“Amy, it’s your responsibility to make yourself happy. This isn’t the situation you thought you would be in, but you’re in it. You need to make the best of it and work out where you want to be.”
Pressure builds behind my eyes, not from tears but exhaustion. Every muscle in my face trembles with the effort of holding myself together. I stare at our joined hands, and everything else blurs.
“And I’m here for you every step of the way.”
The following day, I return to the gym with a renewed determination to do better. To stop wallowing in my self-pity and start to have some routine in my life again. I can’t spend every day scanning invoices into a computer for a few hours, then curling up on the sofa with crisps. Six months off training has caused my body to soften, and I’ve lost a lot of my hard work along with my husband. I’m furious with myself for losing focus.
***
Trey’s eyes pop open when he sees me. I never told him I planned to come in today…in case I changed my mind. “Boss,” he shouts across the equipment before striding over to me. “It’s great to see you.” He wraps his arms around me and kisses my forehead. “Please tell me you’re back to do some actual work.”
I laugh and cling to my friend. He’s been amazing these past months, never complaining, just getting on with what needs to be done.
“Thank you,” I whisper, “thank you for everything. I don’t know what I’d have done without you. This place.” I signal to our surroundings with my hand. “This place would have been closed. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Well, you can,” he says with a smirk. “Can I have the weekend off?”
“Of course.” I giggle. “You can have every weekend until Christmas if you want it.”
He belly laughs and shakes his head. “No, no, no. This is my hiding place. I come here for a rest. Derek has me decorating.”He groans. “Honestly, the man is a taskmaster. He’s even threatened to get the horsewhip out if I don’t paint faster.” He grins. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea. We could have some fun with that.”
I step back and hold up my hands in protest. “Too much information, Trey,” I squeal. “I really don’t need visions of you, Derek, and a horsewhip.”
He laughs.
“Do you want to scar me mentally before I’ve even got back to work?”
“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” he says with a wink.
***
My first week back in the gym goes smoothly. Trey has the place running like a well-oiled machine. Everything is organized, clean, and processed. It’s amazing. I feel so lucky he chose to walk up my steps that day and ask for a job. Not only did I gain a wonderful friend, but I found a mentor.
It’s almost closing time, and the place is empty. The sound of booted feet walking across the floor grabs my attention, and I freeze. Who would be here at this time of night? I feel under my desk for the pepper spray I keep it hidden, just in case.
There is a soft tap on my office door. It’s slightly ajar, so I can see a large masculine figure on the other side.
“Come in,” I shout, and the door swings open.
Ivan Harley steps into the room, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me. I’ve never seen him looking so casual in a white t-shirt and jeans. Every time I’ve met him, we’ve been at events, and he’s always suited and booted with expensive shirts and Rolex watches. Tonight, he almost looks normal. Dangerous still, but in an understated way.
He smiles and nods in greeting. “Hi,” I say, surprised by my visitor.
“Hello, Amy, it’s nice to see you again. Trey said you were back from your time away.”
A flicker of irritation sparks—why the hell has Trey been talking to him? Still, the way he says my name pulls my attention like gravity. His voice is low, smooth, rich like chocolate. The kind of tone that could talk anyone into anything.
“I was sorry to hear about your separation from your husband. Jerry, was it?”
“Terry,” I correct him.
“Ah yes. Well, he’s an interesting fellow. Anyway, I’m not going to beat around the bush with pleasantries,” he says. “I’m here to buy your gym.”
I gape at him and stammer, “What?”
“You heard me. You’re not a stupid woman. Divorce is a messy business. I’m sure the extra funds will come in handy. I wantBex’s New You. Ask me nicely, and I may even give you a job.”
“Why?” I ask, stunned and offended in the same heartbeat. “We’re so small. How could my little gym be of any benefit to you?”
