The next day I could barely walk. My legs burned when I tried to crawl out of bed, and my stomach protested everything. I half wondered if I was coming down with the flu, but I knew it was just my exercise program. If I was going to be able to walk after going to the gym, I needed to break down and talk to one of the trainers about the best way to lose weight. I also knew I needed to start learning something about eating healthier, not that I was looking forward to that either.
I had a couple of easy days with work, mostly editing shots, so I could work from home without having to go into my studio, although I didn’t really like doing that. When Addi moved out, I made her old bedroom into a home office. I never did photo shoots at home, but I could do my editing and contact clients from there. One day I’d have a studio at my home, but for now, I was okay separating my work from my home life.
Once I finished my work for the day, I headed out to the bookstore. I had a wedding over the weekend, but it wasn’t one of the brides who demanded my attendance at her rehearsal dinner, so I had my Friday night free. And absolutely no plans. I figured picking up a new book, or a few, was as good of a plan as anything.
READ was a small bookstore close to my studio. I’d passed by it plenty of times but never actually went in. I knew the bigger bookstores would have a better selection, but as a small business owner, I always supported small, local businesses when I could.
The smell of fresh books mixed with coffee met me at the door. Shelves and shelves of books filled the space. It was bigger than it looked from the outside and was well organized. “Welcome to READ, can I help you?” drifted over the books.
A woman came around the last shelf with a large grin on her face. She looked so friendly that I was immediately put at ease. Going into a bookstore and asking a skinny person for a book about eating healthy was like asking them for a cookie recommendation… useless. Most likely they had never been on a diet in their lives and wouldn’t know the first thing about a good one, same with cookies.
But this woman… she was someone I could relate to. With her wide-set hips and fleshy body, I could tell she had more rolls than a bakery. I loved her on sight.
“Hi, yes. I need help. I’m looking for a book about weight loss. Or dieting. Something like that.”
Her chocolate-brown eyes appraised me, and she cocked an eyebrow at me. “Seriously? Why?”
I huffed a breath and shook my head. The anxiety and anger I’d felt toward Cade came back to me in a rush. I knew I shouldn’t unload on this poor unsuspecting stranger, but she got to me. Only someone as big as me, or bigger like she was, could understand the utter humiliation of being dumped the way I was.
So I told her, “I was dumped because I’m fat. I want him to regret it so I joined a gym. I figured I should try to eat healthier too instead of just exercising.”
“What an asshole!” she exclaimed. “Oops, sorry. I’m not supposed to swear at customers. I’m Riley, by the way.” I shook her hand and introduced myself. “Well, Sam, I think the guy who dumped you is a fool, but I’ll help you. Mostly I just think men suck. It’s problematic though because I love men.”
I laughed and nodded, knowing exactly what she meant.
“The bad thing is it’s the hot ones that are the worst. It’s like they think because we’re plump that they can treat us any way they want and we’ll be okay with it, simply because no one else would bother. It sucks.”
“Yep,” I agreed. “That’s what I’m going through. But I’m determined to make him eat his words. No one’s going to get away with the things he said to me. He’s going to regret it.”
Riley rubbed her hands together and grinned an evil grin. “Let’s get started then. Our health section is back here. My boss said something about the people who want to be healthy aren’t going to have a problem walking to the back of the store for it.”
I laughed, enjoying talking to Riley. She would fit into our group well. Maybe I should invite her to our next girls’ night.
“Okay, here we go. Now you’ve got your restrictive books where you give up carbs or sugar or everything except vegetables. I have a feeling you’re going to need a more balanced meal plan, something that lets you eat whatever you want once in a while. I’d recommend this one or this one.”
Riley handed me two books. Both sounded reasonable from the description on the back and could potentially help me. “Both?” I asked, wondering what she thought.
“Both works. They have slightly different philosophies so incorporating them together could help you faster. Then you’ll be able to torture your asshole ex even earlier.”
I laughed when Riley clapped her hand over her mouth for swearing again. “It’s fine. Besides I agree. He is an asshole. The sooner I can show him what he missed out on the better.”
“Awesome. Let’s get you rung up.”
Riley led me back to the front of the store and scanned the books. I handed over my credit card. “Samantha Reed? Are you the photographer?”
I nodded. “Yeah, my studio isn’t far from here.”
“Really? My best friend’s boss used you for her website photos.”
