DRAGON COMPLEX GYM
On Lindsey's answer, Eric looked over at Ralston, questioning at first, but then nodding.
"Okay, yeah, Lindsey Garret." Eric's gaze went back to her. "You're the one that interviewed Calvin Stokes. And I did see you reporting at the Titans game. I don't usually pay attention to the commentary but you did stand out. You're so much more impressive in person."
"More impressive?" Lindsey raised her eyebrows. "What was so unimpressive about me on game day?"
"Please forgive his poor choice of words." Ralston interjected, "What he meant was that it's hard to really tell what someone's like on a television screen. That was some fine reporting, but a living person is better than a picture."
"Exactly!" Eric nodded. "You're no bullshit insight made me smile. you're really good at this."
"Well, thank you both." Lindsey grinned. She knew what he meant, or she at least suspected, but it was fun to tilt him of balance. "It was my first game. Actually, you're the first people to compliment me on it. So, thank you again. A girl can get a complex around here with the lack of constructive feedback."
Eric almost coughed on his laugh. "You're kidding right? Tell me you don't know how talented you are. You're insightful, courageous, and beautiful. The way you handled Stokes was incredible. Nice job on that too, by the way. Some guys are still living in the stone age. We don't need that in the NFL. You did all of us a favor."
"Wow. Thank you." Lindsey chuckled. "I certainly could get used to you hanging around."
"I would love to." He briefly looked over at Ralston again. "But I don't want to distract you from your workout." He looked around until his eyes settled on a weight machine nearby. "I'll, uh, just be over there." He tossed his head in that direction, then smiled before heading over there. Ralston stayed behind a moment.
"That boy really likes you, Lindsey." Ralston said, watching Eric get ready. "I've never seen him so taken by a woman. I think he ran off because he doesn't know how to handle it. I'm impressed." Rolling out his lower lip, he nodded emphatically with respect.
"That's so flattering, Ralston, but I'm seeing someone." Lindsey really was flattered. The guy was gorgeous and he had quite a charm about him.
"Yeah, I know." Ralston continued to nod. "You and Adam Bronk. But I don't see a ring on your finger." He grinned. "See ya around." Ralston went over an joined Eric at the weight machine.
After the two Pats coaches started their workout, Lindsey went back to her gut training. The conversation left her a little uncomfortable, not because she didn't like it, but because she did. Her cheeks were warm and butterflies were cavorting in her belly. She shouldn't have felt that way, but the butterfly's didn't care. She needed a distraction, and the fly machine was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Lindsey's workouts were designed for tone, not bulk. Light weigh with lots of reps burned the calories and strained the muscles without causing her to add bulk. Not that her body was built for bulk, but lean muscles with the right hint of definition was where she liked to be. After setting the weight appropriately she laid on the bench and gripped the handles. After a twenty count, she did thirty crunches, then went through another set. She did five sets in all, but had to pause after. She was working harder than usual, but wasn't sure what was motivating her.
"Holy shit, Lindsey. You're amazing."
Lindsey looked over to see Eric and Ralston staring. If it had been Steele she would have been annoyed. If it was Eddie, she would have been disgusted. But instead, she felt that flush in her cheeks and that tingle. She always liked attention, but she especially liked Eric's. Again the idea of being attractive to him gave her mixed feelings, but being attracted was unnerving. She looked at the clock. She had plenty of time, but she didn't want to run out of there and look like a flustered school girl. So, she played it cool.
"Thanks, I guess." She gave him a confident smile. "I don't know about amazing, but I do work hard when I get the chance. So hey, I met your beat yesterday. Lacy. She's awesome. We're going to hang out at the beach in a bit."
"That's great! Lacy's a sweetheart. You guys'll have fun."
"The boys at the beach are gonna all be walking funny."
"Ralston, come one. Show the lady a little respect." Eric held up a hand to cut him off from saying anymore. "Don't get me wrong. You're going look great in a bikini. I wish I could be there." He looked over at his partner. "But we don't have to be so crude about it."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry Lindsey. I'm just a little outspoken sometimes."
"It's fine." She giggled. "I work on a football team. I can handle worse than that."
Ralston chuckled. "I'm sure you can. you and Lacy probably have a lot in common where that goes."
"Ralston!" Eric rolled his eyes. "So, Lindsey, seriously. You really are amazing. I'd like to learn more about you. Maybe we can chat more this week? I mean, I know you have a lucky boyfriend. So, just a friendly talk. What do you say?"
"Um," Lindsey's alarms started going off. Was he really just interested in hearing about her career goals and favorite coffee? It sounded like a proposition, but he had been respectful and he acknowledged Adam. It would be rude for her to say no, but she wasn't sure she should give him more of an opportunity to get under her skin. "Maybe? I don't know. I have a full plate this week, and I'm flying up to Indianapolis for Friday night and Saturday. I can't promise anything."
"That's totally cool. I understand you're a busy lady. Here." He handed her a his card. "Send me a text if you have an opening for me to slip into. I'd be totally up for it."
Lindsey leaned forward to accept the card, noting that by not asking for her number, he was leaving it all up to her. "Um, sure. If something opens up I'll let you know." She noticed the time. If she wanted to shower, she had better get going. "But, guys, I have to run. It was nice meeting both of you." She stood, picking up her water bottle and towel. "Maybe we'll see you at practice. Take care."
Lindsey headed for the door, glancing once back over her shoulder to wave goodbye.
To Locker Room.