As expected, Carter’s brows rose. “Oh? I didn’t know.”
“Yeah. I’m not just a dumb jock.” God, he hated feeling so defensive.
“Hey.” Carter frowned. “I’m no one to judge anybody. I grew up with no father and an alcoholic mother who dumped her kids at the first opportunity. So let’s clear the air up right now about what you thinkI’mthinking. Because if we’re going to be working together, and we’re also going to be seeing each other on a personal level, we have to have trust.”
The bitterness receded, and Jeremy saw Carter as he was—a self-made man who worked his ass off doing the best he could. Same as him.
“Sorry. I’m touchy about certain things.”
“I get it. I’m like that as well. But I’ve learned it’s much easier to think people are better than they are, rather than worse.”
He and Carter shook hands and left the restaurant. Carter hopped into a cab going uptown, and Jeremy turned down the block to the subway. Passersby jostled him, but Jeremy paid little heed to the bustling crowd around him. It was easy for Carter to think the best of everyone. He had it all—a thriving business, respect, and most of all, love. And while Jeremy was secure in the love of his mother and siblings, he’d yet to succeed in a relationship. He walked down West Broadway, thinking about his past relationships before Blake. They’d all started out alike: full of passion and heat and nights filled with laughter. But something always went wrong when he tried to go that next step, bringing it closer to the heart. It was why he’d given up. Until Blake.
Not yet ready to go back to the gym, he stood before a window at a men’s shop, staring inside at the expensive clothes. The door opened, and an older, extremely well-dressed man smiled at him.
“Would you like to come in and try something on? We have some things that would fit you perfectly.” The man’s dark gaze swept over him, and Jeremy sensed his interest. “I’d be very happy to assist you.”
Amused, Jeremy shook his head. “Sorry. I’m just window-shopping.” He wasn’t about to say there was no way in hell he’d spend that much money on clothing. Jeans, T-shirts, and sweaters were fine with him.
“Oh, that’s too bad. Well, in case you’re interested, our sale will be on until the end of the month. Come back anytime and ask for me. I’m Geoffrey.”
“Uh, sure.”
“Have you ever modeled? You certainly have the look.” Geoffrey studied him.
“Nope, no interest.” Not after what Noah had been through. He’d rather stick a fork in his eye.
“Do you work in the fashion industry?” Geoffrey pressed on, oblivious to his disinterest.
“Not at all. I run a gym.”
“Ooh. Yes. You’re very fit.”
Bored with the direction the conversation was taking, Jeremy turned to leave. “Well, see you.”
“Wait. Do you have a card?” Geoffrey stepped out of the doorway and took Jeremy’s arm, caressing him through his coat. “I’m in dire need of a personal trainer. One who makes house calls. I pay well for personalized service.” His grip tightened on Jeremy’s bicep. “Very well.”
Exactly as he’d suspected. This guy was interested in having a pretty boy toy.
“Sorry. I don’t cater to that clientele.” That sounded better than what he really wanted to say.
Shrugging off Geoffrey’s hand, Jeremy hurried across the street and down into the subway station. Of course the train was pulling out as he pushed through the turnstiles, and he sat with a heavy thump on the wooden bench. Half the reason he hated coming into the city was because of shallow jerks like Geoffrey the salesman. Determined to push the distasteful encounter out of his mind, Jeremy pulled out the file of papers Carter had given him and began to read them again, this time with a different eye. One toward expansion. Without thinking, he texted Blake.
Had a great meeting with Carter. Lots of stuff to talk about.
Jeremy watched the message change fromdeliveredtoread, yet he received no answering text back. Irritated, he shoved the phone back into his pocket, then, remembering Blake’s work schedule, immediately felt contrite about bothering him at work.
The train ride back to Brooklyn was stop-and-go with delays, but Jeremy didn’t mind. It gave him plenty of opportunity to go over what he and Carter had discussed, and by the time he got back to the gym, he’d decided Carter was right. If he wanted to grow and succeed, changes would have to be made.
Hard Core was hopping with activity when he walked through the door. The early afternoon crowd had begun to trickle in, and the weight room was full. Benny and Gino were at the front desk, but they had nothing much to do, and Jeremy saw the opportunity there for them to help in the juice bar.
“Hey, Jer. How was lunch?”
As always, Gino had a big smile for him. With his black curls and flashing dark eyes, not to mention a well-muscled body, Gino would be a perfect spokesman for the new plan, and Jeremy hoped he’d be on board. Benny, Jeremy guessed, might be a bit too shy, but he’d decided to ask for his help as well. These guys had been with him from the beginning, and he wanted them to be part of the expansion.
“Lunch was great. I want to talk to you both about something.”
They both gazed up at him expectantly from behind the counter.