“Oh yeah? What’s her name?”
“The boss is Beth, I don’t know her last name, but my friend is Carrie Taylor.”
“Oh, I remember Carrie. We only spoke on the phone to set things up, but she was great. Sorry to say this, but why is someone so sweet working for that bitch?”
Riley laughed loudly like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. “Carrie calls her Beth the Bitch. That’s why I don’t know her last name. It’s really funny that you picked up on that, too. I keep telling Carrie to find a new job, but she hasn’t had any luck.”
I wrinkled my nose. “That sucks. Hopefully she can find something soon. Thanks for the help today.”
“Good luck, Sam.”
I waved to Riley and headed out, feeling better already about my mission.
The wedding went well that weekend, but I avoided the gym like the plague. I read through the books I’d picked up from Riley and was less than enamored with the idea of giving up junk food. There was no way I’d give up Charlie’s cupcakes, but I could cut back on the rest.
Maybe.
I kicked myself for not inviting Riley and Carrie to girls’ night. I’d have to find some reason to go back into READ so I could ask her if she wanted to join us. Without seeming weird or creepy about it. I just knew they’d fit into our group, and we could always use more friends.
I decided to brave the gym again on Monday, with a trip to the trainers first. I went in mid-morning thinking it would be even quieter. When I’d been leaving the first time, the place was nearly deserted, and I figured that would be the best time for me to go.
When I pulled in, I remembered Brady saying the trainers took on scheduled clients and wondered if I should have called ahead. Even with one on the floor, they might be busy and not able to really help me.
Jennie was at the front desk again and waved as I went through the gate. I waved back, then headed straight to the weight room to find a trainer.
Two well-built men were on opposite ends of the room, each talking intently with a client. Damn, I thought, there was only one left. In the back of the room was what looked like a small office, so I headed there, hoping to find the last trainer.
Inside, a man was sitting at the computer. I cleared my throat, and he looked up. His smile was beautiful with perfect white teeth and soft pink lips. His jaw was rough and sexy, and his eyes were a soft brown that reminded me of a puppy.
I was a sucker for dogs.
“Can I help you?” he asked in a deep voice.
“Yeah, I hope so. This is my second trip here and I was hoping to get some help with a plan, I guess. Maybe some tips.”
He grinned as he stood. “Of course. We’re here to help out so you can ask any of us if I’m not here next time. I’m Greg, by the way.”
He extended his hand and I shook it. No sparks, but a warm, friendly grip. “Sam. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. So, first question is what are you trying to accomplish being here?”
I stared at him, trying to figure out if he was joking. It was obvious, right? “Um, what do you mean?”
“Well, some people come to increase strength, some are here to increase flexibility, some want to lose weight and improve their overall health. The way you work out should match your goals, otherwise why do it.”
I nodded. It made sense, at least I thought it did. “I need to lose weight and improve my overall health. I want to be skinny.” I didn’t need to add that I wanted my ex to regret the day he dumped me, but I’m fairly certain he picked up on that need.
He smiled. “That’s a great goal. You’re a beautiful woman but being healthy is always a good thing to work toward. Having a healthy diet is the first part of that, but we don’t offer nutrition coaching. You should pick up some books to get a feel for a healthy lifestyle that you can enjoy. I like anything that doesn’t restrict what you eat, but encourages you to eat more healthy foods.”
“I actually picked up a few books over the weekend. That’s what I went for too. I need to be able to eat cupcakes once in a while.”
“I totally understand,” Greg laughed, patting his perfectly flat stomach. “So, first, we like to make exercise fun. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it. What do you like to do?”
I cocked an eyebrow at him and said, “Sit on my ass and eat ice cream? But that’s sort of what got me into this mess.”
Greg laughed like I’d intended for him to. “Yeah, I get that. Is there any exercise that you do enjoy?”
I was pretty sure sex wasn’t what he wanted to hear but that was the only exercise I’d ever enjoyed.
“I used to like swimming,” I said, knowing I needed to come up with something.
Greg nodded. “Well, we don’t have a pool, but tell me what you liked about swimming.”
I shrugged and tried to think back to when I would swim a lot. “It was fun, relaxing. I didn’t feel like I was doing exercise. I could go at my own pace without feeling out of breath. I don’t know. It was just… like play instead of work.”
