My Instructor by Esther Banks Read Free Book Online Page B

laughed as she became more comfortable with what she was doing. She had not realized that Aaron was no longer holding her.
    “You got it, girl” he grinned.
    As soon as she saw that Aaron wasn’t holding her, she went under. Aaron grabbed her and pulled her up. He held her close as she coughed. She finally caught her breath.
    “Are you alright,” he asked in concern.
    She nodded.
    “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have panicked like that,” she apologized.
    “ You have nothing to apologize for. You were doing great. Let’s try again,” he said gently.
    “ Alright,” she said as she began pumping her legs.
    Aaron held her waist for several minutes. She felt so good in his hands. He wanted to slide his hands up her sides and around to her back to pull her in for a much desired kiss. But he resisted the temptation. He needed to take baby steps with her. He forced himself to focus on the task at hand. He released her waist, and she stayed afloat.
    “I think I’ve got it, Aaron,” she said gleefully.
    She continued treading water then executed a few breast strokes only to stop and tread water again. Aaron stayed by her side as she tested her new skill. She was a good pupil he thought. But that was no surprise to him. She was just as focused and determined at the gym. When she made up her mind to do something, there was nothing that would prevent her from reaching her objective. It was one of the many traits that he liked about her. He helped her perfect a few more swimming techniques. It wasn’t long before she was swimming on her own with ease. He began to play with her by splashing water at her. She screamed in objection to the assault and returned the favor tenfold. Aaron would dive underwater only to come up beside her and drag her across the lake. They laughed and played together until Tiffany called ‘uncle’ saying that she was out of breath. They stumbled out of the lake and fell onto the blanket. They lay there breathing deeply.
    “Thank you for teaching me to swim, Aaron. It never would have happened without you,” she whispered.
    He turned to face her on the blanket.
    “You’re welcome. But you already had the basics down. You just needed a little help with staying above water,” he smiled.
    “ Uhh, let’s be real. I needed more than a little help,” she said. “You really can’t swim if you don’t tread water. I have you to thank for making a real swimmer out of me.”
    He ducked his head shyly.
    “You’re blushing!” she said in surprise.
    “ No, I’m not. There was something in my eye,” he explained as he rubbed his eye.
    “ Liar. There’s nothing in your eye. You’re not used to receiving compliments, are you?” she asked incredibly.
    He shrugged.
    “I guess not. I don’t receive very many of them,” he mumbled. “And I’m not searching for any now.”
    She chuckled.
    “But you’re going to get them. So you had better get used to it. I can’t think of a man more deserving of compliments than you,” she grinned.
    “ Oh God!” he moaned.
    “ You’re a wonderful man, Aaron Jacob. You’re a great workout trainer. A super swim instructor—
    “ Noo! Stop,” he objected.
    He got up and ran toward the lake. Tiffany ran after him.
    “You’re an amazing hottie. You’re kind and sweet. You’re honest and funny,” she yelled after him.
    Aaron hit the water and swam quickly away from her. She followed by diving in as well and swam after him. She caught up to him and he splashed water on her. She spluttered then scooped water toward him. They played together for the rest of the afternoon. Marisa came out and sat on the blanket. She watched them speculatively. She could see a change in Tiffany’s attitude toward him. Tiffany was beginning to see Aaron as a really good friend, and that was a step in the right direction. Marisa smiled. This was going to be a very interesting weekend.
     
    *****
     
    It turned out to be a fun evening. Stephanie Johnson, the