“Hey, milady.Everything good for you?”
“Everything was fine until you came over to greet me.”She huffs.
Mallory West, the pop diva herself, doesn’t even look at me when she says it.Her tone is sharp, dismissive.I can’t help but chuckle.She’s clearly not in the mood to talk.She keeps pressing her legs against the machine, earbuds still in.
“Is that so?I thought you might need some extra guidance, Miss West.I could show you a few tricks.”My smile stays fixed, light and teasing.
“Oh, yeah?I suppose I’ll need the branch manager to get you to leave.”Her lips press into a thin line.
“What if I offer the owner of the entire chain to hear all your complaints?”Her legs freeze mid-rep.Finally, she looks at me.I spread my arms slightly, still smiling.“Well, I’m here.I heard from the staff you were looking for me.May I help you?”
Mallory exhales hard and shakes her head.She gets off the machine, towel in hand, wiping sweat from her temple down to her collarbone.Her eyes stay on me for a long second before she grabs her water bottle.
“Damn it.Why didn’t you say that from the start?”she scoffs.
“Sorry.I like teasing people.”I shrug, half-apologetic.
“Why doesn’t the owner of a national gym chain dress like one?”she asks, taking a sip.
“Did you expect me to show up in a glittery tux and a bow tie?”I grin.“This is a gym.Comfort over couture.But I’m working on something new—a sportswear line that actually looks good on you.You’ll see soon enough.”
She smirks.“You’re actually funny.Mallory West.You can call me Mallory.”She raises her fist.I tap mine gently against hers.
“Alan,” I say.“So, what can I help you with, Mallory?”
“I just wanted to say, I’m impressed.You opened this exclusive branch right across from my neighborhood.Makes it easy for me to pop in.Honestly, no one else would be crazy enough to open a gym in such a quiet area.”
“I like finding markets people overlook.”My fingers comb through my hair, and I flash a grin.
“Well, thank you for the effort.”
“What about the staff?I heard you’re happy with the personal trainer I handpicked for you.”I arch a brow.
“It’s fine.But I know you can make it better.”She slips her tumbler back into the holder.
“I can serve you to your utmost satisfaction—if that’s what you’re asking.”I crouch beside the machine as she settles back in.
“Actually, I’m not in need of that kind of service,” she says with a wry smile.“I’ve had enough gossip lately.”
“I can keep secrets,” I say quietly.“And I don’t mind being your summer fling.We’ll have fun, I promise.”I guide her foot back onto the press.
“Please, be easy on me.”Her smile spreads, her eyes glinting with mischief.
“Of course.”
* * *
August, 2024
“Alan, meet Tiana.”Mallory introduces one of her friends.
“Hey, Tiana.Nice to meet you.”I shake her hand.
“Nice to meet you, too!”she says, all enthusiasm and bright energy.
“I see you’re ready to slide down this giant thing.Nice bikini, by the way.”My gaze flicks toward her hot pink two-piece.
“He knows his brands,” Mallory cuts in, catching the flicker of doubt in her friend’s eyes.
