Aiden’s not here yet, but I hope he arrives in the next few minutes to appreciate my song choice. I grab a marker and write out the warm-up on the board for the next class. The letters swim for a second, and instead of the word “squats,” all I can see is Gabe, flushed and breathless, back pressed to the bookshelf while he grinds into me. I grin like the simp I am, and finish writing.
I pull out my phone and stare at the screen, trying to come up with something that saysholy fuck, that was the hottest thing that’s ever happened to me,but also,I’d be fine spending forever just holding your hand.
Turns out there’s not really a text for that.
The front door opens, and I shove my phone into my hoodie pocket as my first client walks in. Tom gives me a small wave, the kind people give when they’re not sure if they belong in a gym yet. I like working with him—he’s determined in that quiet way that makes you root for him.
“Morning,” I call out cheerily. “You ready to hate me in new and exciting ways?”
He chuckles. “Is there any other reason to be here?”
By the time Tom leaves, promising—probably lying—that he’ll stretch at home, I’ve gotten my head back on straight. Mostly.
Until I check my phone and see Gabe’s name on the screen.
Gabe:Sorry if that was too much earlier.
Gabe:I didn’t mean to… you know. In the shop.
I lean against the counter, reading it over. Has he been worrying about this all day? My heart squeezes. Maybe he thinks I didn’t like it, that I’ve been keeping things slow because I don’t want more. I’ve kept my hands above his waist every time we’ve kissed, careful not to push, but maybe that’s made him think I don’t want him.
I take my time before I answer.
Me:It wasn’t too much, it was perfect
Me:And just so you know, it’s not that I don’t want to go further. But there’s no rush, okay? Only what you want, when you want.
I’d rather be having this conversation in person, but I don’t want him spending any more time worrying. There’s a long pause. I can picture him chewing on his lip, probably brushinghis thumb over that scar like he does when he’s thinking too hard.
Meanwhile, I’m over here staring at my phone like an overeager puppy waiting for a treat.
Gabe:Ok
Gabe:I want to go further
Well fuck, now my metaphorical tail is wagging. I fall onto the seat behind the desk, hard, legs not cooperating for a second. I didn’t expect him to put it so plainly.
Aiden breezes in with coffees, and I shove my phone in my pocket and pray to any deity listening that he doesn’t notice I’m hard, thinking about his brother.
“Coffee,” he grunts
“Look at you, wandering in like you own the place,” I tease, taking one from him.
“Don’t,” he grumbles, eyeing the gym. “I was up half the night with Rose. She’s going through some sort of sleep regression.”
“Shit, man, that’s rough. Is she okay?”
“Yeah, she’s good, was full of energy going to daycare this morning. I, on the other hand, feel like death.”
“Old age catching up with you,” I snicker, and he swats my arm.
“Okay, enough shit talk.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Get to work.”
“I’ve been working all morning!” I tell him, and he rolls his eyes at me, grinning.
He heads off to set up the next circuit, and I check my phone again.
Me:I think it was pretty clear HOW MUCH I liked what happened this morning. There was substantial evidence
