Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 39424 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39424 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
I cringe and shake my head, trying to get the thoughts out of my head. At least this is a toning class and it’s almost over. “All right, other side. Really stretch—you should feel it in your calves.”
I go into my spiel about the importance of stretching, focusing on the floor in front of me instead of facing the class. I told myself that I could handle a night with Elias, but not seeing him again is messing with me. I know I shouldn't let it, but it is.
“All right, everyone. Let’s do one more. Stand up, lift your hands to the sky, and reach. Left side… really stretch. Hold for ten.” I count to ten. “And now the right side… really stretch and hold for ten.” I count to ten again, and when I’m done, I clap my hands together. “Great job, everyone. Have a good night.”
People start to break off in small groups and talk or catch up. I grab my towel and water bottle, hoping to make an escape before Ronnie gets to me. After our date, I told him we’d be better off as friends, but I don’t know if he’s in complete agreement with it because he’s still seeking me out every chance he gets.
I almost make it to my office when Ronnie calls my name. I’m exhausted, and even though I just want to go home, I turn with a smile on my face. None of this is his fault. I should have known better than to go on a date with someone that works out here. “Hey, Ronnie. What’s up?”
He stops in front of me. “Good class, Chloe.” I’m about to tell him thanks, but he continues. “I just wanted to check on you. You look a bit tired or out of sorts.”
I purse my lips. Did he really just say I look tired?
A few women from class pass by and wave, and I holler bye to them. “Yeah, I’ve had a lot of classes this week. I’m looking forward to going home and getting some rest.”
I start walking through the gym, turning off machines and shutting things down, hoping he gets the hint, but he just follows around behind me. When I get to the big bay windows at the front of the gym, I’m flipping the open sign to closed when I see Elias across the street.
He’s in another sweatshirt with the hood over his head, but I can still feel his eyes on me. My heart does a little flip, and I just stand here and stare at him, happy that he showed up.
“Everything okay?”
I turn to look at Ronnie. “Yep, I’m good. I’m going to get out of here. I’ll see you in class—”
He cuts me off. “I can walk you home.”
I point my thumb outside. “Actually, my friend is outside waiting on me.”
Ronnie peeks around me, and I know the instant he sees Elias because he frowns and shakes his head. “You’re better than this, Chloe.”
My mouth drops. Is he serious right now? I’m not going to correct him and tell him that Elias and I are not together. “He’s a hero, Ronnie. He’s better than all of us.” I walk over to the front door and hold it open. “I need to lock up.”
He is about to walk by me and stops. “Chloe, listen…”
I shake my head and look him right in the eye before cutting him off. “I’ll see you in class.”
He lets out a breath and walks out of the gym. I take a peek outside, and Elias has walked across the street and is standing by the door now. I grab my purse and walk out, locking the door on my way out. “Hey,” I say breathlessly.
He nods, looking even grumpier than usual. “Can we talk?”
Oh God, this is where he says he’s leaving or he tries to convince me that the other night was a mistake. I’m not ready for this conversation, but I pull myself together enough to ask him. “You want to go inside? Or to my house?”
“Your house, if it’s okay.”
I nod and start walking down the sidewalk toward my house. His stride is longer than mine, but he slows down to stay next to me.
Neither of us says anything on the walk, and unlike the other night, this is awkward and emotionally exhausting. The whole time I’m freaking out, wondering what he’s going to say to me.
When we get to the walkway of my house, he points at the porch. “Can we talk out here?”
I almost falter on my feet. Hell, he doesn’t even want to be alone with me inside. This is not going to go well, and I brace myself for what’s to come. “Sure.”
I sit down on the stoop of my porch, and he sits down next to me. He’s not looking at me. Instead, he’s looking at the big oak tree in the front yard, and he seems completely fixated on it.