Marcus checked his watch as he pulled into the parking lot of the Star Fitness Center. It was forty five minutes until closing, which would be time for a fast work out and a shower before they locked the door.
It was a small gym in a strip mall. It didn't have the facilities he was used to, but it was convenient and cheap.
His usual schedule had him here when they opened in the morning. This was the first time he tried it in the evening and hoped it wasn't crowded. He could see someone at the reception desk, but other than her, there was no one in sight.
Myquelle was hoping no one would show up and she could lock the door a little early but when she looked up she saw a car's headlamps turn off. A figure stepped out of the car, slung his bag over his shoulder, and walked toward the door. She recognized him as regular morning customer and grabbed her purse from under the desk. She pulled her compact out and flipped open the mirror to check her lipstick, before she pressed the door lock release.
"Well, hello. I didn't expect you to be here this late, he said with a broad grin.
Myquelle turned her head to the side and looked at Marcus from the corner of her eye, batting her lashes. His blue eyes made it difficult to look directly at him, but she wasn't certain why.
"I had to trade with somebody who works nights," she said with mock exasperation, "and you done spoiled my plans."
"Plans? What did you have planned? Myquelle straightened herself in the chair and looked at him through her lashes. Her voice shifted to a soft low tone.
"I was hoping to close a little early and get my housekeeping done, so I could get out of here."
"Housekeeping?" he said with one eyebrow raised.
"Whoever closes has to wipe down the machines and carry out the trash." The exasperation returned, this time sincere.
"Do I have time for a work out and a shower?"
"Oh yeah, baby. You got plenty of time. I'll lock the door and start cleaning up. It's just me and you here right now." Marcus looked right and left, then leaned over the counter.
"Good. My plans are going to work out just fine."
"What plans you got?"
"To catch you here, all alone, after dark," he answered in a low a growl that made her neck muscles stiffen. Myquelle's mouth dropped open and her bottom lip curled over her teeth. She twisted her neck again, but this time looked to the ceiling and rolled her eyes, happy her dark chocolate skin hid the blush that was spreading across her face. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"You a crazy man," she said with a giggle, but Marcus had already shouldered his bag again and walked to the gym.
Marcus slid extra plates onto the bar over the bench press rack. In the mirrored wall, he could see Myquelle on the far side of the gym. She had changed into a pair of blue bike shorts a loose green scrub top. She bent over to pick up a basket of cleaning supplies, pulling the shorts tight over her full round ass. A clang rang through the gym as Marcus slammed the last plate onto the bar, almost catching his fingers.
Myquelle turned and looked back at him, aware he was watching and smiled over her shoulder. Marcus smiled back, but she had already turned to her work and didn't see. He lay down on the bench and began his first set.
Myquelle worked quickly, spraying the grips and seat pads of each exercise machine and wiping it dry, always keeping him in view, using the mirror walls to seem less obvious. She had watched him often, but this was the first there were no distractions.
His usual routine was to alternate between a machine and the free weights. He worked his way around the circuit until they met at the inclined bench. His shirt was damp with sweat and clung to his chest. He was feeling the rush from the workout and without thinking, pulled it off, balled it in his fist, and mopped the fur from chin to navel. It took only a second to remember he was not alone. He looked to the side to see Myquelle staring at him.
"Oh," Marcus said, trying not to grin, "Excuse me." Myquelle could not contain her grin, but tried to stifle a giggle.
"It's just you and me, baby. Don't worry. "