“You can’t let him,” Branson said, keeping pace with him.
“I’m not. Believe me, I’m not. I’ve got too much to lose this time around, and I’m not going to risk it.”
Entering the main gym hall, he found Aria standing in gym shorts and a large shirt that covered way too much. Rachel and Mary were on either side of her.
“Hey,” he said, moving toward her.
“Hey, what do you think this is all about?” she asked, pointing at the obstacle course in front of them.
“I don’t know. They want us to have a party, and act like chimps?” Eli asked.
“Why do they make us do anything these days in gym?” Rachel asked.
“Torture.” This came from Mary. “They like to see us building up a sweat, and looking horrible at the end of it.”
“Your new mom was nice,” Aria said.
“Thanks. Dad already looks bored. She’ll be replaced in no time,” Chris said.
Eli moved behind Aria, wrapping his arm around her waist, much like his friends were with their women. She didn’t pull away from him this time, and leaned against his touch.
“If we need to partner up, you’ll be mine?” he asked.
“Sure.”
Wayne and the last of their class made their way into the gym room. The doors at the far end were open, and Eli had already figured they were going to be forced to complete an obstacle course together.
He stroked her hip, wishing they were alone so he could say all the things he wanted to say without anyone interrupting them.
Their man gym teacher blew a whistle, and told them to partner up. No one came near them, and he held Aria a little tighter. He noticed Wayne was watching them, and he didn’t like it. Kissing Aria’s head, he offered Wayne a smirk.
Yeah, he was right about Wayne.
“In pairs, working together, we want to test your strengths and your weaknesses. Complete this obstacle course as a team. Don’t leave anyone behind. Now, make a line behind Miss Phelps. We expect you to behave.”
Taking Aria’s hand, Eli made his way behind Chris and Branson. Wayne moved up behind them with his partner.
“Are you going to be able to make it through this course, Aria?” Wayne asked.
Eli was about to shoot him down when she beat him to it.
“I may have a fat ass, but I can still keep up, which is more than I’ve heard about you.” She released a little growl. “I hate that.”
“What?” Eli asked.
“When people think that because I’m chunky, I can’t keep up. I can. I may have a fat ass and thighs, but I’m not a couch potato. I’ll show them.”
“You’re turning me on,” he said, wrapping his arms around her.
She tensed up, and he realized what he’d said.
Before either of them could say anything, they were handed their bands, and sent off together.
Holding her hand, they stood up on the log, and walked across it. Up in front he saw their friends working together as a team. They’d been dating so long that they knew each other’s body so nothing seemed to faze them.
“I can’t believe you said that,” Aria said, breaking through his thoughts.
“I’m only speaking the truth.”