When I look back, Aron is cracking up as he looks up from his cell. I spin on my heel and walk back. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s this way.” He strides off in the opposite direction. I have to hustle to keep up with him, but at least it’s easier to get my speed up without that heavy backpack.
“Do you work around here?” I’m trying to be polite. I’m sure Kade’s mentioned what Aron and his brothers do in town, but it’s slipped my mind. The events of the last six months have wiped everything from my brain. It’s like I’ve only been able to focus on getting out and away, and everything else doesn’t matter.
“Yes, my brothers and I run Langstones. The gym. Are you in town for a while? I’ll give you a pass. Or you can use Kade’s. He’s got his hands so full with all his kids, he hasn’t trained for a while. Tell him he needs to get back to his workouts or I’ll come and drag him in.” He looks down at me as we walk together. “Are you here for a visit?”
I meet his gaze, wondering how much I should say. “Probably longer. I’m actually looking for a job, in case you know of anywhere? And I’ll help out with my nephew and nieces. It’s kind of a fresh start.” I look away as we turn the corner. The town is actually starting to seem more inviting, with a wide avenue of trees which are beginning to spring into blossom.
“You’re kinda young for a fresh start, Olivia…” Aron matches his pace with mine, since I’ve slowed down a little.
“Now you sound like Kade.” I raise my eyebrows, annoyed at how this conversation is turning out. I’m sure Aron just sees me as my brother’s little sister now he knows who I am. Which is a shame, since he’s the first guy I’ve been around for a long time that I think is cute.
Aron laughs. “And that’s a bad thing? Anyway, we’re looking for someone to do part-time reception at the gym, if you can answer a phone and work a laptop. Once you get settled, drop by Langstones later and we’ll see. Here we are.” He carries my bag to the top of the steps as the door to the apartment block opens and my brother steps out.
Kade smiles at both of us as he reaches for the bag. “You did good, Oli. You found the safest and strongest escort in the whole of Darlinton. Thanks, dude.”
I shrug my shoulders. “I was handling it. But thanks, Aron.”
He waves as he takes the steps down two at a time. As Kade takes my bag inside I can’t resist a last look as he walks down the street.
My brother’s best friend. Absolutely and completelynevergoing to happen. And I shouldn’t be thinking about guys anyway. I need to make a new start.
No guys allowed.
Period.
ChapterTwo
ARON
The rain stops when I’m halfway down the road and I pull my hood down.
I’m in a daze, like my feet aren’t quite connecting with the ground. Meeting Olivia like that has thrown me off my stride and I’m someone who isn’t easily distracted.
Kade’s kid sister, who he used to torment by hiding her Barbies on top of the refrigerator where she couldn’t reach them; who got scared when we were babysitting and a cheesy horror film came on. Kade’s little sister, who is now a stunningly beautiful girl with curves in all the right places. It’s like my ideal woman was crafted in a lab and dropped right there on the rainy Darlinton street, struggling with her backpack.
Except she iscompletelyoff limits. I’m not going to jeopardize my friendship with Kade; he’s been there for me most of my life. He was the rock who got me and my brothers through the painful time after our parents died in a car crash.
As I turn the corner onto Main Street, I remember I’ve offered her a job. Or at least the chance of a job. I shake my head. I’ve just got to see her like a little sister if she’s going to be around. I’ll concentrate on work and block out any sexy stuff from my head.
I’m surprised I didn’t recognize her more quickly, but she moved to Newhope with her Mom and Kade stayed in Arizona with his Dad when they split up. Kade moved out here when he got a job up at the army base. He was the person who prompted the idea of coming out here and setting up the gym, a decision that’s turned out incredibly well for us Langstones brothers.
When I get back to the gym, I’m so deep in thought that I nearly walk into the glass door without opening it. Juni watches from reception, a smile on her face. “You forgotten how it works, Aron?”
“Temporary glitch, Juni. How’s it going?” There’s a buzz from inside which means the gym is busy.
“Great. We’ve had two new sign-ups this morning and we’re almost at capacity. Ivar is training a client right now and your next session is in an hour. Cole and Alyssa have gone to pick up the supplies for the next food-to-go delivery. The plumber came and looked at the tap, and said he can fix it on the weekend. All systems go, chief.” She performs a mock salute.
I laugh. Juni’s known us all so long that she’s allowed to tease us. Now,shereally is like my little sister. And Ivar thinks of her the same way. Which is a shame, since I’m pretty sure she holds a candle for him. Not that he deserves it, the big clown.
“My friend Kade’s little sister is in town and she’s looking for a job. I said we had something here, so she might stop by later. Her name’s Olivia. Blonde wavy hair, blue eyes, small...” I almost add ‘gorgeous’, but stop in time.
“Sure, I’ll let you know when she comes in.” The phone starts ringing and Juni picks it up as I walk behind the desk into the main gym floor.
I have a deep sense of satisfaction as I look around. My brothers and I have worked hard to make this place a success. But we’ve also been lucky that this small town is growing fast. People are friendly and there’s a sense that everyone looks out for one another, which I like. At the same time, it means everyone knows your business, and I’ve had to get used to small town gossip.
Ivar catches my eye as he trains his client. My brother is a joker, but he’s pretty serious when he’s working, thank the Lord. He points towards the equipment room, miming a twisting movement. He must mean that damn dripping tap. It doesn’t stay turned off, which is what we’re hoping the plumber can fix. In the meantime, we all have to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t flood the sink. It’s a drag.
