Page 168 of A Killer Workout

Kayne stopped, stepped behind her, and wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting near her temple.She leaned back into him without hesitation, her hands settling over his forearms.

“I get why you love this place,” she said quietly.“It’s not just beautiful.It’s intentional.”

“It’s family,” he said.Then, lower, “You’re family too.”

Emotion flooded her veins.

She turned in his arms, her hands sliding up his chest, needing to see his face.His green eyes were steady, certain in a way that made her breath catch.

“Cher,” he said softly, “you ain’t gettin’ rid of me.Not now.Not ever.”

The words were a promise she hadn’t known she’d been waiting for.

She didn’t answer with words.She kissed him instead, slow and sure, her heart opening around the truth of it.This wasn’t a moment stolen from fear.It was claimed from hope.

When they finally parted, she smiled up at him.“You’re really bad at casual reassurance.”

He huffed a quiet laugh.“Yeah.I don’t do casual.”

“Good,” she said.“I don’t want it.”

“Ew.”

They both startled.

A small figure stood a few feet away, hands on hips, eyes bright with mischief.He was absolutely adorable, grinning at them as if he’d just won something.

“That was the most awkward gym stretch I’ve ever seen,” he announced.“You’re supposed to warm upbeforeyou pull something.”

Chloe burst out laughing.

Kayne groaned.“Kid, you ever heard of knockin’?”

He glanced around incredulously, arms wide.“On what?An oak tree?Besides, I yelled in my head.”

“That don’t count.Chloe, this is Kai Costa.”

“Kai, I’m so happy to meet you,” Chloe said warmly.“I’ve heard so much about you.”

Kai looked starstruck.“You’re even prettier than in the commercials.”

The kid was a charmer and would be breaking many hearts in the near future.“Thank you.”

“Chloe, I have a question for you.Why did the cow go to the gym?”

Chloe smiled.“I don’t know.Why?”

“To getmoo-scular.”

Chloe laughed until her side hurt.

Kai beamed, clearly proud.

Kayne stared at him, a smile twitching at his lips.“I swear, I will revoke your dad’s grilling privileges.”

The kid cackled and sprinted off, shouting, “Worth it!”

Chloe leaned back into Kayne, still smiling, the lake glinting in front of them, the future not scary at all.Because Kayne was with her.Because love wasn’t about avoiding the hard things.It was about facing them together.

And this time, she wasn’t afraid of forever.

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