The gymnasium fades away and it is simply Natalie and me now—her dedication driving me, difficult me to go additional. And rattling if I do not wish to impress her.

The remainder of the exercise passes in a blur of exertion and stolen glances. I push by means of every set decided to show I do know what I am doing regardless of the truth that it is clear I am in nice form. After we end, sweat rolling off me like I’ve stepped out of a sauna.

Natalie nods in approval, a small smile enjoying on her lips. “Not dangerous on your first day with a brand new coach.”

“Not dangerous in any respect,” I agree, midway occupied with throwing Josh to the curb.

Two

Natalie

When Dillon breaks the silence that is settled between us, I hand him a bottle of water. He did not anticipate to get a brand new coach immediately, and he positively did not anticipate to be skilled by a girl as an alternative of his man Josh. Fortunately I did not get perspective. I am not within the temper to cope with that immediately, or any day reality be advised.

He takes it and nods. “I gotta admit, Natalie,” he says, easing out of an informal lunge with the grace of somebody who’s spent a lifetime mastering his physique, “I wasn’t certain what to anticipate after I came upon Josh was out immediately.”

I supply him a smile, one which’s meant to be reassuring however most likely exhibits a bit an excessive amount of of my reduction. “I get it. The bond along with your coach is type of sacred. It is my success you did not throw any dumbbells at me.”

He chuckles, a sound that rumbles by means of the room and makes one thing flutter in my chest. “Not my fashion.”

I watch him as he stands up straight, his muscle mass tightening as he takes one other drink. He is put collectively in a manner that speaks of self-discipline and perhaps just a few superior genes. The man’s dedication to health is not only for present—he lives it, breathes it. And rattling if he would not look scrumptious doing it.

Dillon catches me staring and I see a flicker of one thing in his eyes that means he would possibly know what I am pondering. It is unsettling how the most popular man I’ve ever laid eyes on can also be essentially the most humble.

“You are not too shabby your self,” he says with a smile that hints that he has a humorousness. “For somebody who is not Josh.”

I snort, crossing my arms over my chest. “Gee, thanks.”

He holds up his fingers in give up. “Hey, I imply it. You are good at what you do. I did not assume anybody might make me sweat like Josh does.”

My cheeks warmth up on the unintended double that means however rapidly shove these ideas apart. “That is the purpose of the Sweat Store Fitness center, is not it?”

He laughs out loud and nods. “I feel you have obtained some extent there.” He picks up his towel and dabs at his brow.

We stand taking a look at one another for a second earlier than he extends his hand towards me—a peace providing or perhaps an acknowledgment of a job nicely completed.

“Thanks for the exercise, Natalie.”

His hand is heat and agency, and I combat again the urge to carry on longer than is skilled.

“No downside, Dillon. Anytime Josh cannot make it, I’ve obtained your again.”

And as he nods and turns away, packing up his gear with swift effectivity, I can not assist however watch the straightforward manner he strikes—the way in which his shirt clings to his again—and assume that perhaps immediately wasn’t so dangerous in spite of everything.

His gaze lingers on me a beat too lengthy, the corners of his mouth lifting in a manner that is each assured and possessive. The depth in his darkish brown eyes stirs one thing deep inside me, a heat that rushes to my cheeks and makes my coronary heart faucet a quickstep. I ought to bristle on the suggestion of possession in his stare, however the reality is, I do not.

When he asks me to dinner, the phrase “sure” slips from my lips earlier than my mind can catch up. I do not hesitate or weigh execs and cons. My eagerness is as shocking as it’s real.

“Meet me at Billy’s Southern BBQ,” he says with a smile that means he is already trying ahead to it. “It is my favourite spot on the town.”

The mere point out of Billy’s, with its smoky scents and hearty parts, brings again the previous anxieties about weight and self-image. I’ve battled these demons earlier than, wrestled them into submission with data and sweat. Nonetheless, they lurk behind my thoughts, whispering doubts each time I go by a mirror or think about a menu.

Shoving these worries apart, I concentrate on tonight. The surprising connection sparking between Dillon and me is all I would like on my thoughts. It is about stepping out of the snug routine and embracing one thing new, even when it scares the hell out of me.

I nod, locking these insecurities away the place they cannot dampen this second. “See you tonight,” I inform him with extra assurance than I really feel.

As he walks away, I watch the door swing shut behind him. Anticipation buzzes underneath my pores and skin, pleasure for what the night would possibly convey. And as I head again to the entrance desk to take a look at for the day, I am trying ahead to dinner at Billy’s—worries be damned.

Three

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