“Hands shoulder width apart, breathe in and breathe out when you lift. Don’t hold your breath. One at a time.”
He shuffles on the bench a little before lifting the bar. His arms shake but he manages to extend all the way nicely.
Lowering the bar, he lets it rest in the cradle. “Can I ask you for some advice?”
“Sure, what’s it about?”
His gaze diverts across the room.
“Ah, about a girl?”
“You could say that.”
“Well, I may not be the right person to ask, but shoot and I’ll do my best.”
“Sure, okay. I know the policy doesn’t allow intra-crew relationships, but?—”
I hold up a hand.
“I’m going to stop you right there, Davies.”
He sits up, his expression bordering on desperation. “What if I transfer to another engine?”
He has to be talking about London. Owens is spoken for. So, unless Davies has a penchant for older guys with a mean streak that comes out misogynistic and without regard to other people...
“Davies, who?—”
“London, I have feelings for her. Like since our first day, and they’re only getting stronger, Cap. I’m so screwed.” His face is pained.
I’m rigid, hands curling around the bar.
“Sir?”
I should tell him to go for it. It makes sense. They’re both probies. They’re the same age. They’re...
“. . . ammond?”
I drop my gaze to the guy sitting on the workout bench.
“You alright? You kind of zoned out there. You know what... Forget I said anything, I’ll get over it.”
He pushes from the bench and walks out of the gym.
He’ll get over it.
He’ll get overher.
Molars grinding down hard, I sink to the bench, hands running through my hair.
Nothing like a little perspective to show a man what worth looks like.
Still, I won’t act on this.
I won’t have the selfish flippancy of Davies. Not for this. Not for London.
And when the alarm screams its siren call, I’m glad to be put to work. Autopilot sounds far better than the place my head has me right now. I rush through the house, bypassing the stairs, and straight into the garage.
London flies off the pole, almost slamming into me. Davies is right behind her. Were they together?
