Eighty Four

At four o’clock the next day, Raina walked into the gym in the house. She knew she needed to be stronger than she already was if she wanted to be extra safe, and not just at the mercy of her bodyguard. 

She knew he was there to keep her safe, but she still felt like doing this, working out, so that she would be stronger than she was. 

She was wearing a pair of black shorts, black baggy top, and a blue and pink design running shoes. Her hair was pulled back and high in a ponytail. 

The gym was parked with people, which was a little bit unusual, because she had only ever seen three men in there, but there were now at least, five men and three women. 

Raina could tell that they were all Tyler’s workers, but it didn’t stop her from pausing at the door when she realized the room was parked. Most of the men seemed to be carrying something, or flexing their backs, while the rest were bench-pressing a set of heavy weights.

Two of the women were at the treadmill, and Raina recognized Amber, and one other woman she had seen at the gate one time. Three of them were dressed in standard gym outfit though. She looked down at herself, and suddenly felt self-conscious, but then she thought about her determination to work out and feel stronger. 

Maybe she just needed to feel better about herself, but she knew she needed to do this. 

Sighing, she took a step further into the room, not sure where to start from. Then she walked to the cable kickback machine, and that was when she saw him. 

He was dressed in a pair of shorts, running shoes, and a sleeveless white cotton tank top that clung to his skin. Oh thank goodness he was wearing something to cover up his chest today. Maybe this was because he had his other female employees around, but it was great. 

She didn’t want to see those mouth watering tight abs, and that chest that seemed to always beacon to her hand when she saw it. 

His arms flexed with each pull of the lat pulldown bar, the muscles in his back rippling with the effort. His skin glistened with sweat, and his dark hair was damp, sticking to his forehead and temples. Every movement he made was deliberate, controlled, as though he was entirely focused on what he was doing.  

She couldn’t help but watch him. He didn’t just look good; he looked incredible. There was something captivating about the way he moved, the strength in his body, and the quiet determination etched into his features.  

Her gaze followed him as he glanced up at the clock on the wall. He seemed to consider the time for a moment before gripping the bar again and completing two more slow, deliberate pulldowns. 

His muscles tensed and released with each movement, and the intensity in his expression didn’t waver.  

Finally, he let go of the bar, the weights clinking softly as they settled into place. He stood up slowly, rolling his shoulders back as if to loosen them. She had to admit; there was something undeniably beautiful about him. Whether it was his confidence, his focus, or simply the way he carried himself, she couldn’t look away.

She knew she shouldn’t be concentrating on that but she just couldn't help it. 

She started to work out, doing what she could, and then suddenly, she felt someone grab her waist and she froze. She knew who it was without even turning to look at him. She just knew… her body just knew who it was. 

Tyler. 

He leaned in closer until she could feel his breath on her neck. By now, she had stopped moving. "Come on, Rain. You've already got the perfect butt, and your glutes are beautifully shaped." He said. 

Raina gasped, dropping her mouth open. 

Tyler chuckled softly at her reaction, his hands still resting lightly on her waist. "Relax, Rain," he said, his tone teasing but not overbearing. "Come on. Let's try a different machine. The cable kickback's fine, but I think you'll get more out of the leg press."

He stepped back to give her some space, and gestured toward the leg press machine on the other side of the room. Raina swallowed hard, her heart pounding for no reason, and nodded as she followed him. 

She didn’t trust herself to say anything yet, of her voice was going to come out all messed up.  

When they reached the machine, Tyler grabbed a couple of weights and loaded them onto it. "Sit down," he said, his voice soft now. "I'll help you adjust everything."

Raina did as he asked, settling onto the seat and trying to focus on anything but the fact that he was standing so close again. Tyler leaned over, his hands brushing hers as he showed her where to grip the handles. 

His touch was firm on her but also careful, and it sent a shiver up her spine.  

"Push through your heels," he said, his voice low and calm. "Like this." He placed his hand lightly on her knee, guiding her through the first press.  

She nodded, trying to focus on the movement and not on the heat of his hand or how his voice seemed to wrap around her like a blanket. The air between them felt heavy, like there was something unspoken neither of them wanted to address, and yet it was just so impossible to ignore.  

She glanced up at him, and he was watching her, his dark eyes intent, his focus entirely on her. For a moment, she forgot about the workout, the gym, and everyone else in the room.  

Speaking of everyone else, one by one, they all started to leave, and Raina noticed it in the corner of her eye but didn’t say anything. It was like the energy in the room was pushing everyone out, leaving her alone with Tyler.  

Finally, it was just Matt left. He was leaning against a bench, arms crossed, clearly watching them with amusement. Tyler stepped back, giving her some space again, but before Raina could say anything, Matt spoke up.  

"You know," Matt said with a smirk, "you both could just get a room already and spare us all the show."  

Raina’s cheeks burned, and she straightened her shirt quickly, looking down to avoid Matt’s teasing gaze. Tyler gave him a dry look.  

"Thanks for the suggestion, Matt. Now get out," Tyler said flatly, though there was no real anger in his voice.  

Matt grinned, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Just saying what everyone else is thinking." With that, he strolled out, leaving the two of them alone in the now-quiet gym.  

Raina stood there, smoothing her shirt again and trying to act like her heart wasn’t pounding violently in her chest. She glanced at Tyler, who was watching her with an unreadable expression.  

She didn’t move. 

Didn’t even speak. 

She was just… waiting. 

Hoping. 

Every fiber of her being wanted him to close the distance between them, to kiss her like he had before that day at the burger joint when they saw Cain. She could almost feel the anticipation buzzing in the air.  

But Tyler didn’t move right away. He seemed to be wrestling with something, his gaze locked on hers. Raina’s breath caught as she waited to see what he would do.