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“Thanks, Lori, you’re too sweet.” Everleigh dips down and looks at all the pastries in the case. “I’ll have a chocolate-covered donut and a chocolate-filled one. He’ll have…” She looks at me, tapping her finger across her plump, kissable lips. “A blueberry cake and a raspberry-filled one. I know how he likes to taste sweet things.”

The girl looks at me for confirmation, and I nod. “Fine with me. Apparently, we have a donut aficionado here.”

“Damn right.” Everleigh leans into me.

“Do you want them in the same bag?” Lori asks.

“Separate, please,” Everleigh confirms.

I hear the clearing of a throat behind me and turn to see Tyler.

“Mornin’.” He looks back and forth between us, noticing how close we are.

Everleigh steps away, and I straighten my stance. I have no idea how long he’s been there or if he witnessed the blatant flirting. Though I’ve done nothing wrong, it's obvious Everleigh’s skirting the line.

“Guess we had the same thought,” Tyler speaks up.

“I’m surprised you want sweets for breakfast,” Everleigh says.

“Gemma asked me to pick up some for her,” he says. “Happy wife, happy life.”

Everleigh snorts. “That’s right. You better take care of my bestie. Also, she likes Bavarian cream. Surprise her with it.”

Everleigh pays, and we’re handed our bags.

“Really? How did I not know that?” Tyler chuckles as other people enter. “See ya at work,” he tells me, then not so casually pats my shoulder as we pass him.

“Headed there now.” I nod and exit, hoping like hell he’s not going to kick my ass for whatever he thinks is happening between Everleigh and me.

Once we’re in the car, it’s quiet, and I wonder what Everleigh’s thinking.

“Thanks for the donuts,” I say when she stops in front of the gym. “You chose one of my favorites.”

“Yeah?” Her voice raises an octave. “Don’t tell me…it was the raspberry-filled one, right?”

“Blueberry cake.”

“Damn. Almost!”

“So close.” I wink.

“Story of my life. Anyway, have a great day, Archer. Enjoy your sugar crash this afternoon.” I feel like she wants to say something more but doesn’t.

I chuckle. “Thanks, you too.” I get out of the car and take a big bite of one as I head inside.

Ten minutes later, Trevor arrives, and we get started. After our warm-up, we box a round.

“Throw all your weight into it,” I direct, showing Trevor how to do a side hook. He bounces around, putting the training he’s done the past month to the test.

I quickly move from side to side, extending a punch and then another. Trevor ducks, and his gloved fist connects with my cheek. The bell rings, and we climb over the rope. He smiles, standing proudly.

“Good job, man.” We take off our gloves, and I give him a high five.

“You think so?”

“Yeah, keep at it, and you’ll be able to enter competitions by the summer if that’s still your goal.”

His expression is serious. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted, and I’m determined to make it happen. Especially with you as my coach.”