“I like that too.”
“Usually the rent is a percentage of your take, Mike. So let’s both do some research on the internet and call me. I’ll give you my number, and we’ll talk.”
“Sounds good, Carter. Jer? Text me about tonight.”
“I’m thinking about ten p.m. Blake works late because of tax season. That okay?”
“Works for me. Catch you later. Carter? We’ll talk. Bye, guys.”
“So long.”
Jeremy hit the End button on his phone. “So you think this is a good idea, right? I’m not dabbling in too many things?”
Holding up one finger, Carter kept tapping with the other. “Give me one sec.” After a few more taps, he set the iPad aside. “If you didn’t do this, I’d slap you upside your head. It’s golden.”
Warmed by Carter’s praise, Jeremy lazed back in his chair. “Yeah, I thought it was a perfect solution to both of our needs.”
“It’s perfect. And did I hear you schedule at-home massages?” At Carter’s quick check of his watch, Jeremy was reminded that the man had come to work out, not have a meeting.
“Yeah. I’m sorry. Go do your workout, and we’ll touch base today.”
“Give me Mike’s number, please, before I forget. I want to surprise my husband with a massage after he comes home from work.”
“That’s what I’m doing for Blake. He’s so tense and snappy lately, I don’t know what to do.”
Carter slid his iPad back into his bag and stood. “A massage should loosen him up. When we were over at his sister’s house this past weekend picking Jacks up from a playdate, Michelle told me she hadn’t heard from him in weeks. So maybe tell him to give her a call?”
“I know he’s crazy busy, but I’ll make sure he gives her a call…if not tonight, then tomorrow.”
A twinkle lit Carter’s eyes, and he paused by the door with his hand on the knob. “Hopefully the massage will be the start of an evening that will have you too busy to make phone calls. That’s what I’m hoping for. With Jacks sleeping over at a friend’s house tonight, it’ll be only Reed and myself, and we haven’t had a complete night alone in a while.”
“That’s rough. I know I’m missing having Blake working normal hours. He leaves before I wake up even and doesn’t get home until close to eleven many nights. Never before nine, for sure. And he’s totally wiped out.”
A look of supreme distaste crossed Carter’s face, and he pursed his lips. “I don’t know how he can keep up that pace. I’d burn out knowing that would be happening every year for the rest of my life.”
Feeling defensive for Blake, Jeremy stopped Carter. “He’s not happy about the hours, but he does like the job, at least for now, and the money’s good. I guess with everything there’s a give and take, and right now he’s willing to put in the time. I know he’s hoping to make partner one day, and that’ll stop the crazy hours at least.”
“Are you two serious? You’ve been going out a while now, right?”
Thinking back to their first months together, Jeremy recognized he’d changed—become more settled and relaxed.Perhaps that’s what happiness is all about.
“Yeah. Almost five months now. It’s pretty serious, yeah.”
“Good,” Carter said. “I know Michelle was concerned about him finding someone. She told Reed and me a little about how their father bullied him as a kid and that she still feels guilty she left him there alone.” He opened the door, Jeremy following close behind.
At the front desk, Gino was checking in a pretty red-headed woman.
“I’ll call you later, and we’ll shore up those details we were talking about, Jeremy.” Carter headed to the locker room. “Have a good one.”
“Hey, Jer, I was just explaining to Chelsea here about our rates, hours, and stuff.”
Jeremy turned his attention from Carter, switching into business-owner mode.
“Welcome to Hard Core. I hope you’ll join us. I’m Jeremy, the owner, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me, Gino, or Benny.” He held out his hand, and she took it, giving him a bright, friendly smile.
“Hi. Wow, you’re the owner? I’ve never met the owner at any gym I’ve ever belonged to. Nice to meet you.”
She was certainly pretty, and while he hadn’t been attracted to anyone since meeting Blake, Chelsea was the type of woman he’d dated in the past. Bubbly personality, direct and friendly, and she possessed nice curves and wide brown eyes. A total hottie. And though he could see the interest in her eyes and smile, he felt no sexual attraction. She was simply another woman.