Greg smiled and said, “That’s what we want you to feel like here. Okay, so if you want to lose weight you’ll need to do some cardio. Along with that I’d recommend some lifting. I know a lot of women don’t like lifting but you can do it so you’re toned instead of overly muscular. Why don’t we go through the cardio room then we’ll come back in here and I can show you a routine that will be good for you?”
I nodded and followed Greg from the weight room to the cardio room. Only a few people were there so Greg could walk me through all the machines and help me understand the benefits of each. We agreed a rotating routine would be for the best so my muscles didn’t get used to the same machine and slow their progress. He also suggested it would keep me from getting bored and starting to view it as work.
Greg led me back to the weight room. He walked straight to the corner where the machines started and had me sit down. “All the machines have instructions on the wall. Since most of your cardio will be working your legs fairly well, I’d recommend most of your weights be with your arms. This group of machines uses the different muscles in your arms. Once we get your weight down a little then we can talk about adding in some ab exercises, too.”
I sat back and let Greg direct and help me. I could feel my long dormant muscles aching with the new strain, but it felt strangely good. So good I didn’t notice Brady approaching until he was right in front of us.
“Greg, the client in the corner looks like she could use some help. How about I take over here for you?”
Greg glanced at me then nodded at Brady. “Uh, yeah, sure. It was nice meeting you Sam.”
“You too. Thanks for your help Greg.”
He walked away with a smirk on his face that I couldn’t interpret.
“What can I help you with?” Brady asked me.
I shook my head. “Oh, I think I’m good. Greg showed me some good stuff.”
Brady’s jaw clenched, and I caught a hint of his fresh scent. My eyes drifted closed, and a flash of Brady’s arms around me made me gasp. When I opened my eyes, he was watching me in that careful, intense way of his.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah,” I breathed, immediately embarrassed by the breathy, needy sound of my voice. “I mean, yes. I’m fine.”
“Yes, you are.”
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing. Well, there must be something I can help you with. Did he help you work out a plan?”
“Yes, we did that first.”
“What is his plan?”
I narrowed my eyes at him as I stood up. He was close, too close, but he didn’t back up as I stood. Our bodies were barely separated, and I could feel the heat radiating off him. Heat I wanted to burrow into and find comfort in.
But no, I couldn’t do that. Brady was exactly the sort of guy I’d been telling myself I had to avoid. The kind of guy who made me forget everything except him. A guy who was so gorgeous that I couldn’t look past his hotness to see the man underneath. And underneath this guy, with his intense stares and his strong and silent vibes, was sure to be more trouble than I’d ever known before.
My heart would be his and crushed before I ever knew what happened.
“Do you not trust your employees?” I asked.
The muscles in his jaw worked overtime as he ground his teeth together. “Of course I trust them,” he growled. “I just thought maybe I could help you out. I do own the place. I hired Greg and taught him everything he knows.”
“And it seems like you did a good job. He was very helpful. I’m not sure what else you could help me with.”
“Humor me,” he requested, ironically without any humor in his voice.
I rolled my eyes and huffed at him. “Fine. I want to lose weight so Greg recommended a variety of cardio, like changing what I do every day so I don’t get bored and my muscles don’t get used to it. Then he said to lift with my arms since the cardio will strengthen my legs more than my arms. He was showing me how to use these machines when you interrupted us.”
“Why would you want to lose weight?” he asked as though it wasn’t obvious.
I cocked an eyebrow at him and turned away. Flattery was always the first step. They butter you up with sweet words so you don’t even look for the flaws underneath. But I was onto his game. I didn’t even bother with an answer.
“Is there something else you think I should know? Since you clearly don’t trust Greg, you must have another opinion.”
Brady shook his head and growled. “I trust him. It’s fine. Enjoy your workout.”
He stalked away without looking back. Instead of feeling relieved, I was a little hurt. I had no reason to be, but he made me feel like I was doing something wrong by talking to his trainer. Like I’d crossed a line I didn’t even know existed.
Maybe this wasn’t the right gym for me. At least not if Brady was going to pop up every time I was trying to mind my own business. I’d been there twice and he’d barged in on both of his employees that were helping me. Maybe Jennie lied about how great it was to work for him just to make sure I joined.
Aw, hell, I didn’t know. None of it made sense. At the end it didn’t matter though. Brady was not, and never would be, a part of my life.
