One to Love (One to Hold 4) - Page 54
Right, tat tat
Left, tat-tat
Right, tat-tat
Left, tat-tat
He kept going and going, a ripped statue of boxing gorgeousness, just like nothing had happened. Turning to the heavy bag, I decided if he didn’t care, neither did I. Holding out my fist, I stepped a little more than arm’s length away. Proper stance, elbows tight at my ribs, shoulders up, I tucked my chin and threw a series of punches.
Right, left, right, right, left hook
Left, right, left, left, right hook
Right, left, right, left, right, left
Left, right, left, right, left, right
Faster and faster I hit it, chasing after the release of that tension in my chest. The warm hand on my shoulder caused me to let out a little yell. I jumped forward, holding the bag as if it were my opponent.
“I’m sorry.” Slayde’s glove was off, and the dark green 21 was plainly visible on the hand touching me. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“What do you want?”
His eyes hadn’t met mine. His brow was furrowed like it always was before, and he focused on my gloved hands.
“I’m sorry I left yesterday without a word. It wasn’t until I got home that I remembered I don’t have your number.”
My back was to the bag, and I only waited. So he didn’t have my number. Bayville wasn’t that big, and he knew where I lived. His eyes met mine then, and I hated that my stomach tingled in response.
“Last night I thought it might be better if we took a little break, make sure we’re not moving too fast.”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded. “Okay.” I started to turn and resume my workout, but he stopped me.
“Can I have your number?”
“Sure,” I said with a shrug. I wasn’t about to let him kno
w how much this was killing me inside. “Where’s your phone?”
He pulled out a small burner phone, and I typed in my digits.
“Thanks,” he said, saving it.
“Don’t share it with anyone.” I turned and started hitting the bag again. As he left I heard him quietly answer.
“Don’t worry.”
* * *
Wednesday at the gym was absolutely miserable. I hated trying to act so perky and happy with my clients when I felt like my heart was breaking. Which was ridiculous! So what if I’d had the best sex of my life two glorious nights in a row? Who cared if he kept passing through the weight room taunting me with his sexy presence? I was a grown, professional woman. I did not need a man to make me happy. Much less a flaky one who ran at the first sign things might get serious.
“Thanks so much, Kenny.” My new-mother client gave me a squeeze before leaving the weight room, and I went straight to the juice bar ready to grab my things and get out of here.
“I hope I never piss you off as long as I live.” Mariska leaned forward on the bar grinning, her voice lowered. “You’re doing a kick-ass job freezing his nuts off.”
Shoving my key into my cubby, I picked up the matcha-tea smoothie she pushed toward me again. “Thanks. Hand me my bag, would ya?”
She reached down and picked up my purse from under the bar. “Your phone’s been going off all hour.”
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