He had no idea what had gone wrong.
The dinner had been both relaxing and fun. Justine didn’t seem to mind him being a therapist, which could sometimes be off-putting for people. They became self-conscious when talking to him, thinking he was analyzing every word they said. Not Justine. She’d been laughing and open, sincere about processing her evening.
He felt for her. Her family sounded worlds apart from his. Though he and Auggie teased about their mother’s lecturing, it all came from a place of love. And she’d never hold their choices against them. From a young age, he’d been taught to be accepting of everyone. Race, gender, sexual orientation—none of it meant anything compared to the soul inside the body.
Yet Justine didn’t seem to have that. From what he’d heard and what shehadn’tsaid, she wanted her parents to accept her because she loved them, even if she didn’t always like them. Why else go to a dinner party knowing she’d likely get run over by her overbearing family?
He ran faster on the treadmill as he thought about that Cal guy, the one she hadn’t exactly disliked. Why did her parents need her to date the perfect man? At least she’d been smart enough to ditch her ex. She hadn’t mentioned much of him, but the guy sounded like a jackass.
He couldn’t imagine Justine needing that much more from a man than empathy and affection. So where exactly had Mitch gone wrong?
His curiosity was itching at him, wanting to know more about the woman he had a tough time not thinking about. And God, hugging her had beenexcruciating.
She’d felt like warm sin, all curves and strength, yet fragile. It had been all he could do not to rub up against her like some big perv. So even though he’d been aroused, he’d been careful not to show it.
Five minutes after she’d left, he’d talked himself out of being aroused. Then ended his night by jacking off to thoughts of her, unable to get her unbound breasts and tight ass out of his mind—those pajamas he’d caught her in on Saturday.
He ran harder, feeling that arousal build once more. Not about to be caught chubbing up at the gym, he ran himself into exhaustion before turning to the free weights.
He finished his workout and nodded at a few gym-goers he hadn’t seen in a while.
“Well, well, Rapunzel finally left her tower.” A trainer with a steel-hard frame and square jaw smirked at him.
“I’m not sure if that’s a reference that I need a haircut or you’re calling me a girl.”
“Neither,” Gavin Donnigan said, crossing his arms over a broad chest. “First, I’m not into your hair, though I’ve heard more than a few of our members talking about the hot redhead with guns.”
“My hair’s brown, not red,” Xavier growled.
Gavin talked over him. “And since your sister isn’t here, and they were looking in your direction, I’m thinking the guns they were talking about belong to you.” He looked over Xavier’s arms and added, “Puny though they are.”
Xavier flushed, which had no doubt been Gavin’s intent. “Dick.”
“Second,” Gavin said with a grin, “your sister’s a girl, and she scares me. No way I’d ever insult women by lumping your sorry ass into the pool. I was knocking the fact that it’s been a while since your royal highness has graced the gym with your majestic presence.” Gavin sighed. “It’s like, now that you’re a civilian, you’ve lost all sense of discipline.”
“Oh, please. It’s been ten years.” Xavier huffed. Gavin had served time in the Marine Corps, as had his brothers. If Xavier wasn’t mistaken, the youngest Donnigan was still on active duty. “Speaking of discipline, how’s Theo doing?”
Gavin’s smile widened. “Little shit is just fine. Sergeant Donnigan has been kicking ass and taking names.”
“Hell, man. That’s terrific. How long does he have left on his contract?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure if he’s gonna re-up or not, but he’s doing well so far. He’s got some leave built up. I think he’s coming for a visit in the fall. We’ll have a big party. You’re invited.”
“Well, you kind ofhaveto invite me, don’t you?” Xavier smirked. “Because if you don’t, Auggie will throw a fit. She’s all about us jarheads sticking together.”
Gavin shuddered. “I know. I already admitted she scares me. You trying to give me nightmares? I’ve had enough of those to last a lifetime.”
Xavier saw Gavin’s teasing for what it was, innocent jesting. Not the call for help he’d once had. Xavier worked with Gavin’s therapist at MYM Counseling, the practice from which Xavierwas currently on a break. Though the therapists didn’t share patient information, Xavier had spoken with Gavin at a group session a few years ago, sharing stories and embracing the service they’d all given to Corps and country. Auggie and Gavin’s older brother had been there too, all of them bonding and becoming friends. That networking had in fact landed Auggie a job at the gym where Gavin managed the other trainers.
“Hey, don’t tell loudmouth I asked, but how’s my sister doing? She seems pumped about some exercise competition coming up.”
“Your sister’s a kick.” Gavin laughed. “She’s been talking a lot of trash to the other trainers entering the competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wins it. Talk about driven.” Gavin shrugged. “I’m an old married guy with another kid on the way. I can’t keep up with you youngsters.”
Xavier refrained from rolling his eyes. Gavin looked like he ate weights for breakfast and had no lack of attention at the gym from anyone and everyone needing advice on how to get huge. “You’re like, forty, right? That’s not too old.”
“I’m thirty-eight,” Gavin snapped back.
“Oh, my bad. The gray in your hair threw me.”
