“Look, you’re focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of worrying about what you can’t do, you should be worrying about what you can do. The only person you’re ever competing with is yourself. No one else matters but you,” he said, reinforcing his previous statement. “Trust yourself to get there. If nothing else, trust me to get you there.”

The wounded look on his face made her feel guiltier than she already had. “I really am sorry, Adam. I should’ve come to you about this. Next time I will.”

“I’m hoping there isn’t going to be a next time,” he told her. “That’s why I’m rethinking our whole strategy. I’d like to adjust your workouts to include more stretching and strengthening. So I’m going to bring in a yoga instructor several days a week too.”

She cocked her head. “Just for me?”

“Not exactly. More women have been joining the gym lately, thanks to your vlog, and I want to be sure I’m meeting their needs. And I figured that some of my other clients might benefit from yoga as well. So I’m going to make it a regular thing and take part in it too. Not only because I want to show my male customers that men can do yoga, but also because if any of these new female members can’t make it to one of the yoga classes, I can work with them privately.”

Preslee frowned, not liking the sound of that. “Oh.”

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. Yoga has mostly to do with matching your breath to your movements and thinking about each muscle as you squeeze or stretch it. It also has to do with tuning in to your body and letting it guide you. Basically, it incorporates a mind-body connection. My personal belief is that anytime you can get to a healthier place in your mind, your body will follow. So I think this would be a good fit for you. I’d like you to try it.”

That was what he thought she’d frowned about? Not even close.

She nodded. “Okay. I’m willing.”

“One thing though. Please don’t call the new yoga instructor a sadist…at least not to her face.”

Preslee smirked. “I won’t. I reserve that special nickname only for you.”

“Lucky me,” he said, grinning. He turned back to the stove and gave his dish another stir.

The scent had her mouth watering. “So, what about my diet? Is that changing too?”