She was already halfway across the floor, heading for the dressing area, braid swinging, posture perfect again. I should’ve looked away, but I couldn’t.
11
Teddy
Getting my ass back to the stadium was my only goal after that shoot. The second set had a lot of individual shots of Connor and me, so I had a chance to breathe.
But I had way too much adrenaline to burn off. Lucky for me, I knew the training schedule well enough that I’d be able to avoid any more crossovers with the Knights for at least the next few hours and that the gym would largely be empty this afternoon.
The drive was a blur. I barely remember traffic lights or turns, just the thud of my pulse still echoing from being near him.
His voice in my ear.
His hands on my waist.
That stupid grin.
By the time I parked, my jaw hurt from clenching it.
Inside the gym, the familiar clang of weights and the sharp tang of rubber floors helped a little. I changed fast and tried like hell not to let my thoughts wander. I ran until my legs burned and then ran some more.
But the second my palms hit the barbell, his hands were on me again. The same spot, like he’d left a fingerprint on my ribs. I dropped the weight harder than necessary, the clatter making a few of the girls glance over.
“I’m fine,” I called, breathing hard.
Micah strolled around the corner a little while later, expression far too smug for someone who hadn’t endured a six a.m. PR circus. “How’d it go, Captain Covergirl?”
I glared at her reflection in the mirror. “Dear god, never call me that again.”
She perched on the bench, chin propped on her hand. “I caught the Buzz post,” she said, setting her clipboard down. “Congrats on breaking the internet, by the way.”
I froze mid-stretch, breathless. “What post?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it.”
When the confused expression didn’t leave my face, she tapped her phone and turned it toward me.
The thumbnail alone made my stomach twist—his hand on my waist, my head tilted toward him, eyes locked like we were about to kiss. A behind-the-scenes-moment I had no idea anyone would be posting.
“Oh, for—” I hissed through my teeth, scrolling. Thousands of likes. Hundreds of comments.Enemies-to-lovers energy,he looks obsessed, where can I find a man to look at me like that.
Micah winced, but only for a second. “PR gold, though.”
“I don’t care about that right now.” I passed her phone back and threw my towel over my shoulder. My blood was boiling, and considering it would be the second time today that was happening, I needed a break.
“You look great,” she offered. “He looks like he wants to ruin your life in the best way. It’s a vibe.”
I glared. “You’re not helping.”
“Not trying to.” She paused, then added gently, “You okay?”
I shook my head. “I’m fine. It was just PR. A job.”
“Mm.”
“What?”
“Nothing. You’re just talking like someone who’s trying really hard to believe what they’re saying.”
