Instead of sitting, I order an espresso, throw it back, and leave. My legs automatically take me in the direction of River’s place, which makes me internally roll my eyes.
Get a bloody grip, woman!
Then I remember she mentioned the gym, and by God, I just can’t stop myself. The only issue is there are five of the bloody things on board.Searching them all just for a glimpse of her in gym shorts is close to desperation. I’ll own it. I’m a woman possessed. I can’t think about anything else. I can’t focus on work. I can’t focus on the investigation.
All I can think about is River. River in gym shorts. River sweating. River looking at me with those eyes.
Jesus, I’ve got it bad.
The first two gyms were a bust. I started at the one closest to River’s quarters, but no luck. The third one…jackpot!
I push through the door and am instantly hit by the smell of sweat. There are several people scattered around the different bits of equipment. It’s Boot’s voice that snags my attention. I look over to where she is and audibly gasp. Boot is standing by River, encouraging her on as she squats with rather heavy looking dumbbells.
I think I just came.
River is…well, I’m not sure I have the vocabulary to describe what looking at her is doing to me internally.
My eyes start from her trainers and slowly glide up. Muscles ripple as she strains. I’ve never seen legs with such definition. She’s wearing tight gym shorts that are plastered to her backside, making her bum pop. Thank you, gym mirrors, for that little gem.
Further up, my eyes land firmly on her abs. Defined and sweaty. With just a sports bra on, I can see every curve and bulge. River’s arms glisten under the halogen lights, showing me just how strong she is. Her biceps are utterlymagnificent. I want to run my hands over them. I want to feel her strength. I want to feel her pressed against me, all that power and muscle and heat…
My mouth is dry. My palms are sweating. My heart is pounding so hard I’m sure everyone in the gym can hear it.
Tracking a bead of sweat from her throat to between her breasts, I lick my lips instinctually.
“One more, Romeo, come on you’ve got it,” Boot bellows at her. Looking from River’s bust to her face, I’m not surprised to find her staring straight at me. She’s wearing a baseball cap backwards, hiding her dark hair, and she looks good. Total butch vibe going on, and I like it.
River squats one last time, pushing up with a grunt of determination. Boot helps her guide the heavy dumbbells to the rack where they belong. I watch Boot smack River on the arse and laugh as River bends at the waist, breathing heavily.
I’ll look weird if I stay here watching much longer, so I casually walk over to them.
“Good workout?”
Boot cackles. “I love it when I get to thrash her like that.”
“You nearly killed me, you arse!” River pants.
Tutting Boot shakes her head. “I got you to put some effort in is all. You’re the one who came to me wanting a tough routine.”
I smile to myself, knowing I’m the reason she needed such a workout.
“Feeling better now?” I ask.
Boot has her back to us, cleaning the equipment. River peers up through her eyelashes. “A little,” she replies, casting her eyes from my head to my toes.
My willpower vanishes in an instant. I want her…now. Taking a step forward, I bend down until my lips are level with her ear. I donotwant Boot overhearing.
“Maybe I could help with any lasting…tension?”
I’m being bold. I’m being direct. I’m breaking every rule I set in place, and I don’t care anymore. Honor was right: life is too short to overthink this. River makes me feel alive. River makes me feel brave. And right now, I want her more than I want my next breath.
In my peripherals, I see her swallow several times and I hear her breathing hitch for a second.
“I wish,” she murmurs back.
“Follow me,” I say, standing back up. “See you later, Boot.”
She turns and waves. I give River a pointed look and then head out the door, hoping she follows.
