Change With Me (With Me in Seattle 17.5)

“I think I should take offense to that.”

“Added to that,” she continues, ignoring me, “they don’t usually have much going on in their brains.”

“That’s not a terribly complimentary thing to say about the women I’ve dated.”

She shrugs and clears my empty plate. “The truth isn’t always complimentary. Besides, starting something with this girl—which you won’t do—wouldn’t be a smart move.”

Now I’m getting offended. “Why not? According to GQ, I’m highly sought after.”

Ben snorts.

Rina rolls her eyes.

“I am!”

“She’s a teacher in Seattle, Zane. You’re a megastar in LA. Those two things don’t really mesh well. Also, she’s not like the other girls. She won’t move on to the next hot actor and talk trash about you to the tabloids.”

Maybe that’s one of the reasons I seem to be attracted to her.

Because she’s different.

I like her. She’s smart and cute in an understated way.

But I barely know her. And I have no intention of dating her.

Even if she is intriguing and has the prettiest lips I’ve ever seen on a woman—natural or otherwise.

“Hello?” Rina waves her hand in front of my face.

“Sorry, what?”

“I just asked what you plan on doing for the next six months. It’s not like you to just sit around. You’re a workaholic.”

“The thought of sitting on the couch for months on end is not appealing,” I admit. “But I have a meeting with Luke Williams tomorrow at his downtown office. He has some projects in the works. I thought about trying my hand at directing.”

“Really?” She raises a brow. “That’s new.”

“A different challenge might be fun. Maybe not being in the spotlight for once would be a nice change, too.”

“Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”

I laugh and shake my head at her. “We all grow and change, Rina. You know that better than anyone. I’ll keep you posted on the meeting.”

“See that you do.”

“Let’s head out,” Ben says after checking his phone. “The other guys should be there by now.”

“It looks like things are going well with you guys,” I say when we’re in Ben’s car, headed to the heart of the city where Sound Fitness is located.

“We’re great,” he says. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

The fact that it’s spoken so matter-of-factly tells me that it’s the truth.

“Damn right,” I say. “Her life’s been turned upside down since she met you. She seems to be taking it all in stride.”

“She hasn’t said otherwise,” he agrees. “She wrapped on the movie last month. Said you came to the set a few times.”

I nod. Rina was in LA for a couple of months, filming a movie for Luke Williams’ production company. The second in three years. I don’t think she would have come out of retirement for anyone but Luke.

“She’s damn good,” I reply. “Always has been. I’m glad she returned to acting. More than that, I’m glad to see her so happy with you. With her life here. When she was in LA working, she enjoyed it, but she missed you like crazy.”

His smile is lazy and satisfied.

As it should be.

“Like I said, she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

He pulls into the parking lot in front of his gym then unlocks the glass doors for us because it’s not open to the public tonight.

Classic rock pounds through the speakers, Aerosmith’s Dream On, and several men stand around the ring, all dressed in workout gear. Some are getting their hands taped, others are just there to watch.

“I had to tell my wife it was against the law for her to come tonight.” A man I recognize as one of the gym’s trainers grins at Ben as he offers his fist for a bump. “She’s a Hunter fan. But when she hears that Zane was here, too, well…she might divorce me.”

“Zane, this is Greg.” I nod at the trainer.

“Here’s hoping you’re not single come morning.”

Greg laughs.

Ben introduces me to the rest of the men. I recognize almost all of them from the gym.

And, of course, I know Hunter. He and I have moved in the same circles for years. He may be famous for sports, but celebrity is celebrity.

“How long are you in town for?” Nate McKenna asks as he moves up next to me. His long, dark hair is tied back, and his hands are taped.

“A few months, actually,” I reply. “How’s the family?”

“The best there is.” His smile is sharp and satisfied. “And doing well, thanks.”

“I take it you’re sparring this evening?”

“Yeah, but I have to go easy on Hunter over there because he has a soft head.”

“Fuck you,” Hunter tosses back with a good-natured grin. “You give as good as you want, McKenna. It’s been too long since I sent someone to the hospital.”

Nate simply raises a brow and climbs into the ring.

An older gentleman I don’t recognize stands to the side, helping someone with their headgear.