Imogene didn't exactly like the early mornings but she always felt better after a visit to the gym. In a way it helped her think more clearly when she was at work. She signed in at the gym reception and picked up a locker key, as she turned away the girl behind the desk stopped her and handed her a voucher.
"What's this for?" Imogene asked "There is a new massage company working here. I guess they are trying to drum-up business. This is for a freebie." said the girl "What's the catch?" thought Imogene, stuffing the flier into her bag and turning towards the changing rooms.
She changed quickly, eager to get on with her workout and get to work. The earlier she got on with things the sooner she would finish her the latest project that her slave driving boss had her working on.
The machines really took a pounding that morning as Imogene worked out her frustrations. She channelled all her negative energy from the stress of her job and her boss into the treadmill, the bike and the rowing machine. Her last set on the stepper was going really well too, she could almost feel the calories being used up, but then a hot stab of pain hit her in the leg. She hit the stop button and hobbled of the machine. Her thigh felt as though there was a flame inside it and, try as she might, she couldn't stretch it out.
Disheartened, she limped towards the changing room, another problem to add to her woes. One of the trainers asked her if she was ok and she explained what happened. He looked concerned and told her that it could be a torn muscle.
"You should get some ice on it and check with your Doctor." he said "Or, coming to think of it, we could get the Physio to check you out now?"
She agreed and with his help made her way to the Physiotherapy room and deposited herself on the treatment table. The trainer went to find the therapist so she was left on her own. The walls were covered in posters of skeletons, muscle structures and generally reminded her of her GCSE Biology classes. With a giggle she remembered the crush she had on her teacher, Mr.....?
"Well I thought I would just be spending the day giving free massage. I wasn't expecting an emergency!" said a deep voice behind her.
She turned to be greeted by an extended hand and smile.
"My name is David." he said, taking her small hand in his and shaking it surprisingly gently. Imogene couldn't really believe her eyes, a tall, lightly tanned man with a crooked smile and laughing eyes. It was as if her childhood remembrance of teacher had just walked through the door. "Imogene." she managed.
"I understand that you have hurt yourself? Very careless, these gyms are a death trap you know? I'm going to need you to take your leggings off so I can get to the problem." said David as he washed his hands in the small sink.
Imogene managed one running shoe but the pain in her leg made it impossible to manage the other.
"Let me help you." he said, seeing her obvious discomfort. He knelt before her and proceeded to undo her laces. She could help but admire his broad shoulders. "Do you need any help with the rest?" he enquired. The crooked smile was back.
"I think I can manage thank you." she replied, desperately trying to remember what knickers she had put on this morning. David was rummaging in the towel cupboard so she managed to slip one round her waist without him seeing one of her better pairs of black lace high leg panties.
"Which leg is it?" he asked
"Left. In the thigh." she answered, hoping ungainly back onto the table. "Ok, just lie on your front and try and relax. If you get your face in the hole you should be able to get comfy." he said as he squeezed some massage oil into his hands.
Imogene tried to relax and banish thoughts of crushes and shoulders and strong hands. That lasted less than a second as she flinched as soon as David. His strong hands gently tested the muscles of her thigh, sending sparks up and down her body. She gripped the handholds tightly to top herself shivering.
"Hmmm it's definitely a torn muscle I'm afraid." said David, breaking the silence but not the spell. "I'll need you to come back later today so I can start you on some treatment. Meanwhile I suggest you go home and put your feet up. Try and get some ice on it if you can."
Reception called her a cab and she rang the office to tell them that she would not be in today. Her team mate Sally giggled when she told her about David.
"Well! I might have to pop down for free one myself." she teased.
Imogene felt a flare of jealousy at the thought of David's hands on anyone else. How silly, she thought. He probably sees tens of pretty girls a day. Why was she so attached to someone she had only just met? Well he was extremely attractive but his hands! So strong but so gentle when they touched her.