Page 123 of Lowering His Guard

One year later

Brock

My chest swells with pride as I walk through the gym – my gym. This project was more difficult than I ever expected. Rules and regulations I still don’t understand stopped construction several times over the past year.

But I didn’t give up. I don’t give up when I know what I want. And this gym on Smuggler’s Hideaway next to the house I built for my family is what I want.

I nod to one of the regulars. “Hey, Porter! Thanks for fixing my squat. My knees don’t hate me anymore!”

I grunt as I continue on my way toward the entrance.

Through a glass wall at one end of the gym, I can see the swimming pool. An aquarobics class is currently in session. Mayor Lana shouts hello. I lift my chin in greeting.

When she motions for me to join them, I increase my pace. I know her game. She’ll claim there’s something at the bottom of the pool she can’t reach. Then, she’ll demand I remove my shirt and jump in to find it.

I know better. Now. I fell for her little ploy once. Lana and all of her friends thought my being in the pool was permission for them to touch me.

The only person who has permission to pet my chest is May. Speaking of May. I check my watch. She should be back from her classes at the resort by now.

I reach the reception desk but I don’t stop. “Be back in an hour,” I tell the kid manning the desk.

“Can I ask a question?”

I lift an eyebrow. “Do you have a question, or are you trying to distract me to let May sneak up on me?”

“How?” May shouts as she steps out from behind the leg press.

I motion to the walls. “There are mirrors everywhere. I spotted you the second you arrived.”

“You are no fun, giant.”

“I’m not?” I prowl toward her until we’re inches apart. “You said I was fun last night.”

“That was then. This is now,” she pouts.

“Do you want to eat lunch or stand here arguing?”

She taps her chin as she considers the question. My stomach growls.

“Uh oh. The alien is awake.”

“And he’s impatient.” I grasp her waist before throwing her over my shoulder.

“Help! I’m being kidnapped!” May pummels my back with her tiny fists.

The ladies at aquarobics clap and whistle. She growls to them. “He’s mine, ladies! No more making him search in the pool so you can ogle him.”

They boo and I decide I’m done with this conversation. I stride out of the gym.

“Seriously, giant. Let me down. I can walk.”

“Want you in my arms.”

She sighs. “How am I supposed to argue with you when you say sweet things?”

“Don’t argue with me.”

We reach the house. I unlock the front door before entering.