The line goes dead, and I can’t help the smile that finds my face. He is impossible. I steal a few more peaceful minutes, then jump down and turn all the lights out in the studio, making my way downstairs. Logan is in the gym but otherwise it’s quiet.
“Anderson, your girls left hours ago. You okay?”
“Yeah, just one of those days.” I shrug.
He nods his head in understanding. “That guy from the other week,” he pauses, trying to remember his name.
“Mase.” I remind him.
“Yeah him! He called and asked if you were here. I came up but the door was locked,” he says with a weak smile and a quizzical look.
Logan gets me. He has known me for years and knows all about my family—or lack of.
“It’s just Mum.”
“I figured it would be something like that,” he says, tipping his chin towards the door. “Incoming.”
My stomach flips when I see Mason making his way towards the gym doors. He is in sweats and a white tee which surprises me considering the time.
I smile as he steps through the door. “Hey!”
He comes straight to me, wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing me openly in front of Logan. He invades every part of me, reaching into the depths and smothering every dark part of me with his warmth.
“This is Logan. He is my manager here at the gym. I think you got off on the wrong foot the first time you met.” I raise a brow at the man by my side, but he is already reaching his hand out to Logan.
“I understand why you wouldn’t let me up, and I appreciate you looking out for Nina.”
I blink several times, unsure if I heard him correctly.
Did he justthankhim?
“Of course.” Logan grins wide, looking at me as he shakes Mason’s hand.
My phone begins to ring in my bag, and I huff out a sigh as I check the screen.
Shit! Joey!
I completely forgot to call him back.
“Just give me a sec,” I say to the boys, moving to the door for privacy.
“Joey, hi. Sorry I didn’t call. Things have been manic recently. How are you?”
“I’m good. No stress, but I do need to know if you will be available to do these photos. I’m running out of time, and I need to confirm a placement.” He sounds stressed and it makes me feel terrible that I never read his email.
“Yes, of course. I’d love to do the photos. It sounds like a great opportunity.”
“And Tuesday, you can do it that soon?”
“Tuesday?” Should have fucking read the email. “Uh, yes, I could probably make that work.” I try to remember which groups I have in when. I usually have my one-on-ones on a Tuesday. Shit, I will have to check.
“Well that’s a relief. Thank you, Nina. I will send you confirmation this evening.”
“I’m actually really looking forward to it,” I tell him honestly. “I checked out the gallery you mentioned on Facebook. It looks incredible. You work there, right?”
“Yes, I do, and it is incredible; you’ll have to come see it sometime.”
I look over at Mason. He is chatting with Logan but his eyes are focused on me. “Yeah maybe some time I will. See you Tuesday, Joey,” I mumble, already drawn to the man across the room, who with one look, can undo me completely.
