Suavely spoken.
Jannie finished bringing the weight stack back with a clang, slid the towel off her neck, and briefly buried her face in it, hoping he’d go away.
But no. He came to stand beside her. “This is my favorite machine. And you handle it with beauty and grace.”
“Thank you.” What else could she say? She’d heard the snarky innuendoes men made about the thigh blaster.
“No need to thank me, darlin’. That’s an impressive amount of weight you have there. You work out often, I can tell.”
The man had a lilting Caribbean accent and an easy, cordial demeanor to match. Though he was undeniably trying too hard to be friendly, he didn’t give off creepy vibes. On the contrary, she found him quite attractive. Not wanting to be rude, Jannie smiled. “Let me guess. Cayman Islands.”
He pointed at her, a huge grin spreading across his face. “Correct!”
“You sound surprised.”
“Most people guess Jamaica. As a matter of fact, no one ever got it right on the first try.”
“That’s because they don’t go to Grand Cayman nearly every year.”
His grin widened. “You know Grand Cayman?”
“Very well. My family’s choice when we go to the Caribbean.”
“Your family has excellent taste.” He leaned against the machine, flexing his huge biceps as he did so. “I haven’t seen you here before. Believe me, a woman like you, so gorgeous and fit, I would have noticed. I also notice you aren’t wearing a ring.”
“What she’s wearing or not wearing,” came Nick’s smooth voice from behind her, “is none of your damn business.”
Jannie tensed. Nick’s eyes flashed as he made direct eye contact with the chatty guy.
The man pushed off the side of the machine and stood up straight. Unfazed, he regarded Nick with amusement. “Ah. Of course. I might have known. A lovely lady like this would be taken by none other than Master Kent himself.” He chuckled, raising his hands as if in surrender. “Can’t blame a man for trying. No worries, yeah?”
“None whatsoever. Matter of fact, I could use a spotter. Would you mind?”
“No problem.” The man thrust out his hand. “How are you, man? Long time no see!”
Jannie relaxed. Apparently, they knew each other.
“Doing good.” Nick gripped the man’s proffered hand.
“How come I haven’t seen you lately at—”
“Been busy,” Nick interrupted. Frowning a bit, he motioned with his chin. “Jannie, meet Reginald Ebanks, personal trainer and shameless flirt. Reginald, this is my girl, Jannie.”
My girl.
The sound of it made warmth spread all over her insides.
“Jannie!” Reginald exclaimed. “A fitting name for a Barbie princess! It is a true pleasure.”
Barbie princess? Really?
“Likewise.” She had to laugh and extended her hand, and he took it in both of his.
His hands were warm and big. He reminded her of balmy beachside nights, cocktails with colorful umbrellas, and lilting music—many happy memories of this man’s homeland. Jannie liked him. But he held her hand and gaze a tad too long, and something in the way he regarded her made her the first to look away.
Nick cleared his throat. He leaned down, and when she looked up, his eyes gleamed with annoyance as he bent farther to press a soft kiss on her lips. “All good?” he murmured.
She nodded, unable to stop herself from smiling at the look in his eyes.
