Ian
“This is great,” Tyler chirps. “We haven’t all worked out together in forever.”
Jack grunts as he completes his squat set and racks his barbell. “Definitely need to do this more.”
“Yeah…if you three can get permission to come out,” Tyler mutters as he loads more weight on the barbell for his squats.
Jack, Nate, and I glance at each other before leveling an amused glare in his direction.
Tyler seems to sense the jovial indignation being sent in his direction at his dig. He turns to look at us hesitantly, giving a sheepish shrug. “I mean, Ian was the only one who’s worked out with me after Olive moved in with Nate, and for the last couple of weeks, even he’s been too busy now.”
Nate slaps Tyler on the shoulder and pulls him in for anawkward hug. “Aw, does Tyler miss his idols spending time with him? I speak for all of us when I say, we’re honored and deeply sorry to have ditched you.”
Pushing Nate off, Tyler rolls his eyes. “Idols might be a little strong. I really just need a spot, so I don’t accidentally kill myself.”
I smirk. Even if he won’t admit it, I know Tyler does, in fact, look up to us, especially his cousin Jack. Guilt starts to bring on a frown. While I wouldn’t trade the time I’m spending with Maggie, he isn’t wrong. I haven’t shown up for him like I have in the past.
“Come on, Tyler. I got you on this set.” I step over to the squat rack. “Is this a PR for you?”
“Nah, I did ten heavier the other day.”
Giving him an approving nod, I gesture for him to get into position. “Nice, man.” I spot him through a few squats, and when he takes his break between sets, I say, “I’m sorry I haven’t been around. While I might not be as available as I was before, that doesn’t mean I can’t make time for you.”
“It’s all good. I’m happy all of you have found someone. Especially that it’s Maggie.” Tyler shrugs. “Just an adjustment period, I guess.”
I cross my arms and nod. “You’re right. But I’ll still do better.”
He has a half-smile when he says, “I appreciate it. Hell, who knows, maybe I’ll meet someone next, and then I won’t care you three are too busy for me.”
“I have no doubt you will.” I point at him. “She better be fucking good enough for you. Don’t you dare settle.”
Tyler huffs out a laugh and rolls his eyes. Stepping under the barbell, he sets up for his next set. “I’ll make sure you all give your stamps of approval.”
“Damn right, you will,” Nate calls out from the weight bench next to us.
We let the conversation drop as we finish our workout. I never thought I would be where I am today—happy and not alone. I figured I’d be alone forever, probably at least a little angry and bitter. However, I must admit that I like this version a lot more than what I thought my future would be.
Crazy what falling in love will do.
My body freezes at that thought, mid-bench press. Jack grabs the bar, thinking I’m struggling with the weight. He assists with setting the barbell back in place.
“You okay, man?”
I sit up and shake my head to clear my thoughts. “Yeah, sorry. I, uh,” I hesitate, not wanting to admit what just went through my mind. “Never mind.” I lie back and grip the bar. “I’m going to do another set.
He eyes me curiously, but doesn’t question me.
By the timeI unlock my front door, I’m still analyzing how I feel about coming to the realization that I might be in love with Maggie.
Am I in love with her, or does my mind just think that because it’s the next logical step?
I have no idea what it’s like to be in love with someone. All I know is what it looks like from the outside now that I have been around people who are head-over-heels in love with their partners. But how does itfeel?How do they know it’s love and not just their mind playing tricks on them?
The smell of Italian seasoning and tomato sauce fills my nose as I close the door behind me. Music and pans clanging call me to the kitchen.
Maggie’s busy cooking, digging through my cabinets and singing softly to herself. She hasn’t noticed me, so I take a few minutes to watch her. My dick twitches when she bends over and I get a perfect view of her spandex-covered ass. She stands back up, and my T-shirt that she’s wearing falls back into place, partially obscuring my view.
She turns, and the second she sees me, her entire face lights up. My breath catches. The way she’s looking at me is something I don’t think I’ve ever experienced. Nor have I ever walked into my house and been greeted by the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen cooking me dinner.
