No smoothie bar, no girls meandering about with hardly any clothes on.

People come here to work out, not be seen.

It’s so him.

“Where do you want to start?” he asks me as he ushers me ahead of him through the door.

“We’re not meeting with your trainer?” I’m relieved that it will just be us today. I don’t feel confident enough to work with a trainer. I know that I’m strong and toned, despite my curves, but I don’t like strangers touching me or looking at my body.

“Just us today, baby.”

“Okay, I think I’ll run for a bit.”

“Sounds good.” He leads me to a line of treadmills and we choose two machines side by side at the end of the row.

“I brought music.” I pull my iPhone and ear buds out of my bra and plug them in my ears.

“What else do you have in there?” He laughs and I join him. I love his carefree mood today. He’s having fun, and it makes me relax. “That’s fine; I’m going to watch the news.” He points to the flat screen TV in front of us.

He shows me how to work the treadmill, gets me started, then jumps on his and breaks out into a steady jog.

My mouth goes dry. Sweet Mother of God, this man is amazing. He moves with no effort, and I have to consciously look away before I trip.

I crank up my music – Lady Gaga today – and set my pace with the beat of the music. I’ve always liked to run; I just never seem to find the time.

I watch the instrument panel in front of me and empty my mind, listening to Ms.

Gaga sing about a bad romance. Within minutes I’m in the zone, and I smile as Kelly Clarkson sings about being stronger.

Yes, I could get used to this.

Before I know it, thirty minutes and about three miles have passed, and I’m sweating like crazy. I slow the belt down to walk for five minutes, then hop off, reaching for my water. I look to my right where Luke was but he’s gone.

I frown and search across the gym looking for him. I don’t immediately see him, so I gather my towel, tuck my phone into my bra and wander out among the free weights.

“Can I help you find something?” I whirl around at the deep voice and then grin.

“Brad! Hey, how’s it going?”

“Good.”

He pats me on the shoulder, gripping me for just a few seconds longer than polite, and continues to smile widely.

“I haven’t seen you in here before.

Thinking of joining?”

“Oh, I’m here with someone today.”

“Cool. Can I get you some water, or a fresh towel?”

“You must work here.” I mutter dryly.

“Oh, yeah, I do. Hey, I can show you how to use some of the weights if you want.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Both Brad and I twirl at the sound of Luke’s cold voice.

“Hey.” Brad smiles at Luke and holds out his hand. “I didn’t introduce myself yesterday. I’m Brad.”

Luke shakes his hand and gives him a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Luke.”

Brad’s eyes widen and he swallows.

“Holy shit, you’re Luke Williams.”

Luke’s smile doesn’t falter. “Yes, I am.”

“Well, um…” Brad gives me a quizzical glance then smiles back at Luke. “It’s nice to meet you. Catch you later, Natalie.” He nods at me and disappears among the weights.

“So it seems Brad is more than a friend of a friend.” Luke turns to me, his eyes cold and distant.

Shit.

“No, that’s exactly what he is.”

“Didn’t look that way.”

“How did it look?” I back away from him and cross my arms across my chest.

“It looked like he was picking you up.”

I shake my head adamantly. “He is just a flirty guy, Luke. He was being nice. I was looking around for you.”

“I got a phone call. I have to leave, I’m sorry. I have to run home and do some work.”

“Fine, let’s go.”

“Do you have to work today?” He opens my car door for me and I slide in.

“No,” I respond when he’s behind the wheel. “I have today off.”

“You’re welcome to come home with me.” How can he go from being pissed off

and

jealous

to

sweet

and

accommodating?

“That’s okay, just take me home.”

“Are you mad at me?” His voice is soft and I can’t look him in the face.

“Yes. Are you always going to overreact whenever a man speaks to me?”

“He’s had his hands on you twice in two days, Natalie. He wasn’t just speaking to you.”

“But I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“He wants in your pants and you didn’t do anything to dissuade him.”

“Luke, I’m more than capable of saying no. Trust me, that’s all I’ve said all my adult life. Until you.” My voice is raised in my frustration. Doesn’t he see that I’m mad about him? That I don’t want anyone else?

“I will never be okay with another man putting his hands on you. Get used to it.” His voice is sharp and his eyes are so cold.

He pulls up in front of my house and I jump out without waiting for him to open the door. He leaps out of his side and follows me up to the front porch.