Jet
Gripping the metal bar tight,I let out a slow breath while I lifted the weights, legs set square, core activated, and biceps burning. Standing while I squeezed my muscles, I let felt every fiber in my body ache with the effort, then pulled in a fresh breath as I lowered the bar to the mat again.
I gasped. The gym was like a religion to me, one of the things that anchored me and helped me focus all my energy. It was also a helpful distraction, since my head usually cleared while I was working out. Even now, though, sweat pouring down my chest, I still kept thinking about Peyton.
Eve had suggested that, since he started sleeping over a few times a week anyway, I should just ask him to be my boyfriend. Which, fine, I guess. Except that I had never had a boyfriend or a girlfriend or anything like that, and whenever I imagined myself saying the words to Peyton, it made me feel like I was asking someone to go steady in junior high.
Hell, I hadn’t even told him that I got tested yet.
And before I got to any of that, I first had to sit down with Noah. It made the hairs on the back of my neck prickle, thinking about it. I was resistant to the idea that anyone could tell me who I should or shouldn’t date. I’d sacrificed a hell of a lot to be true to myself, and it went against my nature to apologize now or to go groveling for approval.
But harboring hard feelings toward Noah wasn’t an option. My brother was still learning to trust me, and a fight over me dating his friend needed to be avoided at any fucking cost. When the time came, I had to keep it cool and meet him on his terms and just pray that he’d have an open mind.
When I was walking out of the gym, I saw a message from Peyton waiting on my phone. It was about time for us to hook up again, so I had hoped I would hear from him soon.You free?he asked.
Leaving the gym. What’s up?
Nothing much. Can you come by the office, though?A second later, he added,Nothing to worry about. I’ll explain when you’re here.
It was the middle of the day on Friday, and I already knew that I’d be seeing Peyton and a few other people for Noah’s birthday drinks the next evening. I couldn’t imagine why Peyton would need me in the office all of a sudden, but I wasn’t about to second guess it.Sure, be there in thirty, and when I sent the muscle emoji, he followed with the bearded glasses guy.
Cute.
The gym was right by my place, so I had time for a quick shower. Since it was an office where I was headed, I put on a pair of not-torn jeans and a gray polo, then stepped into my loafers.
Although, after helping everyone with the flooding disaster, I could probably show up in grubby sweatpants and still get treated like a hero.
When I got up to the floor that the firm occupied, everything was quiet and dark. Confused, I stepped carefully through the door, which swung shut behind me. There didn’t seem to be anyone in the place, and with the shades down, only a couple dim lights were on.
“Hello?”
The wall behind me was made of glass, and the light from the hallway illuminated the front of the space. “Back here,” Peyton called from the rear, and I followed his voice through the shadows.
“Where is everyone?” I asked, then froze when I saw into the light of his office.
Peyton sat on the front of his desk, his feet squarely planted on the floor. He was wearing one of his nicest suits, paired with his wide navy suspenders. The jacket was off, tossed over his desk, and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing his hairy chest. There was an unlit cigar in one hand, and when he met my eye, he gnawed on it and gave me one hell of a look, brow creased and fire in his eyes.
“Fucking hell,” I laughed, then lowered my voice. “Babe, you look pornographically hot. How am I supposed to not fuck you in this office?”
Peyton grinned and removed the cigar. “You are supposed to fuck me in this office. Noah is gone on a site visit, and we gave the staff a long weekend.”
I rubbed my hand over my mouth. All my nerves shot to life, and a pool of warmth spread from the base of me. “Did I win something?”
Peyton chuckled and stepped forward, rising to his full height and towering next to me. “I thought you’d like it.” He adjusted his glasses, then traced a finger down my chest. “Did I get the vibes right for you?”
I took his suspender in one hand and tugged on it. “Fuck yeah, you did.”
Peyton’s mouth was only a couple of inches from mine, and the anticipation of his beard already burned against my skin, but we didn’t kiss. “No role play, though,” he told me with a chuckle. “You know how bad I am at that.”
“No role play,” I agreed. Then, unable to wait any longer, I kissed him, long and hard. “Just us.” I nuzzled at Peyton, rubbing my face against his as we pressed our chests together. He had gone and planned this for me, which felt so nice. Sure, I’d been doing the same for him, but I’d never asked that he repay the favor.
Of course he did, though. He’s such a good man; of course he treated me right.
Fuck, people didn’t do stuff like this for me. They didn’t care for me, and accept me for who I was, and keep showing up even when things get hard.
I slammed my lips against Peyton’s again, then dragged them over his beard. “Peyton,” I grunted.
“Jet.”
