I’m hoping you’ll let me pay half upfront and half in a few months.”

  I pretend to think about it, even though I already know my answer. “Okay, that sounds like a reasonable deal.”

  I hear her sigh of relief. “Thank you. I promise I’m good for it, and you’ll get your money.”

  “When do you want to start?”

  “As soon as possible. The wedding is in four weeks, and I’d like to get toned by then.” She pauses for a moment. “Would tomorrow suit you?”

  I punch my fist in the air. Hell yeah, tomorrow would suit me. I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Um, sure, although that might be a tad too fast. We do have to go over a list of questions first. I need to know everything about your fitness goals and history to draw up a program perfectly tailored to your needs and goals.”

  She hums an approval, and the soft sound makes my dick stir. “This is going to sound a bit weird, but I don’t want any delays starting this fitness program. Perhaps you could swing by and give me the list? That way, we’re all set to start tomorrow.”

  Wow, she’s eager. Not that I mind. I can’t wait to teach her a thing or two.

  “Now?” I ask, trying to make sure I didn’t misunderstand.

  “Unless it’s too late? I’m sorry, I overstepped. You probably need to get home.”

  “No,” I say in a low voice. “Give me your address, and I’ll be right over.”

  “Do you know Cub Road?”

  “Yeah.”

  “My house is at the end of that street, on the small dirt road leading to the woods.”

  I whistle. “And you live there alone? Aren’t you scared?”

  She laughs, making my dick stir again. “Scared? Trout Creek is hardly the epicenter of violence. I’ve never felt unsafe here, not even when there’s a power outage. Plus, living in a remote spot comes with its perks. I get to see deer graze in my yard every morning.” She giggles. “If I get up on time. I’m not much of a morning person. God, I’m blabbering on, aren’t I?”

  I smile. The way her words keep spilling out is fucking adorable. “That’s okay.”

  “Anyway, I’ll see you soon. I’ll unlock the door for you.”

  “See you in ten minutes,” I reply, anticipation building inside me at seeing her again.

  I don’t know what it is about her, but she’s stealing my heart.

  Chapter Three

  Erin

  The moment I end the phone call, doubt creeps over me. What have I done? In about ten minutes, Jason will be here. In my house. That desperately needs to be tidied up and cleaned.

  I frantically start picking up clothes from the floor and put a handful of dirty coffee cups in the sink. It takes me exactly three minutes to vacuum my living room, then another three to fluff the couch pillows and fold the fleece blankets I lie under every evening to read.

  Before I can do anything else, the doorbell rings. Twice. As if to say: ding-dong, time’s up! Moment of truth, Erin.

  I take a deep breath and kick a pair of stray shoes under the stairs before swinging the door open. Jason stands there with a lazy grin on his face, and my stomach squeezes. I wonder if he’s nervous, too, under those abs of steel.

  “Hi, Jason, come on in.” I hold the door wide open for him. I throw him an apologetic smile as he steps inside. “You’ll have to ignore the mess. I didn’t have time to clean.”

  Even though my place now looks presentable, I don’t want him to think I’m a slob. I’m not, just very busy and not always in the mood to clean after a long day.

  “Looks good enough to me,” he says while letting his gaze sweep my living room.

  I offer him a cup of hot tea, and we settle down on the couch. He gets his list of questions out of his bag, and suddenly I feel queasy. Not because Jason is close and so good-looking, but because this whole getting into shape is a sensitive subject for me.