“Small world,” I said. It came out more strangled than suave.
“Apparently.” He moved closer, smelling faintly of clean sweat and something woodsy—like cedar and sin. “Didn’t know Ultra Bright employees lived here.”
“Just me. Well, me and my roommates. One of their dads works for Cruz Kemper’s property management company, so we got a deal on rent.” Why was I still talking?
“Well, your employer lives here too. He’s got a unit on my floor.”
“Reed lives here?”
That was new information—and suddenly, very unfair.
“Yep.” Kyle leaned on the treadmill next to mine, arms crossed. It should’ve been intimidating, but somehow, it wasn’t. “You always work out this late?”
“Only when I can’t sleep.” I cringed the second it left my mouth.
“Work stress?”
I nodded. “Yeah. You?”
“Same.” He glanced at the windows, city lights glittering below us. “Moving helps me think.”
“Me too.”
I twisted my water bottle open just to give my hands something to do. This was surreal. An hour ago, I’d been trying not to think about him. Now he was here, sweaty and gorgeous and talking about stress like a relatable human.
The bicep guy finished, grabbed his towel, and left. The door closed—and suddenly, it was just us.
“For what it’s worth,” Kyle said finally, “you handled yourself well today.”
I blinked. “I—thank you?”
“I’m not surprised Reed blew me off, but I would’ve expected him to send someone from PR. Not someone who actually knew what she was talking about.” His gaze swept over me, lingering just long enough to make my pulse trip.
“I know ClimaGlow inside and out,” I said, chin lifting. “I wouldn’t have taken that meeting if I didn’t.”
“I believe you.” His voice had softened, lower now. “For the record, I don’t think you stole anything.”
My heart stuttered. “But you think someone at Ultra Bright did.”
“I think the similarities are too close to ignore.” His tone hardened. “But I’m willing to be proven wrong. That’s why I agreed to the deep-dive.”
“Then I’ll prove it.”
His mouth curved—barely, but it was there. An almost-smile that did dangerous things to my insides. “I’m looking forward to it.”
God help me, so was I.
“I should get back to my workout,” I said, even though my legs were jelly.
“Right.” He stepped back, giving me space—but didn’t leave. He just watched me, those dark eyes impossible to read.
I hit the start button and tried to jog like a normal person. Spoiler—I did not succeed. Running while Kyle Ashbrook watched me was like juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle.
“Avery.”
I looked over, nearly tripping again. “Yeah?”
“See you at the deep-dive.” His voice was low, rough, a little dangerous.
