In Too Deep(162)

"No, but I could use something to distract myself," I said, thinking. "I know. Mark and I have some workout equipment here, how about joining me in working up a sweat? I remember you used to drag me to the university fitness center all the time."

Tabby grinned and nodded. "Okay. But I suspect that it'll be me dragging ass trying to keep up with you this time. I've heard the stories from your place downtown, you're turning heads for more than just your hair and boobs."

"They like my ass too?" I teased, cocking a hip. I was a little surprised when Tabby reached back and slapped my butt, rather hard too. "Ouch!"

"Sorry, couldn't resist," Tabby said while grinning wolfishly. "Now I just have to figure out what to wear. I didn't exactly pack a full wardrobe for my stay here."

"You're still a size four, right?" I asked, knowing already that she was.

"Yep, why, you going to loan me your stuff?" she said with a cocked eyebrow.

"You might have to cinch the waistband some, but I think I got your hookup," I replied. "I'm a size six now, so we're pretty close."

As it was, one of my tighter pairs of shorts fit her just fine, and we had a fun workout that left both of us sweaty, Tabby more than me. When we finally finished, I lay back on the hardwood floor of our little home gym and smiled. "Thanks. You really helped me push."

Tabby grinned from her position leaning against the wall, shaking her head. "You were the one pushing me. I think you were sandbagging to make me not feel bad."

I shrugged. "A little. I still got good work in though."

"That's good to know. So when you come back, think I can start joining you and Mark for your workouts? I may not turn into a sexy ninja girl like you, but I certainly could use the push and the company.”

"I'd love that," I said. "I was thinking, since Mark and I can't go back to the other gym where we are now once we come back, either setting up a room here with more stuff, or maybe you can invest in another place closer to here while we're gone. What do you think?"

"Sounds good. Let's go get washed up though, unless you want Mark to walk in on two sweaty hot women lying around waiting for him."

I laughed. "We do that, and he'll faint from lack of blood to the brain as it all goes somewhere else."

Tabby grinned. "Don't tempt me. I may be getting my emotional needs met having you two around taking care of me, but there are some itches that aren't being scratched, if you know what I mean."

I grew more serious and looked over at Tabby. "Are you okay with that for now?"

Tabby's face grew contemplative, and she thought for a moment before nodding. "Actually, I am. I've been a flirt for so long, maybe a bit of forced celibacy other than what I can do for myself is helpful. It's maybe time that I start really looking for Mister Right rather than just Right Now."

"Sounds good," I said, coming over and helping her to her feet.

"It's going to be a bit difficult," Tabby said as she climbed up. She looked me in the eyes, her gaze filled with meaning. "Whoever it is, they're going to have to be willing to share my heart, you know."

I nodded and patted her on the shoulder. Acknowledging the depth of her feelings for me was a great thing. "I know. And Mark knows he's sharing my heart too. He's cool with it."

"He's a great man like that. Think there's another man like him around?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. But I'm sure there's someone out there for you. Now, let's go get washed up."

After my shower, I waited in the kitchen for either Tabby or Mark to come in. Mark was first, his coverall unzipped to his waist and carrying two bags. "Done," he said, his hair damp and sweaty. "You look refreshed."

"Tabby and I grabbed a quick bit of exercise and a shower. She's still using the hot water, not surprising me in the least."

Mark smiled and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Are the gas bills going to go up with her living here?"

"Most likely, but since we recycle most of our water, that won't be affected too much. She told me something really awesome after the workout, too." I opened the fridge and took out some salmon, which I thought would make a good dinner for all of us. "She's thinking it's time for her to find her one."

"One what?" Mark asked, setting his bags on the floor near the back door. "By the way, don't use those. It's plastique and poison."

"I won't. And as for her one, she's looking for her version of you. She knows that's going to be pretty hard to find. Perfection is pretty hard to repeat."

"Keep talking like that, and I'm going to have a problem fitting in the door," Mark said as he headed for the back to change clothes. "My head's going to be too big."

I messed around in the kitchen while Mark and Tabby got ready, marinating the fish and prepping some couscous and some grilled asparagus. The fish was ready to go into the broiler when Tabby came out, wearing some casual clothes that we preferred for around the house. They weren't quite pajamas, but I wouldn't go grocery shopping in them. Still, Tabby made them look like a million bucks, and it was good to see her so relaxed and happy. "Hey, Mark's getting changed, and dinner will be ready in ten."