Chapter 52

Emily pov

I felt the urge to hit the gym since it's been ages since my last visit. I can tell I'm gaining weight daily, and I sometimes wonder if my eating habits are to blame. I can't stand it anymore, especially since Tris has started complaining about it.

"Hey Tris, can you grab me two bottles of yogurt and three crackers? I want to take them to the office for lunch later," I said casually, not caring about what he might be thinking.

"Emily, what did you say you wanted again?"

"Yogurt!" I snapped, feeling frustrated by his teasing. I rolled my eyes and stared out the window, avoiding his gaze. He chuckled softly, but I noticed and brushed it off.

"Alright, I'll get those for you, but Emily, you really need to watch your weight; it's not good for you."

I felt a wave of defensiveness rise at Tris's remark, but deep down, I knew he was right. I had noticed the extra weight myself, and the worry on his face was hard to overlook.

"I get it, I get it," I sighed, facing him again. "That's why I'm trying to eat better, okay? Yogurt and crackers are a step up from junk food, right?"

Tris nodded, his face softening. "Absolutely, Em. I just want you to look after yourself. You've been under a lot of stress lately, and I don't want it to take a toll on your health."

I smiled wryly, grateful for his concern. "I'll do my best, Tris. I'm actually planning to hit the gym tonight after work."

Tris's eyes brightened. "That's awesome! I can join you if you'd like."

I paused for a moment before agreeing. "Yeah, that would be great. Thanks, Tris."

As Tris went out to get my lunch, I reflected on how my weight gain had impacted my self-esteem. I made a mental note to start monitoring my food and exercise, determined to get back on track.

The day flew by, and soon enough, Tris and I were stepping into the gym, greeted by the familiar sounds of weights clanking and lively music.

"Okay, let's get started," Tris said, flashing a grin at me.

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. It was time to take charge of my health, and I was thankful to have Tris by my side for support.

I jumped to my feet and headed toward the wine cellar, briefly looking at the labels on the bottles. Suddenly, I felt a hand wrap around my waist, sending a shiver down my spine and leaving me unsure of how to react. "Tris?"

"Yes, Emily?" He whispered softly into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

I shut my eyes, my heart doing a little dance at the unexpected closeness. Tris's touch sent butterflies fluttering in my chest, and I couldn't help but ponder if this was crossing the line from just friends to something more.

"What are you up to?" I stammered, attempting to sound composed while my insides were a chaotic mess.

Tris's grip tightened just a smidge, his fingers teasing the hem of my shirt. "Just making sure you don't take a tumble," he murmured, his lips barely brushing my earlobe.

A delightful shiver raced down my spine at that soft touch. I opened my eyes, my gaze wandering to the bottles in front of me, but my thoughts were miles away. Was Tris actually flirting with me?

I turned to him, our bodies a breath apart. His eyes were locked onto mine, sparkling with mischief, but there was something deeper there-something that made my heart race.

"Tris, I think I can manage the stairs without a bodyguard," I quipped, trying to keep it light even though the air was thick with tension.

Tris laughed, his hand lingering on my waist for just a moment before it fell away. "My bad, just a reflex," he shrugged.

But I knew better. The glint in his eyes said it all. I was left wondering if our friendship was teetering on the edge of something exciting.

"Did you find the wine you were hunting for?" Tris asked, shattering the silence.

I nodded, my throat feeling parched. "Yeah, I think I did."

As we made our way back upstairs, the bottle firmly in my grip, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything had changed between us.

We poured the wine in silence, the tension thick enough to cut. I handed Tris his glass, our fingers brushing for a heartbeat.

"Thanks," he said, his gaze locking onto mine.

The connection was undeniable now. It felt like the air was buzzing with anticipation, just waiting to see what would unfold next.

" Tris, we have some tasks to tackle at the office, and you'll be the one behind the wheel. The truth is, I'm not in a good place to contribute much today, so all the responsibility and energy will be on your shoulders."

Tris's face shifted to serious mode as he gave a nod. "Chill, Em. I've got this. What's up? You've been acting all weird this morning."

I paused, caught in a web of uncertainty about how much to spill. But Tris's genuine concern was like a warm hug, easing my tension.

"Honestly? I'm just feeling swamped. The weight gain, the gym grind, and now work... it's all crashing down on me. And your comment earlier..." I trailed off, heat creeping into my cheeks.

Tris's gaze softened. "Hey, I'm really sorry if I hurt your feelings. That was not my vibe at all. You know I'm here for you, right?"

I nodded, feeling thankful for his understanding.

"Let's just survive today, and then we'll tackle that never-ending to-do list together, cool?" Tris said, his voice dripping with reassurance.

As we made our way to the office, Tris took the reins, breezing through the morning chaos like a pro. His confidence was like a soothing balm for my frazzled nerves.

Throughout the day, Tris kept checking in on me, making sure I was holding it together. His thoughtfulness only made me more aware of the spark growing between us.